The Skull Alphabet Book - Hardcover

Pallotta, Jerry

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0881069140 ISBN 13: 9780881069143

Publisher: Charlesbridge, 2002

Synopsis

Riddle me this: what animal beginning with 'L' has binocular vision and is a predator?

THE SKULL ALPHABET BOOK makes young readers use their brains. Children learn simple facts and hone their critical thinking skills as they deduce the identity of 26 different animals arranged in alphabetical order.

Incredibly rich, realistic, and inventive oil paintings by Ralph Masiello lay a trail of clever clues to the identity of the animals represented only by their skulls. Look even closer and find hidden in the unique settings portraits of 43 of the presidents of the United States.

About this title

About the Author:

Jerry Pallotta is an award-winning author of children's alphabet books and imaginative fiction. His books combine interesting facts, detailed research, humor, and realistic illustrations that mesmerize children everywhere.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 1-4-Twenty-six mammal skulls from anteater to zebra are highlighted. Readers can see each skull, but are not told immediately to which animal it belongs. In some cases the features of the skull itself give it away, as in elephant or ram. Other times, Pallotta gives verbal clues: "A sly person can identify this skull-there are only three letters in its name" points to fox. There are also visual hints such as the mousetrap next to the cat skull and the bananas upon which the monkey skull rests. Others, such as baboon and gorilla, are particularly tough. On a spread between V and W the names of each animal featured in the alphabet are hidden among drawings of non-mammal skulls. In addition to the clues, the author works in scattered facts about skulls in general and about the individual animals. This all works pretty well, but a "hidden presidents" feature is less successful. Most illustrations include one or more U.S. presidents' faces hidden in the background or even on the skull itself. This extra feature may please kids who just love to look, but the incongruous portraits are obtrusive and detract from the cohesiveness of the theme, which is otherwise fairly appealing and effective. With little available for primary-age kids on this intriguing topic, this title is worth considering despite its flaws.
Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Charlesbridge
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0881069140
• ISBN 13: 9780881069143
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32