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The Wretched Stone Hardcover – October 28, 1991

by Chris Van Allsburg (Author, Illustrator)

45 customer reviews

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In a story recounted through the daily log of Captain Allan Hope, the sailors aboard the Rita Anne become mesmerized and transformed by a mysterious glowing rock, and only music and books can restore them to normal.

The Wretched Stone

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A captain's log records the puzzling transformation of his ship's sailors after a glowing rock from an uncharted island is brought aboard. They turn into apes, insensate to the captain's orders and "fascinated by the rock." A storm nearly scuttles the ship but also breaks the stone's hold over the men, who return to normal--except for an inordinate fondness for bananas. Once again, Van Allsburg voyages into an unknown territory that is mystical and eerie--though his somewhat overblown prose substitutes unsettling obfuscation for dramatic storytelling. His sharp-edged, ultra-realistic paintings are a marvel in their own right, from the otherworldly luminiscence of the ominous island to the deep indigos used to create the stillness of the ship and sea by night to oddly angled, even dizzying perspectives of the ship's hold and mast. All ages.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-- Van Allsburg's latest offering may be seen as preachy or provocative, allegorical or obvious, but like much of his previous work, it is bound to attract attention and stimulate discussion. Written in the form of a ship's log, the book outlines the unusual events that take place aboard the Rita Anne after the discovery of a glowing stone on a mysterious, deserted island. In a few brief entries, Captain Randall Ethan Hope notes his initial pleasure in the cultured and convivial crew, details the finding of the luminous stone, and divulges its terrible transformative effect--his shipmates have been turned into primates. When a sudden storm blows up, the Captain expects the worst. However, the ship survives long enough for the men to be rehabilitated and subsequently rescued. The stone is sent to the bottom of the sea by Captain Hope and all on board swear themselves to secrecy. The dramatic illustrations increase the suspense and surprise inherent in the unlikely adventures described. Visual humor, although used sparingly, also adds to the appeal of the colorful paintings. While this picture book could be read merely as an exotic ocean adventure, literacy advocates and fans of book discussions will enjoy ruminating over the symbolism of the mysterious glowing stone and arguing over the interpretation of Van Allsburg's oblique message. --Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

Age Range: 4 - 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool - 3
Lexile Measure: AD580L (What's this?)

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin; 1st edition (October 28, 1991)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0395533074
ISBN-13: 978-0395533079
Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 0.4 x 11 inches
Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,861 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #18 in Books > Children's Books > Cars, Trains & Things That Go > Boats & Ships
- #308 in Books > Children's Books > Mysteries & Detectives
- #1200 in Books > Children's Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy & Magic

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Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars

5 star		78%
4 star		18%
3 star		2%
2 star		2%
1 star		0%

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Top Customer Reviews

a metaphor for the technological age

ByDonna Don December 8, 1999

Format: Hardcover

The Wretched Stone an intriguing tale that, like most of Van Allsburg's books, begins in a deceivingly normal way. The voyage of the Rita May turns strange when a large glowing rock is brought on board. As the crew becomes mesmerized by its light, they are transformed into ape-like beings, loosing the qualities that make them human. Until a storm hits , there appears no way the ship will survive. The story serves as a reminder that as we slip deeper into the electronic age, we may be loosing the very things that give us our humanity. It is a timely piece.

0Comment 24 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Great ammunition against TV!

ByT. L. Prebleon November 15, 2004

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

If you have trouble getting your kids to turn off the tv...here is a wonderful adventure book to show the kids how too much television viewing can turn you into an "ape"! Filled with metaphors for older children (8 and up) to figure out: Could the strange island where they found the wretched stone once have been inhabited with intelligent life? Perhaps all that is left (after pollution, technology) is unedible vegetation, undrinkable water, stinky odors--but the "stone" remains,("rough textured, gray with portion that is flat and smooth as glass,"), sound like a tv? How about the lightning that knocks out the "power" of the stone/tv? And I love the part where..."It seems that those who knew how to READ recovered more quickly."

Another recommended "anti-tv" book for kids: "Fred's TV" by, Clive Dobson.(may be out of print, but can still get in online!)

0Comment 11 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

The Cursed Stone

A Kid's Reviewon March 20, 2007

Format: Hardcover

Have you heard about the book The Wretched Stone? The author, Chris Van Allsburg, made a beautiful book. This book I will never forget. I am glad I read this book. I hope you will enjoy this book like I did.

I thought that the colors were pale in the pictures. But, the theme is good. The theme is to not watch too much TV. The art work is like real people. I can tell that the author's words are very stiff. The story takes place mostly at sea in the boat.

In The Wretched Stone it said, "Some play musical instruments and there are a few good strong storytellers among them." Also, a good quote they said is, "I am playing the violin and reading to the crew." I like the ending a lot. Also it is very funny that the crew turns into monkeys. The author's style is to make the kids see it in there minds.

The crew and the captain are going through bad times. These entire things have a solution. The captain is the person who solves them. I enjoyed this book.

I feel that the book is meant for higher grade levels. Mostly for forth and fifth graders. The pictures are not cartoons, they are real people. This book is very extraordinary. This book is a 4 star book. I hope this book review will make you read it too.

0Comment 6 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

The greatest illustrator of children's books since NC Wyeth

ByA customeron September 23, 2000

Format: Hardcover

Vivid artwork in an array of dramatic colors adds to the mystery and eerieness of this book. I take it that the "wretched stone" is a metaphor for television and its hypnotic effect. I am taking a course on children's literature and have been sampling picture books, and so far Van Allsburg wins the palm. The darkness of this tale may be disconcerting to some of the young set, but the last page with its bright red, white and yellow colors and its kicker wit dispels the gloom and sends us all to bed happier and the wiser.

0Comment 5 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Delivers a much-needed message in today's "electro-technic" world!

ByPorch Dwelleron September 23, 2015

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

A favorite by Chris Van Allsburg. I read this to first graders as a cautionary tale about too much screen time. My 5 yr. old grandson needs strict limits with screen time. He got the message with this lovely book. I gently used dabs of double-faced tape to keep the key pages a surprise for more impact. The book has wonderful illustrations that encourage inferences by leaving key ideas out of view.

0Comment One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

The Wretched Stone: Purchased at Amazon.com

Bydepon July 31, 2016

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

The Wretched Stone is the second book I have read in the Van Allsburg line of books. The glowing stone that fascinated the sailors could have been compared to television "in the old days." Nowadays, it could be compared to smart phones or one of the many other pieces of technology that we have in abundance. That glowing stone could be taking us all over if we aren't careful. A wonderfully well written book that really makes you think. Also, maybe a bit intense for younger children.

0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNo

This book is a must for teachers.

ByPamon March 1, 2013

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

The message that Chris VanAllsburg conveys throughout this book is cleverly hidden in his choice of words. I use this as a read aloud so that my students can do a modeled response to literature paper explaining the author's message. It can be used with multiple grade levels, although I recommend 4th grade and up.

0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNo

GREAT BOOK! :)

ByA customeron April 18, 2000

Format: Hardcover

The Wrethched Stone is a great book. I loved it! It is a little confusing. I would have liked more detail. The pictures were great! I think kids older then the age of 9 would understand it more then littler kids. Little kids would love the pictures, though.

0Comment 7 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Customer Images

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

Spectacular book to share.

This is by far my favorite book to share with students. I love to see the connections they make.

Published 1 month ago by julia moore

Good book.

I have all of Allsburg's books. I really enjoy the illustrations.

Published 3 months ago by L. phillips

Five Stars

My favorite book to use in the classroom. Keeps the kids guessing about the real meaning.

Published 3 months ago by SR

Five Stars

Great book!

Published 9 months ago by Cef

I am pleased with my purchase

The book arrived as described. I am pleased with my purchase.

Published 11 months ago by Rhnae King

Fascinating Picture Book

Chris Van Allsburg does not disappoint. A visually fascinating story with an equally interesting story line.

Published 1 year ago by TXBride

Five Stars

Great book for kids who may struggle with too much screen time...

Published 1 year ago by Matt C.

Five Stars

Great gift

Published 1 year ago by K. Littrell

Five Stars

Purchase arrived as described and within the time-frame promised.

Published 1 year ago by SGIV

Five Stars

Great transaction and product

Published 1 year ago by Elizybeth

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