The Secret of Black Rock

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Erin loves to lie on the jetty, looking for the weirdest fish in the seathe weirder, the better! And she knows the best ones must be further out, where her mum won't let her go ...Out there in the deepest sea lies the Black Rock: a huge, dark and spiky mass that is said to destroy any boats that come near it! Can Erin uncover the truth behind this mysterious legend Joe Todd-Stanton s first picture book, Arthur and the Golden Rope, was published by Flying Eye Books in 2016. "

Reviews

The book's enchanting, richly coloured illustrations had details to savour in every frame: a godsend for parents of reluctant learner-readers. * The Guardian *
There's a powerful sense of drama in [Joe Todd Stanton's] cartooning and storytelling, as well as a friendliness at play in the artwork that tempers this yarn's scariest moments. It's a story that succeeds both as a daring adventure and as a reminder that our own living (if not quite so anthropomorphic) habitat needs to be treated with care. * Publishers Weekly, STARRED 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 *
It has some brilliant illustrations, especially of the fish and the creatures that live around Black Rock. * St Helens Library Services on Twitter *
The Secret of Black Rock is a wonderful lovely story where the narrative is primarily told by the beautiful illustrations and parents will love it as much as their children do. -- Jamie McNeil * The Slings & Arrows Graphic Novel Guide *
This book is truly an amazing read! [.] The illustration is magnificent! * How Useful It Is *
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! * @astoryaday on Instagram *
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 *

Author Bio

Joe Todd-Stanton grew up in Brighton and was taught to draw by his mother, who is also an illustrator. He studied at Bristol University, receiving a first class degree in Illustration. Stanton has been commissioned to work for clients such as Oxford University Press, Usborne Publish and Aquila magazine. His first picture book, Arthur and the Golden Rope, was published by Flying Eye Books in 2016.