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Cindy: I collect rocks everywhere I travel (a habit from my grandmother) and I am partial to ones with holes in them, but this collection in If Rocks Could Sing: A Discovered Alphabet (Tricycle Press 2011) really ROCKS. Instead of collecting seashells on her Florida beaches, McGuirk slowly built an alphabet collection of rocks A-Z. Only one, the X was found elsewhere. The endpapers feature the rocks in alpha order and it is impressive to see them all together (“K” anyone?”)  but the real fun begins inside. Each letter is paired with another rock or grouping of rocks to illustrate an object for that letter. “Lemon,” “Couch Potato,” and “Nose” are relatively easy finds…but I especially love the page of “Ghosts,” the “Ouch” face, and the challenge for any alphabet book, “X,” illustrated here with the acronym “XOXO” and a rock that resembles two people hugging. Awesome fun and a great project to keep you busy on your next walk. If you find a great example, email me a photo with your alphabet page and we’ll post it here. (bookendsbookblog@gmail.com)

Lynn: The focus group is addicted to collecting rocks already and we never come home from an expedition without cool rocks in our pockets but this book may take us to a whole new level!  The book amazed the boys and they’ve read it over and over.  It really is totally unique.  I’m hard pressed to choose a favorite although “n for nose” may be the one.  The patience, creativity and humor of the author really stands out.  This is a must for school and public libraries and will delight fans of alphabet books and young rock collectors everywhere!

Go to Bookmuse for other Nonfiction Monday selections.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 4th, 2011 at 7:15 am and is filed under All Ages, Alphabet Books, Concept books, Nonfiction, Picture Books, PreS-Gr. 2, Twins' Thumbs Up - Age 7, Why Didn't WE Think of This?. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.