The Secret of the Stones (Phyllis Fogelman Books)

By Robert D. San Souci

When John and Clara return to their cabin from working in the fields one evening, they are startled to discover that all of their household chores have been done. The mysterious, magical Aunt Easter tells the couple the identity of these unknown benefactors and their connection to the two white stones that Clara keeps in the house. Armed solely with Aunt Easter's advice and their own affectionate, courageous hearts, John and Clara must confront the evil conjure man. Only then will they solve the secret of the stones and fill the void in their childless home. Robert San Souci has drawn again from the rich legacy of African-American folklore, as he did in his acclaimed The Hired Hand and The Talking Eggs . And the deep, jewel-like colors of James Ransome's paintings carry the reader into the majestic Ozark mountains and inside this marvelously dramatic and touching story of love and courage.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803716400
• ISBN13: 9780803716407
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Dial
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.3" x 0.4" x 9.4"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Grade 1 and higher

Customer Reviews

A mystery solved

With similarities to The Elves and the Shoemaker comes The Secret of the Stones, a folktale based on African and African-American narratives. The illustrations transport the reader to the Ozark mountains. Each day from sun-up to sun-down a childless couple, John and Clara, tend the cotton and vegetables before retiring to their simple meal--peas, okra, corn bread. One evening on the long walk home, Clara stoops to pick up two white stones. She plans to use them to whet her knives and instead brings a mystery into their home. The next evening they find the clothes ironed, wood sawed, floor swept, corn pounded, fire made, and the supper things laid out. Not even a footprint is left. Aunt Easter sends them on an errand to solve the mystery and possibly change their lives. An enchanting book to share.