Room on Our Rock: There Are Two Sides to Every Story

Room on our Rock is a cleverly written picture book that teaches empathy by creating seemingly negative characters (seals who won’t allow other seals onto their rock in the ocean) but who become friendly and welcoming if the story is read in reverse.

The first ending will disappoint young ones who are naturally empathic. But, through careful choices of words by Sydney, Australia husband-and-wife writers Kate and Joe Temple and accompanying illustrations by New Zealander Terri Rose Baynton, young readers will learn that anyone is welcome on the rock, to rest, play, eat and find safety - because it’s a tough world out there on your own.

This simple book teaches friendship, understanding and sharing. Baynton shows the seals buffeted by waves and swirling currents. In the front-back version, the seals on the rock look cold and uncaring, the rockless seals are beseeching. But in the back-front version, the rock-bound seals are concerned as they gaze toward their compatriots escaping the dangerous ocean.

In the hands of either parents or day care providers, Room on Our Rock can teach young children the better way to act toward others. It’s a lesson adults should learn, too, as the world turns on its head through wars, political upheavals and climate change, forcing tens of millions of people to seek refuge. There are no rocks that “belong” to anyone - all people need safety and a place to call home. The horrific pictures of refugees turned back at sea, thousands of children and adults drowning each year as they desperately seek solid ground, are an indictment of governments and our attitudes.

There should be room for all of us on our rock. Let’s hope young children learn and apply this lesson as they grow up.