The Playground Problem
What if a single stone could reveal the true power of your choices?In The Harmony Stone and The Playground Problem, six friends at Barberry Elementary stumble upon a mysterious, shimmering stone during recess. Soon, they discover its remarkable secret: the stone glows brighter whenever they practice empathy and accountability, but its light fades when blame and hurt feelings take over.
When a conflict arises on the playground, the friends are faced with a challenge—can they figure out how to work together and bring the glow back?Written by educator Stephanie Daly, Ed.D., and brought to life through the vibrant illustrations of Nadia Ronquillo, this heartfelt picture book explores the transformative power of listening, pausing, and finding the courage to make things right. Rather than focusing on punishment or blame, the story gently introduces young readers to restorative practices, showing how everyday mistakes and misunderstandings can become meaningful opportunities for reflection, healing, and stronger friendships.
Drawing on Dr. Daly’s 20+ years of experience as an elementary teacher, National Blue Ribbon principal, and educational leadership researcher, The Harmony Stone and The Playground Problem translates essential social-emotional learning (SEL) concepts into an engaging adventure children can easily grasp. It is an ideal resource for parents, teachers, and school counselors looking to foster connection and empathy in PreK–12 settings.
Brought to Life by Nadia Ronquillo
A story this important requires visuals that easily capture a child’s imagination, which is why All Your Dreams Can Come True features beautiful children’s books illustrations by the incredibly talented Nadia Ronquillo.
Recognized among the best children’s book illustrators working today, Nadia brings Skye and Rey’s financial journey to life with vibrant, expressive art that keeps young readers fully engaged. Her extensive and celebrated portfolio is filled with heartwarming tales that handle big life concepts with a colorful, gentle touch. Her brilliant artistic vision and character design can be seen across a wide variety of beloved titles, including:
Whether she is illustrating tales of friendship, family traditions, or early financial literacy, Nadia’s artwork consistently helps authors transform their educational stories into visually captivating masterpieces.
