BOOKSHELF

Rosie Rides The River

by Niki Rainwater illustrated by Taylor Blacklock

Do rosebuds dream of adventure? You bet they do! Come join Rosie, the tiny pink wild rose as she goes on an exciting ride down river with the help of her friends. Not long after her last petal opens, Rosie befriends a little bird who is playing nearby over the river mist, and she soon wishes that she too could fly. When Rosie asks the little bird to teach her to fly, he opens Rosie’s eyes to her own gifts and the happiness her sweet scent brings to all those who come to visit her, especially the children! When something unexpected happens, Rosie suddenly finds herself on an exciting journey downriver, aided by the river’s guardian Great Grandfather Granite, as well as old and new friends alike. Rosie’s trek is not without feelings of self-doubt and homesickness, and when night falls she finds herself all alone beneath the brilliant stars. As Rosie sleeps, she dreams of the children’s laughter and awakens to the warmth of Father Sun, whose encouraging words inspire a fresh motivation:

“Tiny rose so pink and bright, Your petals open to the light. The river flows beneath your branch, Running, leaping, in its dance! You long to see what lies beyond, Perhaps you’ll find a quiet pond? Brave as the river from here on after, Listen for the children’s laughter.”

With renewed resolve, Rosie continues her perilous journey downstream and receives unexpected help that is most welcome, as the biggest waterfall of all lies just ahead!

Last summer, during the height of the pandemic, Bend resident Niki Rainwater stepped away from her job as a kindergarten teacher and turned her focus to a lifelong dream of writing a children’s book. It is her hope that the children in our community and beyond develop of sense of guardianship, reverence, and love for our breathtakingly beautiful Central Oregon.

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