Twigs and Stones by Joy Cowley

Snake and Lizard live together in a burrow in the desert. They are such good friends that Lizard decides to display their names above the burrow entrance. But three small words can cause trouble between friends. They must decide whose name should appear first. Then Lizard makes an unfortunate spelling mistake — he thinks it’s very funny but Snake is not laughing. Snake finds some spelling of her own that will teach Lizard a lesson.

This latest adventure of Snake and Lizard comes from the mind of two giants within New Zealand's children's book world. Author Joy Cowley and illustrator Gavin Bishop make a formidable pair.

The story perfectly captures the essence of friendship. Cowley's gentle way of writing, simply yet elegantly pointing out the joy, and challenges, of friendship is perfect for the intended reader. 

Bishop brings the characters and setting to life, with his distinctive style bursting from the pages. There's a hint of nostalgia there too, with the colour palette harking back to the stories of Cowley's adults will love and remember. It's a timeless book, one that I can see being handed down through the generations.

Twigs and Stones is a warm and wise story that will help teach our younger generation about relationships, friendship, compassion and kindness.

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

Gecko Press