Michael Rosen's ABC

Combines nonsense poems and fanciful illustrations with objects representing each letter of the alphabet

Kindergarten-Grade 4. Words and pictures dance in this tongue-twisting alphabet book. Each double-page spread features one letter (capital and lower-case) and corresponding paintings packed with objects and actions that begin with that letter. Identifiable objects range from the easy (pear) to the difficult (vermicelli). Zany rhymes featuring an array of well-known characters (e.g., Charlie Chaplin, Humpty Dumpty, and Snow White) accompany and describe each colorful illustration. For example: "Yankee Doodle came to town/riding on a yak./He stuck a yo-yo in his cap/and called it yackety-yack." Younger children will enjoy listening to the nonsense rhymes as well as finding the objects and actions that correspond with each letter. Older readers will also enjoy the interactive artwork, and will grasp more fully the humorous text. A list of items that can be identified on each page appears at the end. A combination of Shel Silverstein's gift for nonsense rhyme and Maira Kalman's kookiness and color scheme, this book deserves a place in most collections.?Tana Elias, Meadowridge Branch Library, Madison, WI
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Ages 3-6. Youngsters are invited into an enchanted wood to experience a whimsical ABC adventure featuring bright, busy, folk-influenced art. The ABCs are explored through tongue twisters and silly verse about the different characters and happenings in the wood. The rhymes are fun and entertaining, if not creative, and will capture a child's interest and imagination. The different sounds of the consonants and vowels--hard and soft, short and long--are presented in each poem, too. This is a good tool to teach the different sounds letters can make, although the soft c is conspicuously absent. Included at the end are Waldo-style word lists that are sure to keep children occupied and entertained. A useful, kid-friendly purchase for large collections. Kathleen Squires