Patrick Yee's attractive artwork is sunny, bright, and filled with primary colors and recognizable shapes that make this ABC book a good choice for a Patrick Yee's attractive artwork is sunny, bright, and filled with primary colors and recognizable shapes that make this ABC book a good choice for a little one. Just as he did with his book about numbers, he devotes one page to each letter, starting with A is for Astronaut and concluding with Z is for zebra. Along the way, youngsters also can see a hummingbird, an otter, a unicycle, and a watermelon. While the early literacy lessons here are basic, the illustrations are refreshingly different and visually appealing, insuring that youngsters won't become bored with repeated readings as they learn their ABCs. ...more
Most youngsters are fascinated by balloon art, giving this unique ABC book featuring the letters of the alphabet fashioned cleverly with ballons high Most youngsters are fascinated by balloon art, giving this unique ABC book featuring the letters of the alphabet fashioned cleverly with ballons high appeal. This has to be one of the most unusual ABC board books I've ever seen, and I really don't know how anyone had the patience to twist, twirl, and fold these balloons into these particular shapes. Starting with black balloons to stand for A is for Ant and ending with Z is for zebra with its distinctive black stripes against a white background, this book will intrigue youngsters and hold their interests. My favorites include the fish, the sloth, and the multihued xylophone that seems primed for notes to sound from its panels. WOW! Just wow! I can only imagine how many hours it took for each of these figures to be shaped, placed, and photographed. ...more
Having enjoyed Atinuke's Anna Hibiscus series and her Too Small Tola series, I figured that I'd also enjoy this one, which has similarities to her B IHaving enjoyed Atinuke's Anna Hibiscus series and her Too Small Tola series, I figured that I'd also enjoy this one, which has similarities to her B Is for Baby. It's a bit of a different ABC book than readers usually find, focusing on the letter "l" and featuring various scenes from Lagos, Nigeria and the surrounding areas. A family of five sets off on a journey to market, leaving a baby in the care of grandparents. Theirs is a busy day, full of sights and sounds, some to be expected, but others a bit surprising, all starting with the appropriate letter, before they return home. One of the unique aspects of this picture book is how each scene and letter connects to the next scene. Although the Nigerian setting may be unfamiliar to many readers, that feeling of adventure and anticipation with which someone starts a journey as well as the relief in being welcomed back home will be recognizable for them. Love simply fills each page, shown through the striking, color-drenched mixed media illustrations. This one is culturally rich, and a 3.5 for me, a good read aloud choice. ...more
Originally published in 2003, this reissued version continues to impress readers with its innovative approach to the alphabet. Each page features an oOriginally published in 2003, this reissued version continues to impress readers with its innovative approach to the alphabet. Each page features an object or animal associated with a particular letter of the alphabet, and that object is nestled inside a small cutout frame formed inside a thick black page. When readers lift that black page, they will find the appropriate letter of the alphabet. For instance, one yellow and one red balloon from the frame turn out to be the insides of the letter "B." Each page of this book necessitates repeated viewing as the mixed media illustrations are so cleverly wrought and so surprising that one look does not suffice. This is such a stunning, polished, impressive ABC book that readers' senses will be delighted. ...more
The artwork in this small ABC book is just as energetic as several of the dogs that race across its pages. The text utilizes rhyming lines to introducThe artwork in this small ABC book is just as energetic as several of the dogs that race across its pages. The text utilizes rhyming lines to introduce different types of canines and typical dog behavior such as barking, flopping, sniffing, and zonked at the end of a busy day, and some of the text on one page is linked to a following page, allowing almost seamless continuity. Adding to readers' delights with the book there are four pages at the end with a literal alphabet of dogs of various sizes and breeds, ranging from A for Afghan Hound to Z for Zwergspitz (Pomeranian), all snoozing peacefully for once. Anyone who loves dogs will smile at this clever depiction of dogs in all their glory--and occasional annoyance. ...more
Henry Cole is a master at minimalism, making his picture books a visual treat to explore and explore. From incredibly detailed wordless picture books Henry Cole is a master at minimalism, making his picture books a visual treat to explore and explore. From incredibly detailed wordless picture books to sentimental stories about one brown paper bag that stays with a young boy for many years to this one, a unique ABC book, he never disappoints. With soft and fuzzy digital artwork featuring lots of greens against plentiful white space, this picture book [3.5 for me!] follows a day with Albert, a green alligator wearing a red and white striped shirt and his most annoying little brother, Baxter. The plot unfolds page by page, with some pages containing a couple of words and one with three, and readers can experience vicariously Albert's frustration as his little brother has some many needs and emotions. Thank goodness for that letter Z, which will finally give him a rest. This one is so cleverly done that it's hard not to appreciate it. Plus, it is fun to read aloud, with suitable gusto and emotion. ...more
While most of the objects associated with each letter in this board book [2.5 for me!] will be rather familiar [A is for Apple, and Z is for Zebra, foWhile most of the objects associated with each letter in this board book [2.5 for me!] will be rather familiar [A is for Apple, and Z is for Zebra, for instance], the colorful artwork that accompanies each letter is quite attractive and keeps eyes engaged. The book itself is sturdy, easy to handle, and even displays each letter in different sizes, including versions of the letters as capitals and in lower case. The characters associated with each letter seem to take on personalities of their own, smiling, playful, mischievous or even content, which adds to the book's usefulness and staying power. Young readers can learn their ABCs through the use of this book, but they can also practice them as well as associating them with different living things. ...more
Although I like the reversal of the alphabet from Z to A and the positive messages threaded through this picture book's pages, it didn't hold much appAlthough I like the reversal of the alphabet from Z to A and the positive messages threaded through this picture book's pages, it didn't hold much appeal for me. The words of wonder were, for the most part, words with which many students would already be familiar, and the artwork didn't particularly grab me. Some pages were just more attractive than others and were clean and crisp while others seemed a bit cluttered. The addition of inspiring words from other famous individuals is a nice addition, but the font size used for those is so small that the quotes can be easily overlooked. All in all, the book is a nice effort, but I'd have rather have had a picture book focused on Avant-Garde herself and her path to the spelling bee. Still, despite my criticisms, plenty of youngsters may feel inspired by her example to dream big, work hard for a goal, and never lose hope. ...more
Just as she did with her earlier picture book, G, My Name Is Girl, the author/illustrator uses all 26 letters of the alphabet to introduce various boyJust as she did with her earlier picture book, G, My Name Is Girl, the author/illustrator uses all 26 letters of the alphabet to introduce various boys from different countries around the world. Starting with A for Archie from Australia and concluding with Z for Zivai from Zimbabwe, each boy or letter is featured on a page of his own with lines containing his name, a relative or friend's name starting with the same letter, and some activity in which the boy and others from his homeland engage. While some of the pastimes seem a bit odd and strained, the overall purpose of this celebratory, inclusive picture book is admirable. Young readers will easily see the commonalities and differences among these youngsters, and then, on the final two pages, they are invited to join in the fun with their own introductions. The illustrations consist of interesting scenes from the various countries represented here as well an attempt to be inclusive with differently-abled individuals depicted. The back endpapers display a world map that shows where those 26 boys live, adding to the book's usefulness for a geography lesson. ...more
Library and elementary classroom collections abound with ABC books, and it's always fun to find one that is a bit different from the usual fare. This Library and elementary classroom collections abound with ABC books, and it's always fun to find one that is a bit different from the usual fare. This one is devoted to Ireland and Irish culture and features appropriate words and symbols associated with the Emerald Isle. The idea behind this board book is great since it expands the worldview of little ones and might foster pride in anyone with an Irish heritage. However, some of the images and words are so culturally-specific as to leave some readers completely mystified as to what they are seeing. Including information about some of these more obscure--to the uninitiated such as me--terms or objects might help make the book more universally useful. Reading this book reminded me of how many other alphabet books make similar assumptions about readers being familiar with aspects of a certain culture. ...more
For me, this picture book suffers in comparison to Ezra Jack Keats' The Snowy Day although [maybe because] it covers similar territory--even with collFor me, this picture book suffers in comparison to Ezra Jack Keats' The Snowy Day although [maybe because] it covers similar territory--even with collaged artwork that brings to mind that children's book classic. With minimal text using short sentences no longer than two, three or four words, the book follows several youngsters as they wait at the bus stop for the bus to arrive. Strangely, they arrive in alphabetical order--from Antoine to Zoey--and keep themselves occupied in various ways while anticipating the bus's arrival. The verbs associated with each child seemed too studied and trite for me, and I wish the author hadn't tried so hard to make this part of the book seem like an ABC book. Gradually, snow flakes start to fall, at first one or two, but then so many that the streets and sidewalks are covered with snow. Eventually, one classmate informs the waiting children that school has been cancelled, and they head to the streets and parks, thrilled to have an extra day of play and freedom. The last double-page spread captures their exuberance and variety of play as they make snow angels, slide, chase each other, and build snow forts and snowmen, all while simply enjoying being youngsters. ...more
This ABC picture book joins others by this publisher that focus on various ethnic or cultural groups. While it will surely inspire pride and broaden aThis ABC picture book joins others by this publisher that focus on various ethnic or cultural groups. While it will surely inspire pride and broaden awareness of the many contributions by Asian Americans. The main text uses rhyming lines, some of which move fluidly and others which seem a bit forced, to identify terms associated with Asian Americans as well as expository text that provides additional information. The colorful artwork features various group scenes and individuals, adding visual appeal to each page. While I appreciate the author's work here, I agree with another reviewer that the book's subtitle is rather misleading since the focus here is on Chinese and Japanese Americans more than those from Southeast Asia or the Pacific Islands or Philippines. Maybe there will be a follow-up that is more inclusive in honoring them as well. Having recently taught a course that used the book From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry about the death of Vincent Chin, which led to the modern Asian-American civil rights movement, I was surprised to see no mention of that event or that movement even in the timeline of milestone events. I did appreciation the inclusion of events in which various Asian-American groups were treated unfairly despite their contributions and loyalty to their new country as well as the lighter points the author stresses. This is a good introduction to some elements of Asian-American culture. ...more
This book for a young audience--a 3.5 for me--performs many functions. In some ways it's a counting book. In others it's an ABC book, and in still othThis book for a young audience--a 3.5 for me--performs many functions. In some ways it's a counting book. In others it's an ABC book, and in still others, it shows various environmental activists, many of them young, making a difference. Starting with a tree planted by one child and concluding with one billion individuals banding together to fight for changes in government policies and practices, the colorful book demonstrates how one individual and even the smallest steps can result in change. The back matter explains what activism is, highlights some noted activists, offers nine ideas that might be effective in combatting climate change, and provides seven goals, one for each day of the week, that might be productive. These include Meatless Monday and Thoughtful Thursday, so that the environment is never far from the individual's mind. Other reviewers have described this as a primer for environmental activism, intended for young readers, and I would agree. With its accessible, encouraging text and colorful, sunny illustrations, created with acrylic and water-based gouaches, pencils, and digital techniques, this book reminds youngsters that they can bring about change through individual action and aligning themselves with those who share their same concerns. Add this one to a classroom library devoted to activism or the environment or even a collection describing how one person can make a difference. ...more
With buttons to press for all 26 letters of the alphabet, little ones can listen to what each letter sounds like and then say the letter names for theWith buttons to press for all 26 letters of the alphabet, little ones can listen to what each letter sounds like and then say the letter names for themselves, thus, learning to recognize those all-important ABCs so fundamental to early literacy. Most of the double-page spreads contain three different letters as well as large, colorful stock photos of objects or items whose names begin with those letters. There are also smaller photos of additional things that begin with a certain letter such as c, for instance, as well as the word for those objects. With an of/off switch on the back cover, this board book is sturdy and ideal for parents and caregivers who hope to give youngsters a boost on mastering the alphabet. It's a good choice for beginning to foster a love for learning and literacy--and yes, it lives up to its name as it is a bit noisy. But its intended audience won't care....more
It's no surprise that ABC books are so popular and ubiquitous since they provide a solid way for little ones to letter the letters of the alphabet andIt's no surprise that ABC books are so popular and ubiquitous since they provide a solid way for little ones to letter the letters of the alphabet and words that start with certain letters. But some of them like this one move from the mundane to a more sophisticated approach, focusing on one topic. In this particular book, the focus is birds as indicated by the book's subtitle: A Bird Alphabet. Starting with A for Aves and concluding with Z for Zones (the flyway zones that many birds follow as they migrate during seasonal changes), this book provides a fine introduction to this particular species, which comes in more than 10,000 different types. Each letter is honored with a short, four-line poem and longer informational text in sidebars, and there is at least one, sometimes two, pages devoted to the letter and its topic. The author has taken care to use some terms that readers might not expect [geographic range] and others that may be familiar [habitat]. There's even information in the back matter about birdwatching and how to help birds as well as how to identify them. The text is lively and seems to have written by someone who loves birds and wants to make sure others come to appreciate them. The illustrations are true to life, and the rich colors, attention to detail, and movement are sure to make readers feel as though they are observing these creatures through their own set of binoculars or living room windows. This one would make a good addition to a science classroom library or as part of a lesson on the environment or habitats. ...more
I'm always on the outlook for alphabet books that are a little bit different from the norm, and with this one, similar to what the author and illustraI'm always on the outlook for alphabet books that are a little bit different from the norm, and with this one, similar to what the author and illustrator accomplished with A is for Audra about the women of Broadway, this picture book focuses on the world of Broadway--performers and stars but also those folks who are behind the scenes or play supporting roles in some way. Folks who love musical theatre especially will get a kick out of this book, which begins with A for Auditions and concludes with producers like Florenz Ziegfeld. For those individuals fortunate to have seen some/any of these shows or productions, the book offers a chance to reminisce about those shows and performances, an experience enhanced by the colorful illustrations that bring them all to life. A brief description of all the individuals referenced here and their stage roles can be found in the back matter, worthy reading matter for fans or anyone interested in learning more about these larger-than-life personalities and musicals. While not everyone will appreciate the book's focus, for those who love singing, dancing, and acting, it will be required reading--and a fun way to look at the alphabet. ...more
Mixed media illustrations completed digitally complement an ABC book filled with practices of mindfulness. Starting with A is Acceptance, and concludiMixed media illustrations completed digitally complement an ABC book filled with practices of mindfulness. Starting with A is Acceptance, and concluding, appropriately with Z is for Zen, this picture book offers 26 haikus that serve as gentle reminders about how to live life more fully. Taken together, the actions can lead to happier minds and bodies, and are part of the path to wellbeing referred to on the copyright page: connect, be active, take notice, keep learning, and give. Seeing the smiling, content characters in this book as they go about their daily lives while practicing mindfulness might be just the nudge some young readers need to change their attitudes and approaches to life. ...more
No matter the age, it's hard to resist a book filled with affirmations and reminders of just how important and unique someone is. In this colorful picNo matter the age, it's hard to resist a book filled with affirmations and reminders of just how important and unique someone is. In this colorful picture book for young readers, they will find images and text that make them feel proud to be Black. Each letter of the alphabet is followed by identification with something of significance and then a small lesson about its importance. From A is for Afro to L for Leader, P for Pride, and Z for Zen, the pages encourage mindfulness, awareness, and empowerment. Most of the messages ring true and will make youngsters and their adults smile in recognition and pride, but I wondered a bit about the choice of H is HBCU. Maybe it's just ignorance on my part, but I wonder how many young readers will know what those initials stand for. Maybe they should have been identified in the text or as a footnote on the page, especially since there's a reference to teachers, and in universities, those are typically called professors. Still, this book will surely achieve its goal, and its messages of positivity will counteract some of the negativity that surrounds Black children and Black identity. If I had a child, I might share this title with him/her every night at bedtime, hoping those affirmations would seep into his/her slumbers every night. ...more
There are plenty of ABC books featuring animals, but this one examines animals typically found in North America, Central America, and South America. SThere are plenty of ABC books featuring animals, but this one examines animals typically found in North America, Central America, and South America. Starting with an alligator and concluding with a zebra longwing butterfly [Ah! What a nice surprise!], the board book features vivid images of these creatures, usually with a page to each one but sometimes with a double-page spread split in half so that one letter and creature gets attention on the top and one on the bottom. There's even a field guide in the back matter that allows youngsters to look at a map of the continents to determine which animals are likely to be found there. Yellow, red, and green dots next to thumbnail sketches of the animals help youngsters realize that a quetzal, for instance, will not be found in Alaska. Many teachers appreciate books that allow little ones to learn a bit about geography, which makes this small map and key quite helpful. ...more
This one is a 2.5 for me. I always enjoy alphabet books, especially when they have a unique focus. In this board book, the letters of the alphabet areThis one is a 2.5 for me. I always enjoy alphabet books, especially when they have a unique focus. In this board book, the letters of the alphabet are all dedicated to something associated with this country, starting with apple pie and ending with Zion National Park. I doubt that many other ABC books or other books for children mention that particular park although it is majestic and worth visiting. The book is designed with individual pages for each letter or with shared panels across two pages. It can be a bit hard for the eye to follow those patterns as it wants to jump right into the next page but the letter and its identification are way across on the top of the right-hand page; for instance, "Y is for Yellowstone" is on the right-hand top of the double-page spread concluding the book while "Z is for Zion" is on the bottom left-hand side of that double-page spread. This could be confusing to some readers, and it certainly caused me to do a double-take. One aspect of the book that is appealing is the surprises that are featured here: Mount Rushmore and Malcolm X, for instance, as well as baseball and the Fourth of July. I liked the idea behind this book, but I didn't love the digital artwork. ...more