AN ABC BESTIARY

by Deborah Blackwell ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 20, 1989

In Blackwell's boldly designed first book, a series of animals--often elegantly attired--engage in surprising pursuits. Each page is captioned with three words: ""Dinosaur dialing dentist""; Elephant exploring Ecuador."" Most of the incongruities are mildly amusing; more interesting is the art, its flat areas of vibrant color heavily outlined in black. Unlike Byron Barton's illustrations, or the classic work of C.B. Falls, some of Blackwell's get a little busy (e.g., ""Moose mimicking maestro""); some (like ""Rabbit reading rebus"") verge on coloring-book style. The last three letters are combined: ""X-marked Yak Zooming"" (in a plane). On the whole, a promising debut.

Pub Date: Nov. 20, 1989

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1989

Categories: CHILDREN'S