The Invisible Alphabet

An ABC of things unseen: from Air to Zero, and Nothing in between.

A is for Air
B is for Bare
C is for Clear

There is nothing to see in this A to Z, other than clues to what was once or may soon be there. The 26 alphabetical scenarios are conceptual, mysterious, and meticulous, deliberately hinting at a story that has happened off the page. Readers are encouraged to explore each letter and soak in the wonder and curiosity of the alphabet unseen. Cleverly illustrated by the beloved Ron Barrett of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, this hardcover picture book is less about the letters you see, and more about the story you don't.

Joshua David Stein is a writer, editor, and podcast host in New York City. He is the editor-at-large at Fatherly and host of The Fatherly Podcast. He is the author of multiple adult books, including Food & Beer (Phaidon), Epicurean Journeys (Rizzoli), the forthcoming To Me He Was Just Dad (Artisan), as well as the co-author of Notes from a Young Black Chef (Knopf). He has also written several children's books, including Can I Eat That?; Brick, Who Found Herself in Architecture; and The Ball Book (all Phaidon). He recently founded The Band Books, a band that performs children's books to music. A longtime media fixture, Stein has been the editor-in-chief of BlackBook magazine, the editor at Black Ink, a senior editor at Departures, the senior editor of Eater, the editor-at-large at Out magazine and at Tasting Table. He is currently a contributing editor at Food & Wine. Stein lives in Brooklyn with his two young sons.

Ron Barrett is the internationally bestselling illustrator of many books for children, including Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Pickles to Pittsburgh, Superhero Joe, Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing, Lots More Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing, and An Excessive Alphabet. His illustrations have been honored by the Society of Illustrators and have been exhibited at the Louvre in Paris. He lives in New York City.