The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone

"FROG BELLY . . . plants the idea that with some strategy good communication and goodwill you can grow wonderful things." PORTLAND PRESS HERALD "Frog Belly Rat Bone one two three . . . the specks in the earth are protected by me. You must be patient and then you will see. . . ." Once upon a time in a dull gray endless place called Cementland there lived a very special boy who wished to find a treasure. After much searching among piles of greasy toaster ovens and wet smelly socks he spies a box filled with specks and a wrinkled note that says "Put these wondrous riches in the earth and enjoy." Horrified to learn that thieves are after his treasure the boy scrounges the junkyard and conjures a creature to stand guard - a scarecrowlike gardener with crooked bony arms a giant belly a jaunty crown and preternatural wisdom: Frog Belly Rat Bone king and protector of the specks. With subtle delicate tones fantastical figures and bursts of glowing color the surreal artwork and hand-lettered text of Tim Erings picture book debut exude all the whimsy of an inspired imagination - and the wonders of a natural world that awaits discovery even in Cementland. Included with each book: a whimsical full-color bookmark offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the artist his technique - and his inspiration!