educator’s guide
THE BLUE STONE
a journey through life
Thematic
connections
D Nature
D Transformations
D Self-discovery
D Home
All Ages
A story of love, loss,
transformation, and
the meaning of home.
Written and illustrated by
Jimmy Liao
THE BLUE STONE
Picture Books and Book Clubs:
Developing Inferential Comprehension through Discussion
Book clubs in the classroom help engage students in deep and meaningful discussions, encourage them to
look within and beyond the text to draw conclusions, and foster the ability to make connections among
personal experiences, books, and the world. Just like their adult counterparts, children’s book clubs offer
students the opportunity to discuss their impressions of a book and hear the opinions of others. Picture
books are a wonderful way to involve students of all ages in the book club process. They tend to take
less time to read than a full-length novel, so more time may be devoted to the conversation. Of course,
just because they are picture books does not mean they lack substance for discussion! They provide the
opportunity to discover rich vocabulary, apply comprehension strategies, explore illustration styles, and make
personal and meaningful connections. Inferential comprehension is developed through these peer-facilitated
conversations. Books such as The Blue Stone can introduce young readers to all of the joy, excitement, and
insights adults enjoy as part of a book club experience.
Language Arts
Building Background
Visualization
There’s no place like home
Picture This
Longing for home or a special place is a feeling with which
many can identify. Ask students if they have ever been
homesick or wished they could return to a special place.
Have them think about a time in their lives when they felt
this way. What did it feel like? Why did they feel like this?
What did they miss the most?
While the watercolor illustrations are beautiful and
complex, there is a set of images that are not illustrated
within the pages of the book. The stone recalls its home
with poetic descriptions such as its recollection of
“The thump of wild apples falling to the earth.” Discuss
with students how these memories are not shown in the
illustrations, but they are very much a part of the story.
Write the descriptions of the stone’s home on chart
paper or the board. Have each student choose one of the
descriptions to illustrate, putting the picture in their mind
onto paper. Reread the story again, but this time, have
students hold up their illustrations at the appropriate
moment. For an additional artistic twist, challenge
students to use watercolor for their illustration.
Talk about why visualization is an important
comprehension strategy. How does the picture in
their minds help students understand the story?
Comprehension Connection
Finding Meaning
Readers bring their own life experiences and background
knowledge to every book they read. The Blue Stone may
mean something different to each person that reads it.
Before reading, explain to students that you will be asking
them to share their thoughts about the author’s message.
After reading, have students talk about their thoughts and
impressions in discussion groups. Ask them to also discuss
the personal connections they made while reading. How
did these connections influence their understanding of the
author’s message? How many different interpretations
were there? Why?
THE BLUE STONE
Summarizing
What a character!
Begin by reviewing story elements. Challenge students
to develop a definition for “main character” and record
their thoughts on chart paper or the board. If they start
by saying “The person the story is mainly about,” give
examples of stories with animals as main characters.
Does this change their definition? Then, prepare to read
The Blue Stone. Tell students you will be asking them to
tell you the main character in this story. After reading,
ask students to tell the main character is. If they say
“the stone,” ask them how a rock can be a main character.
What does an animal or thing need to have in order to
be considered a character? Discuss the need for “humanlike” qualities. In this case, the stone doesn’t talk, but
it does have feelings. Compare and contrast the stone
with characters in other stories. What qualities are the
same? Which ones are different? Refer back to the original
definition. How could students rewrite the definition to
explain how the stone could be a main character?
pattern: I remember the sound of ____________ in the
fall. I remember the taste of _________ in the winter. I
remember the smell of ______in the spring. I remember
the feel of __________ in the summer. I remember (insert
name of the place).
Social Studies AND MATH
Timelines of the World
Time passes in The Blue Stone—10,000 years, 1,000 years,
100 years. Divide students into small groups and have
them choose (or assign them) any area of the world.
Have them conduct research and create a timeline to
show the major events that occurred in that region of
the world one year ago, 10 years ago, 100 years ago,
1000 years ago, and 10,000 years ago. After they have
completed the project ask them to reflect on the process.
Were they able to find information for all of the time
periods? Were some time periods easier to research than
others? Why or why not?
Vocabulary
Colorful Language that Makes Us Say “Wow!”
The Next Hundred Years
There are many shades of blue and many words in the
English language to describe these hues. With the help of a
thesaurus, have students individually brainstorm as many
words for the color blue as possible. Ask them to compare
their words with a partner and then share with the class.
Create a whole class “Wow Words” chart for the color
blue. As an extension, ask students to do the same for
other colors: red, yellow, green, etc. Challenge them to use
the new words in their descriptive writing.
In the last 100 years there have been many new
inventions that have changed the way we live.
Have students research some of these inventions.
Which ones have had the greatest impact on our daily
lives? What new inventions are possible in the next 100
years? Have students create written predictions and
illustrations showing what they think life will be like
in the next century.
Illustrated Timeline Book
Writing
I Remember...Poems
Have students think of a special place and imagine it
through the seasons. Then, create an “I Remember...”
poem to tell about it. Using the blue stone’s descriptive
memories of its home as a guide, have students use
their senses to describe their special place in the fall,
winter, spring, and summer. They may want to use the
Throughout The Blue Stone, there are events that could
be seen as positive and events that could be interpreted
as negative. Ask students to look at the pictures and
determine how the illustrator used color and shading
to depict the events in the blue stone’s journey through
life. When were bright colors used? When were darker
colors used? How did this artistic technique help tell the
story? After discussion, have students create an illustrated
timeline for a character in another book or for a historical
THE BLUE STONE
figure. Illustrate the major events in his or her life, using
shading and color to contrast positive and negative events
in the character’s or famous person’s life. Create a onepage illustration for each major event in the person’s life.
Bind the pages together and create a book that shows that
person’s life journey. After completing the project, have
students share their work with one another or with
another class.
Science and Nature
Mineral Field Test
The blue stone is soft enough to be carved and fragile
enough to be broken over time. A geologist could look at
the properties of the blue stone to determine exactly what
type of stone it might be. Introduce students to the world
of geology by conducting a mineral field test. Commercial
kits may be purchased from science supply stores, or you
can make your own by gathering samples of rocks and
minerals with various properties such as quartz, hematite,
chalk, and sandstone. Have students record observations
about color, luster, and opacity. Then, conduct simple tests
such as the scratch test and streak test. Students may want
to learn more about the Mohs Hardness Scale and research
possible rocks and minerals that fit the description of the
blue stone in the story.
Circle of Life
The Blue Stone is a journey through life. Use it as a way to
introduce a science lesson on life cycles. Have students
create a chart that shows the blue stone’s “life cycle.”
Depict it as a large blue rock, followed by an elephant,
followed by a bird, fish, moon, cat, etc. and finally dust.
Then, introduce the life cycle of butterflies, frogs, or
another animal. Draw a chart of that animal’s life cycle.
Compare and contrast the two life cycles. In what way is
the blue stone’s journey through life similar to the animal
studied? In what ways is it different?
Sweet Science
For a science lesson with a sweet ending, make “blue
stone candy.” Rock candy has a long history—it has been
in existence for over 1,000 years. It was first used as a
treatment for illnesses, but it is enjoyed today around the
world as a candy treat or flavoring for coffees and teas.
Besides being a tasty confection, it is also a great way to
demonstrate how crystals are formed. Gather the following
supplies and ingredients:
2 cups water
4 cups granulated sugar
blue food coloring
glass jar
thick cotton thread
Thoroughly wash a glass jar. Cut a length of cotton thread
about one inch longer than the height of the jar. Tape the
thread to a pencil, place the pencil across the lip of the jar,
and wind it until the thread is about one inch from the
bottom of the jar. Wet the thread and roll it in granulated
sugar. Set this aside to dry. This provides “seed crystals”
for the rock candy. Boil the water and slowly add the
sugar one cup at a time, continually stirring. Keep boiling
and stirring until all of the sugar has been added and is
dissolved. This is the process of making a “super-saturated”
solution. Remove the sugar syrup from the heat and stir in
two or three drops of blue food coloring. Allow the syrup
to cool for about 10 minutes, and then pour it into the
prepared jar. Lower the sugar-coated thread into the jar.
It should hang about one inch from the bottom. Cover
the jar with a paper towel or plastic wrap. Place the jar in
a cool place where it will not be disturbed. Sugar crystals
should begin forming within a few hours, but will be most
clearly defined after about one week. At the end of the
week, enjoy the rock candy while re-reading The Blue Stone.
Students may want to research how other crystals in the
mineral world are formed. The process is very similar,
but not quite as sweet.
Recycling Survey
Even when the blue stone was a broken statue, it was
still possible to make it into something new. Use this
as a springboard into a discussion about the importance
of recycling. Have students create a survey for other
classrooms in the school to complete. How many students
THE BLUE STONE
have families that currently recycle paper? How many
recycle cans or bottles? How many have a composting
system? Brainstorm other questions to include on
the survey. Using an online survey tool, such as
www.surveymonkey.com, makes analyzing the results
a simple task. After results are collected, have students
conduct research to create an information sheet about
recycling. Share the results of the survey with the school’s
parent-teacher association and provide the information
sheet to its members.
Art and Music
Stone Carving Through the Ages
Stone carving is one of the earliest known art forms.
Stone sculptures have been discovered that are believed
to be over 800,000 years old. Send students on an artistic
journey through time. Working in small groups, have
students research how stone sculpture has evolved as an
art form. Have each group choose a well-known stone
carving or sculpture to research. Students may choose to
research some of the earliest stone sculptures or some of
the most famous—such as the work of Michelangelo. Other
groups might try to discover how stone carving is used
today. Students’ presentations should include a description
of the stone carving technique used. After all groups have
presented, discuss as a class what they noticed about the
technique of stone carving over time. What has changed?
What has stayed the same?
Soap Carving
The artists in The Blue Stone have a vision they hope to see
fulfilled when they begin their carving. They make it look
very simple, but the reality is stone carving requires special
tools and a great deal of expertise. As an alternative, soap
carving can give students the carving experience without
the need to purchase special equipment or materials. All
that is needed is a bar of soap, a plastic knife, and a spoon.
Make sure students wear art smocks or something to
protect their clothes: soap carving can be messy. Students
may have an idea of something they wish to carve ahead of
time or they can experiment as they are carving. The soap
is soft enough to use the plastic knife or a metal spoon as
a carving tool. After creating their soap sculptures, have
students reflect in writing on the process. Was it easier or
more difficult than expected? What was the hardest part?
Blue Stone Symphony
Jimmy Liao uses shading and color in The Blue Stone to
illustrate the stone’s journey through life. Explore how
music might be used in place of, or as a complement to,
the existing illustrations. Which instruments would be
most appropriate for the “dark” parts of the stone’s life?
Which ones would be best for the “light” in the stone’s
life? Use voices, rhythm instruments, and anything else
available to illustrate the story with music. Record the class
composition and play it for someone that is not familiar
with the book. Ask them to listen for the happy events and
the sad events. Were they able to hear the mood of the
music? Next, show them the illustrations in the book.
Did the music the class created help the listener visualize
the story? How are music, art, and literature connected?
Movement and Games
Blue Stone Mancala
For an entertaining strategy game, play Blue Stone
Mancala. A pre-made Mancala board may be used or
students may make their own using a clean egg carton.
A Mancala board has six cups on each side with two larger
cups (called the Mancala) at the end. If an egg carton is
used, simply cut off the lid of the carton and use it to make
the two end cups. Use blue aquarium stones (available at
pet supply stores) for playing pieces. To play, place four
stones in each of the smaller cups. Each player “owns”
the Mancala on their right and the 6 small cups closest to
them. The board is placed between two players. The first
player begins by scooping up all the stones from one of the
small bowls. These stones are dropped one at a time in the
bowls, going counterclockwise until the first player’s hand
is empty. If a player reaches his own Mancala, a stone is
dropped into it. Players skip their opponent’s Mancala,
but stones are dropped into the smaller cups on the
opponent’s side. Stones are dropped one by one into the
bowls until a player runs out of stones. Players take turns
moving. If they drop their last stone during their turn into
an empty cup, they may capture their opponent’s stones
(in the cup directly across from their previously empty cup)
THE BLUE STONE
and add them to their own Mancala. Once a stone is
dropped into a Mancala it stays there until the end of the
game. At the end of the game, players count the stones in
their Mancalas and the player with the most stones wins.
There are many variations to the game. Students may
enjoy researching how the game is played in Egypt,
Nigeria, or Kenya.
Character Education
Have students answer the questions without discussing
their answers. Collect the surveys and create a scavenger
hunt that requires students to find classmates with
particular answers. For example, “Find someone in the
class whose dream job is to be an author.” Have students
interview one another until they have completed the
scavenger hunt. After completing the scavenger hunt,
discuss with the class how this activity helped them
understand one another better. Why is it important to
look beyond first impressions?
Reaching Out
In this story, the blue stone begins to fall apart whenever
people stop caring for it. Use this as a teaching point to
discuss the importance of reaching out to people around
us. Give students the opportunity to practice the friendly
letter format and make a difference by writing a letter to
a grandparent, senior friend, neighbor, or someone they
haven’t seen in a while. Talk about why it is important to
remind people we care.
Looking Within
Each artist in The Blue Stone saw the hidden potential
within the stone. Even when it was broken or shaped
like something else, they were able to imagine what it
could be. Introduce the importance of looking beyond
first impressions by involving students in a class activity
designed to help them get to know one another better.
As a class, brainstorm a list of questions for a survey that
would help students understand one another in a less
superficial way. These might include questions about each
student’s favorite book, dream job, favorite place, biggest
accomplishment, or favorite musician.
Time Capsule
Although The Blue Stone spans several thousand years,
many things can change even over a shorter time span.
Create a class time capsule to document these changes.
Have each student write a letter to themselves revealing
their favorite color, food, book, movie, television show,
and activities they enjoy. Have them also write about their
hopes and dreams for the future. Along with these letters,
include a class photo and a copy of the day’s newspaper
headlines. Put everything into an envelope and store it in
a safe place. At the end of the school year have students
write a new letter. Then, open the time capsule and have
students compare and contrast the two letters. In what
ways have they changed? What things are still the same?
For a long-term extension, make an individual time capsule
for each student. Include the updated letter along with the
student’s original letter. You may want to add a personal
note of your own. Seal everything inside a large envelope
and write DO NOT OPEN UNTIL GRADUATION on
the front. Ask students (or their parents) to keep it in a
safe place. Many years in the future, students will have a
glimpse into their past to enjoy.
THE BLUE STONE
about the book
about the author
A large, beautiful blue stone is discovered
in a forest. It is cut in half, and one half
stays in the forest while the other starts
on a long and mystical journey through
many places, many owners, and many
transformations. It begins as a statue of
an elephant, admired by museum goers,
and then becomes a carved bird residing
in an elderly woman’s garden. It becomes
a moon, a cat, a necklace, and more.
Throughout it all, the stone longs to return
home, and finally it crumbles to dust and
flies with the wind back to rest with its other half in the forest.
Jimmy Liao received a degree in
design from the Chinese Culture
University. He is the author and
illustrator of over fifteen hugely
popular books, including
The Sound of Colors, that have
been translated into English,
French, German, Greek, Japanese,
Korean, and Thai. A cancer survivor,
he hopes that his work can
brighten the lives of others.
He lives in Taipei, Taiwan,
with his wife and daughter.
Breathtaking illustrations and a haunting story by world-renowned illustrator
Jimmy Liao take readers on a magical journey around the world. Adults will
marvel at the life stories revealed in this book, and children will delight at
seeing the different manifestations of the blue stone. This is a powerful story
of different life paths and possibilities, a longing for home, and love.
The Blue Stone: A Journey Through Life
also by Jimmy Liao
Written and illustrated by Jimmy Liao
ISBN: 978-0-316-11383-0 • AR level: 3.4 • F&P: R
praise for The Blue Stone
“From the artist who brought us
The Sound of Colors comes a book by
turns haunting and beautiful.” —Kirkus
The Sound of Color
978-0-316-93992-8
“The deep gem tones of the watercolor
illustrations depict a mysterious, lonely
world…[a] sophisticated work.” —SLJ
When the Moon Forgot
978-0-316-11390-8
www.lb-kids.com