Abracadabra to Zigzag: An Alphabet Book (Picture Puffins) - Softcover

Lecourt, Nancy; Lehman, Barbara

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140544704 ISBN 13: 9780140544701

Publisher: Puffin Books, 1992

Synopsis

An alphabet book introducing such words as bigwig, licketysplit, mishmash, and shillyshally

About this title

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3-- An intriguing array of English "ricochet words" and expressions to correspond to the letters of the alphabet. Phrases such as "nip and tuck" or "itsy bitsy," the origins or meanings of which are rarely considered, are presented here. Lecourt supplies brief but informative notes about the derivations and definitions of the terms in a glossary. The real success in carrying off a picture book based on such unusual and abstract vocabulary rests, however, in Lehman's illustrations. Not only does she convey the sense of such words as "dillydally," "licketysplit," and "mishmash," but she also varies the page layouts to provide additional visual appeal and incorporates a yellow dog in each double-page spread to sustain interest. The clever and colorful watercolors make the title much more accessible than might be expected given the words involved. However, the primary audience will likely be those who enjoy abstract alphabet books such as Marty Neumeier's Action Alphabet (Greenwillow, 1985) or Chris Van Allsburg's The Z Was Zapped (Clarion , 1987). --Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly

PW praised the exuberant art and quirky entries in this "instantly intriguing" alphabet book of ricochet words, concluding that "clearly, 'W' is for 'winner.' " Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0140544704
• ISBN 13: 9780140544701
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 320