I had such high hopes for this book. I was ready to recommend it to all of my Reggio Emilia friends. The rocks used to make the alphabet are certainly cool, but this books just falls flat. Some of the illustrations are marvelous- particularly ghosts, nose, and ouch. Others barely resemble the thing they are named for, like the seahorse. The X page is always the true test of any alphabet book, and XOXO is a fine solution. But what is the accompanying rock supposed to be of? It also bothers me that the title has nothing to do with the contents, except for the rocks. A final (and unfair) criticism- the rocks look too much the same because they all come from the same beach in Florida. Showing the variety of forms that rocks take would have added depth and interest to the artwork and the book. Frankly, I'm surprised to see this on so many Caldecott and best-of-the-year lists. ( )

using different shaped rocks, introduces the alphabet.
1 book

Amazing rocks, found on a stretch of beach near the author's home, comprise this unique alphabet book. A is for Addition, and there are rocks in the shape of real numbers, too. B is for Bird, and there is a bird rock on a nest with an egg. G is for Ghosts, and there is a host of rocks that look like ghosts! Children and adults alike will pore over these fascinating rocks, and will be inspired collect their own. ( )

This is a learning book, that uses letters as well as alphabets ans shapes to show and sing to the world. Basically, whatever you see for example a rock made of a "O", use it for "Ouch" Great learning book! ( )

An ABC book with all of the letters and pictures made from collected rocks. ( )