A captivating, remarkably illustrated story of patience, co-operation and wonder. Once upon a time in a dull, grey, endless place called Cementland, there lives a very special boy who wishes to find a treasure. After much searching among piles of greasy toaster ovens and wet smelly socks, he spies a box filled with specks and a wrinkled note that says, Put these wondrous riches in the earth and enjoy. Horrified to learn that thieves are after his treasure, the boy scours the junkyard and conjures a creature to stand guard - a scarecrow-like gardener with crooked bony arms, a giant belly, a jaunty crown and preternatural wisdom: Frog Belly Rat Bone, king and protector of the specks. * A story of patience and perseverance against the odds in a harsh and unfriendly environment. * Subtle, delicate tones; fantastical figures and bursts of glowing colour leap from the pages of this enchantingly quirky book. * Timothy Basil Ering's picture book debut showcases the work of a new author/illustrator to the Walker list and a major new talent in children's books.