If Rocks Could Sing: A Discovered Alphabet (Hardcover)
Summer 2011 Kids' Next List
“McGuirk has been collecting rocks from the shore for a very long time. Her collection is the basis for this most unusual alphabet book. Rocks that look like letters of the alphabet matched with corresponding objects will inspire readers young and old to go for a walk and start their own collection. Very clever and fun!”
— Margaret Brennan Neville, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT
Leslie is the author-illustrator of many children's books, including the Tucker the Dog books, Pip the Penguin, and Wiggens Learns His Manners at the Four Seasons.
Review, The Wall Street Journal, June 11, 2011
"There is as much wit here as there is potential pedagogy: The rock that is used to show "O is for ouch!" looks as though it is shouting and wincing at the same time; the slab of "toast" used to illustrate the letter T so nearly resembles whole-grain bread that you can imagine yourself biting into it."
Review, School Library Journal, May 1, 2011
"Sure to spark imaginative rock-finding hunts and found-object art projects, this quirky title will earn its place in any picture-book collection."
Review, Booklist, May 1, 2011
"With clean page design, restrained use of color, and minimal text, this intriguing book showcases the rocks themselves and may inspire children to discover their own found art."
Review, Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 2011:
"Begs to be pored over again and again."
Review, Publisher's Weekly, March 14, 2011:
"It's an unusual labor of love that may have kids checking the ground for familiar shapes."