Shortlisted for the Delaware Diamonds Booklist—A Children’s Choice and the Keystone to Reading Book Award List

At the southernmost tip of New Jersey lie the resort town of Cape May and its sparkling sandy beaches, sheltering the Delaware Bay. Formed by melting glaciers thousands of years past, the Delaware River flows from its headwaters to spill into the Delaware Bay. And for thousands of years, fragments of quartz rock have ridden the river, plucked from the mountains lining its banks. Polished and buffed as they tumble along, these rock particles dazzle like gemstones when tossed onto Cape May’s sandy shores. Beloved by beachcombers, these “diamonds” are the daughters of the river, linking the state’s past and present.

Delving into the natural beauty of New Jersey’s famous coastline, storyteller Trinka Hakes Noble has crafted a wondrous tale explaining the origin of the Cape May Diamond.

Trinka Hakes Noble’s award-winning picture books include The Last Brother, The Scarlet Stockings Spy (an IRATeachers’ Choice, 2005), and the popular Jimmy’s Boa series. Her awards include ALANotable Children’s Book, IRA-CBC Children’s Choice, and several Junior Literary Guild Selections. E.B. Lewis is the acclaimed illustrator of numerous award-winning picture books, including the 2005 Caldecott Honor Book, Coming On Home Soon.