Rock and Roll

Two wildly different pals nevertheless get on swimmingly.
Squat gray Rock is described not as hard, but as “strong,” while golden bread Roll is “soft” and yielding when squeezed by a brown hand. They differ in multiple ways—introvert vs. extrovert; happy in water vs. happy in air; volcanic vs. floury in origin—but the narrator points out qualities they share. They are both “team players.” Rock looks “fabulous in green,” and so does Roll (let’s not think too much about the source of those spreading green blotches). Both are “calm under pressure”; Rock is unmoved while a boot steps on it, while Roll looks cheerful in a hot oven. Getting dressed up means painted designs on Rock and icing decorations on Roll, but they both love their looks. And they can switch roles: Rock has emotions, and Roll can be a source of strength. Finally, Rock rolls, twirling on floral skates, while Roll rocks out, vigorously beating wooden spoons on an improvised pot-and-bowl drum kit. The illustrations are minimalist but clear: Rock and Roll stand out against plain backgrounds that focus on them. Touches of humor, like Roll’s tiny tongue reaching for some gooey topping and Rock’s “swim” (sinking to the sea bottom), will appeal to the target audience. The language, too, is simple enough for early readers, with contrasting words in bold. Friendship goes deeper than surface similarities in this rock-solid tale of companions bonding. (Picture book. 3-6)–Kirkus Reviews

A gray rock and golden yellow bread roll don’t seem to have much in common—debut creator Thompson presents them quite literally on different pages, each character commanding their own individual frame—throughout this genial comparative work. Rock, consistently anchored on each spread’s verso, “hates attention.” Roll, meanwhile, who populates the recto, loves it, at times donning whipped cream and a cherry. Despite these differences and their contrasting backgrounds (Rock is shown emerging from a volcano, while Roll enters the world via a sack of flour), they sport the same endearingly chunky shape, bright dot eyes, and tiny smiles. And indeed, the book’s second half reveals the duo’s commonalities: they’re both swell team players, each looks “fabulous” in green (Rock from moss, Roll from mold), and most importantly, they’re able to support each other. When normally “strong” Rock is sad, “soft” Roll has sufficient strength to provide comfort. Friendship really can rock—and roll—hints this companionable story about two seeming opposites coming together. Ages 3–6. (Jan.)–Publishers Weekly

Rock and Roll are friends. Though they do have a few things in common, such as their size, being team players, and looking good in green (moss and mold, respectively), “they each come from very different worlds.” To clarify, Thompson’s illustrations show an erupting volcano for Rock’s birthplace and a bag of flour as Roll’s origin. Having different personalities proves to be beneficial for their friendship. Though Rock is usually the strong one and Roll is squishy soft, there are times when the reverse is true and Roll is able to comfort Rock when he’s feeling sad. The colorful spreads all feature Rock on the left and Roll on the right, posing in parallel as they are compared or contrasted. This friendship tale shows youngsters that opposites can attract and make for interesting pals.–Booklist