A young girl knows that a simple rock can be a better plaything,

Author: Byrd Baylor
Illustrator: Peter Parnall
Format: Paperback
Published: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1974

A young girl knows that a simple rock can be a better plaything, certainly a better friend, than "TRICYCLES / BICYCLES / HORSES / ELEPHANTS / GOLDFISH / THREE-ROOM PLAYHOUSES / FIRE ENGINES / WIND-UP DRAGONS / AND THINGS LIKE THAT...." So she gives the reader ten rules for finding a rock with the perfect size, shape, color, smell, and personality for holding in a hand or carrying in a pocket - a rock to keep forever.

"As fresh as Baylor's concept are Parnall's striking illustrations."

~Booklist