Our Pebbles by Jarvis

This gorgeous picture book has very quickly become a favourite here at Teasel & Skylark. Tender and beautifully observed, Our Pebbles by Jarvis is a celebration of family, memories, and small, everyday moments that stay with us.

A boy and his grandad regularly go on walks together, travelling through the wonky woods, across the railway track, over the stile and beyond the sand dunes, always arriving at their favourite destination: Pebble Beach. There they pick a pebble, wash it in the sea, paint it, and leave it in their secret place. As time passes and family life changes, the boy looks back on those pebbles and the treasured memories they represent, finding comfort in the strong bond he shared with his grandad.

The illustrations are expressive, colourful and joyful, and the story is told with warmth, heart and gentle poignancy. Jarvis beautifully captures the affectionate relationship between the boy and his grandad, as well as the comforting rituals that make childhood feel so magical. The seaside setting is vividly realised, bringing a sense of adventure, discovery and gentle humour to every page.

This is a perfect book for shared reading, especially with a grandparent, though it would also make a wonderful first independent read. The story and illustrations make it the kind of picture book that you will want to revisit time and time again, becoming a treasured childhood memory in its own right — just like the pebbles themselves.

Strongly recommended for younger readers … and probably for our older readers too.

Richard