Easter Island in Picture Book Form

Children's author T.A. Barron was inspired to write this picture book, The Day the Stones Walked, after taking a trip to Easter Island.

A few years back, while traveling in Chile, Hubby and I contemplated a trip to Easter Island. The airfare, however, was a deterrent. Looking back, I wish we'd make the investment. I still think about going there.

In a way, this picture book allowed me to visit the island.

The illustrations (by William Low) are haunting, yet they perfectly fit with the story of Easter Island, which is one of the most remote places on Earth.

The story asks the question: How did those massive, stone faces -- the moai -- come to be and what is their purpose?

Pico, an island boy, doubts the power of the moai and even resents the faces as his father is a stone carver who spends all his time creating new heads.

But one day, Pico is unexpectedly caught in a tsunami and the moai come to his rescue.