Award-winning writer Tybre’ana Eaddy shares a colorful tale expressing the powerful significance of life’s simple happenings and the aspirations they represent, focusing on a time-worn rocking chair with subtle yet ample ability to energize and comfort its owners.

With endearing illustrations gracing the pages, the author introduces the everyday activities of a mother, father and five children who use the old but still sturdy rocker for porch activities: play time, neighborly gatherings, and an occasional soul-searching, star-lit sleep. The unique furnishing seems to make sounds in rhythm to activities around it, humming lullabies and imitating birdsong.

But the happy clan is suddenly endangered by a major, gusty storm. Lightning attacks their modest abode as, frightened, they hover indoors. Shutters are torn off, wood and bricks tossed carelessly about. But after the storm, they bravely begin to repair the damage, even enhancing their haven with fresh flower boxes.

Yet the porch has lost its inviting and sheltering gifts, and all are puzzled until they realize that the rocking chair is missing. They find it — rattled but not entirely ruined — and together they rebuild it. Thus, with family effort and ardor, peace is restored, and the rocking chair once again sings and satisfies, instilling bright outlooks and inner gratitude.

Eaddy’s narrative is appealing, fulfilling her stated wish to “captivate and resonate with the growing child, and the inner child within us.” Additionally, the illustrations nicely underpin the story, including depictions of old-fashioned quilt designs that open and close the creation.

The book concludes with an enjoyable “Seek and Find!” exercise, prompting readers to locate certain items (a cat, a baby blanket, etc.) in the text that came before, which her young audience will enjoy along with the tale.