This series entry, originally from Britain, uses the alphabet as an awkward organizer. The excellent, vibrant photos are a treasure. The page layout, with left or right borders employing Turkish design elements matching the circles around each capital letter, is striking. Unfortunately, however, the text doesn’t always offer enough information. The alphabet device works with “D is for Dolmus,” a minibus, but not as well for “E is for Ephesus,” which should note its Greek origins, not only its role in the Roman and Christian worlds. Confusingly, the letters sometimes stand for English words (“I is for Ice Cream,” not maras) but at other times for Turkish words, such as “B is for Bezirganbasi,” a children’s tug-of-war game. Various aspects of Islam are included. The Q page features Qu’ran, a universal spelling but nevertheless a puzzling choice, since Kuran is the Turkish word. Children will note that some women wear head-scarves, but there is no explanation. Engaging for a child with Turkish roots or a young tourist, this may not be illuminating enough for the general young viewer. (Informational picture book. 5-8)
