This story was created for the pure need of practice. I knew I wanted to try to write and illustrate children’s books, but had no idea where to start. I practiced drawing, and practiced writing, but the two never quite came together.

Then, one summer day, my nephew and I were chatting in the backyard. He was hard at work, scrubbing pebbles with an old sponge, and singing songs from Arthur. I casually mentioned that once in the second grade I lost a pet rock and put missing posters about the playground for his return. We immediately thought it might be a fun idea for a story.

“What should the rock's name be?” I asked.

My nephew looked down at the pebble in his hand, “Alberto.” he stated.

And thus, Alberto The Missing Rock was born!

The process of writing and illustrating the story involved quite a bit of brainstorming, feedback, redrawing, and rewriting. The entire process was great practice, and since sharing Alberto The Missing Rock in the spring of 2022, I’ve grown a lot in this medium. I am also happy to report that tales of rocks and pebbles continue to be worked on today.

p.s I think it should be mentioned right here and now that my pet rock from the second grade, Bob, was never returned. I know it has been well over ten years, but if his kidnapper is reading this, I would greatly appreciate his release. Thank you, and good day.