Todd-Stanton’s tale is, at first glance, a deceptively simple tale of acceptance and bravery. However, he deftly infuses his narrative with quiet depth, including a positive ecological slant in which nature wins over machines, and portrays Erin’s single mother succeeding in a typically male-dominated profession. The illustrations are dazzling and vibrantly hued, the rich palette just right for the resplendent undersea scenes that adroitly float young readers’ sense of magic just under the surface of the mundane. A winner on many levels.
—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
The gentle environmental message takes on a kind of magic in Todd-Stanton’s pictures of Erin suspended in the ocean among incandescent jellyfish or facing down a monstrous, weaponised fishing fleet in the moonlight. A young artist to watch.
—The Guardian
A fairytale world is created that should enchant children as much as the old-fashioned illustrations that fit the story perfectly.
—Youth Services Book Review
The layers of ocean life and the benign Black Rock are beautifully rendered in this wonderfully tactile hardback, while the gently delivered environmental message adds a welcome real-life depth to the modern mythic tale.
—Irish Times
An original picture book story that is superbly illustrated from cover to cover, Joe Todd-Stanton’s “The Secret of Black Rock” is a compelling and entertaining read for children ages 5 to 8, making it an extraordinary and highly recommended addition to family, elementary school, and community library collections.
—Midwest Book Review
This is an exceptionally illustrated modern folk-tale […] You will love Erin and her large heart, courage, sense of adventure, and ability to stand up for what she believes in!
—A Story A Day
This book is truly an amazing read! […] The illustration is magnificent!
—How Useful It Is
“This book has several great messages within the covers. First, how cool is it that Erin’s mother is a fisherwoman with her own boat?? Such a small and awesome way to subvert gender stereotyping. Second is the message of environmental conservation and bravely standing up for what you believe in. Erin feels passionately about saving Black Rock and all of the critters that call it home, and she’s not afraid to take direct action.”
—The Tiny Activist
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