First and foremost, the illustrations are adorable, and each page of text is complemented by one of these cute watercolor illustrations. The pictures also do a fair share of visual storytelling through the character's expressive faces and poses, which is integral for any successful picture book! The visual aids provided in the story only amplify its already clear, meaningful plot; the book is understandable to children while remaining enjoyable for older readers. Even though the picture book medium typically is for kids, this accessibility to all ages shines. With this in mind though, no rhyme scheme carries throughout the text. There are rhyming pages, but the type of rhymes and the spacing in between are inconsistent. Additionally, there are some grammar errors and one misspelling. Regardless, the moral is still given well and the pages where the true Medusa is depicted are quite impactful. The book should be commended for its good non-offensive display of gossip’s consequences: like fire, rumors spread quickly and burn all who engage with it. But, instead of showing a punishment exacted in revenge or by the gods, the consequences are solely a result of the gossipers' actions. The portrayal of gossip’s dangers is a nice change from the “scare them straight” mentality a handful of fairy tales teach! A Stony Gaze is a cute story and important for growing children to hear, especially if they are just starting school, as when social groups begin to develop, so can rumors. (A Stony Gaze is also great for those who have a budding fascination with Greek myth retellings!)