The Waterstone (28 page)

Then the pond turned deeper green as if in welcome, and the warm wind suddenly smelled sweet with rain.

Many thanks to all who helped so much in the making of this book: all the kindred spirits at Candlewick; Amy Ehrlich, who read the first draft and nixed the bulldozer; Cynthia Platt, my infinitely patient and creative editor, who saved the weasels; Ethan Rupp, who drew a map of Tad’s world for my birthday; Caleb Rupp, who read every single rewrite; and my husband, Randy, who makes everything possible.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real, are used fictitiously.

Text copyright © 2002 by Rebecca Rupp
Cover illustration copyright © 2002 by Loren Long

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in an information retrieval system in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, taping, and recording, without prior written permission from the publisher.

First electronic edition 2015

The Library of Congress has cataloged the hardcover edition as follows:

Rupp, Rebecca.
The waterstone / Rebecca Rupp. — 1st ed.
p. cm.
Summary: Twelve-year-old Tad embarks on a quest to seek a powerful crystal that will restore balance to the world.
[1. Fantasy.] I. Title.

PZ7.R8886 Wat 2002
[Fic] — dc21 2001052939

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