If Rocks Could Sing CoverSometimes  I come across a picture book that delights me–one where pictures and words have been put together with such mastery that I feel inspired. 

If Rocks Could Sing is such a book. Author Leslie McGuirk combed a Florida beach for years until she found rocks that resembled each alphabet letter–which required admirable patience–and a word that starts with each letter–which required admirable inventiveness. Her arrangement and photographs of these rocks are artful wonders as well. For example, “J is for Joy” shows a big fish-shaped rock nose-to-nose with a little one, both smiling, causing big and little readers to smile with joy, too.  Tricycle Press was the publisher, and its quirky, offbeat selections will be missed.

This is the kickoff of a blog series I will add to as I come across more such picture books–especially titles that may have escaped mainstream notice. Fellow children’s writers, librarians, and teachers, I hope you enjoy a look at these worthy new entries in the picture book genre! Stay tuned.