Rock and Roll
by Ruby Amy Thompson
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Jan 06 2026 | Archive Date Dec 17 2025
Publisher Spotlight | Tiger Tales
Talking about this book? Use #RockandRoll #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
Rock and Roll are very different. Rock is strong, and Roll is soft. Rock hates attention. Roll loves it. But hang on...they are both team players, they are able to handle pressure, and they LOVE to get dressed up. Maybe they're not so different after all! This sweet, laugh-out-loud story of friendship reminds readers that first impressions can be deceptive.
Advance Praise
" The language, too, is simple enough for early readers, with contrasting words in bold. Friendship goes deeper than surface similarities in this rock-solid tale of companions bonding.(Picture book. 3-6) " - Kirkus
"Friendship really can rock--and roll--hints this companionable story about two seeming opposites coming together. " - Publisher Weekly
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781664300927 |
| PRICE | $18.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 32 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 45 members
Featured Reviews
This was a sweet books about opposites. Easy readability makes it a book that toddlers will sit still for. I loved the illustrations also. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early read.
This was a quick and cute read that kept my daughter's attention. Good message about how even when we are complete opposites, we all have our strengths and can still easily work together.
Reviewer 1634030
Rock and Roll presented two objects with very different appearances and base personalities, but also explained that personalities have a bit of fluidity, too.
This was an adorable read with a vibrant and soft art style that felt calming to my 4 year old while also offering a chance to ponder personalities, which isn't something we've done a lot yet with him.
The pun at the end was also appreciated, as he's just getting into word play.
This is the type of book we'd be happy to receive in a Dolly Parton package, but may not purchase on our own due to its short length. I can see the book being useful in lessons, however, and I think it'd be fun to have kids create two characters with opposing personalities or qualities.
Lauren R, Reviewer
I love a children's book with a moral to the story and Rock and Roll has just that! Between showcasing differences and how they can be a strength, and understanding we are more alike than we think too, it is easy for these little characters to steal your heart!
Thank you to Ruby Amy Thompson, Tiger Tales Publishing, and NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy of this book.
Librarian 955912
This was a very cute story showcasing that differences should be celebrated. I like that through most of the story, Rock and Roll are on opposite ends of the pages- this emphasizes the differences they have. But then there's a moment they are together and similar. Very enjoyable. Would recommend for ages 4+.
Reviewer 1434856
This book was really cute in showing that we might be different but we are all one in the same. The pictures were well done. I read this to my son and he absolutely loved it!
Kaitlin L, Librarian
A bit too similar to stick and stone but man are the illustrations clever. The painted rock and the moldy roll were probably my two favorites.
A very quick read. Nothing revolutionary, but cute.
Thank you for the ARC. I will purchase for my library.
Very cute! shows kids how we can be different but still find ways to get along and connect. cute illustration!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Lauren S, Librarian
At first, Rock and Roll seem very different, but if you dig a bit deeper, they have more in common than you might realize! This charming title has a deceptively simple premise, and while it starts out quite literally comparing a rock and a roll, it evolves into a very insightful story exploring first impressions, making friends, and looking beneath the surface. Thompson's illustrations are adorable and add layers and richness to her simple text. It would make a fantastic mentor text for comparing and contrasting, character study, and a variety of SEL topics as well.
My 5 year old daughter loved this! She said she loves how rock and rock can stick together. She said she thought the illustrations were good and nice and strong! It’s a short read but can be a go to for bedtimes and simple story times!
Reviewer 1935836
Rock and Roll by Ruby Amy Thompson
I found this book to be fun and entertaining. I really think that children would enjoy this book and it is a good way to start teaching reading. Though the illustrations are simple they are appealing and draw you to them.
Rock is a rock, he is strong and sturdy. Roll is a dinner roll soft and tasty. Though they have different characteristics they are the same in some ways. This book takes you through all the ways they are different and the ways they are the same.
Done in language young children will understand this book is a wonderful addition to any library.
Such a cute story!
My toddlers (2 & 3) loved the illustrations. They kept chuckling and pointing at the pictures. I had to read it like 4 times! Will definitely be purchasing the physical copy!
How cute! This is a fun story about embracing differences and teaching kiddos that even if your aren't alike you can be great friends. I loved the fun illustrations and the message of friendship. So sweet.
Wendy R, Librarian
Such a sweet book which will especially appeal to my younger elementary school students.
Rock and Roll are so different. Yet are they really so different? It's a pleasing story that instills a good message to my readers. There are vivid and straightforward illustrations that will delight everyone.
A sweet story about two unlikely friends and how even though they are different, they do still have things in common. Fun illustrations and a great message for younger kids.
This is a simple and fun book. Rock (stone) and Roll (like dinner) pair up to talk about difference and how they pair together to make good music. The illustrations are fun and well done. My son will enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for this book.
Super cute story about how even if you're very different from someone, there's always ways to find something in common! Mas and I both really enjoyed reading this last night!
My 5 year old and I loved this! As a parent, I appreciated that this is an adorable, laugh-out-loud picture book that delivers a wonderful message about friendship and first impressions. They story introduces two very different characters: Rock, who is strong, and Roll, who is soft. They discover they have much more in common and can support each other in powerful ways. The bold illustrations are simple yet expressive, which keeps young readers engaged.
It's a fantastic, quick read-aloud that we can come back to often. This companionable story is a perfect five stars!
This book is a fun and engaging read-aloud! I loved the illustrations and how the story highlights differences while celebrating what rock and roll have in common. Thank you for letting me read this digital copy!
This was a cute and fun book. My 4 year old found it to be silly and entertaining. The message was good, illustrations fun, and it was an easy read that held my daughter’s attention.
Bookseller 1105622
This book is adorable!! Rock is so different from Roll. But they are similar in some ways. And together a powerful force! The catchiness of this book is great.
Victoria C, Librarian
This is a really cute picture books. I love the illustrations and the cute storyline. It is a great book about friends complimenting each other.
Rock is tough as stone. Roll is soft as a biscuit. Rock is reclusive. Roll craves the limelight. Yet Rock and Roll are best buddies. How? Why? Read and discover.
⭐ Children’s Book | Whimsical | Humorous
Thank you to Publisher Spotlight for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Rock and Roll is a delightful children’s book that explores the charming friendship between a rock and a bread roll. The clever title immediately drew me in, along with the adorable illustration on the cover. The story delivers on its promise with a cute setup that introduces the characters in their respective environments. Their opposite personalities create playful humor throughout the book.
The illustrations are beautiful and detailed, perfectly paired with text that is clear and easy to read. The combination of visual storytelling and engaging dialogue makes it a joy to share with young readers.
Rock and Roll is a heartwarming and fun read that would make a wonderful gift or addition to any child’s book collection.
The only notes I would add are that the roll being moldy is a little jarring and somewhat amusing. Instead of saying "they both look fabulous in green," if it said "they both look funny in green", it would be less jarring. Other than that, it's great!
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