McLaren and Jaber’s compendium of fashion facts is an A-to-Z exploration of the vagaries of style, ranging from the obscure to the absurd. More historical scandal sheet than alphabet primer, the saucy tidbits of information are geared toward older readers. The alphabetic arrangement functions more as a gimmick than a logical progression, forcing the entries to arbitrarily span centuries and continents; for example, moving from 1926 for “D”—as in Coco Chanel’s little black dress—to 1796 for “E”—as in Josephine’s scandalous Empire-style gown. While individual entries are intriguing and often amusing, the lack of continuity contributes to an overall sense of disorganization. McLaren’s witty gouache-and-ink illustrations are pure fun to peruse, with or without the accompanying text. Dedicated fashion buffs may enjoy this wry look at the fashionable life, but younger readers will find it a challenge to maintain an interest, while older ones may be put off by the picture-book format. (Picture book. 8-12)
Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-375-85166-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade/Random
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2008
BOOK REVIEW
The well-known humorist uses a reverse alphabet to explore, and rail about, the idiosyncracies of English (``Y is for YEW and for YOU,/But it isn't for USING''), touching on the vagaries of homonyms and spelling, slipping in rhymes after teasing the ear by seeming to withhold them, and engaging in other wordplay (``J is for JEWEL but not GEM./It cannot be for GENIUS,/But can be for JERK''). Meanwhile, in Hull's precisely rendered vignettes, silhouetted on clean white, curiosities with appropriate initials are amalgamated into surreal, jewel-like little compositions; though most of the items are well known, identifying some is a real challenge (a knight ``with kyphosis—a humpback''); still, all is revealed in a long concluding list. A handsome puzzle book that also enhances appreciation for our quirky mother tongue. (Picture book. 9-12)
Pub Date: March 1, 1994
ISBN: 0-689-31768-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Atheneum
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1994
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Attractively laid out in picture book format with lively, realistic watercolors of horses in action, 20 poems with a pleasing diversity of settings and horse personalities. As a poet, Springer isn't outstanding; her language can be prosaic, and the insights here aren't deep. However, she does understand horses' quirks and their appeal to the imagination very well, while her decision to use young riders' voices for her character sketches and portraits is a good one. Like the horses, these children have varied experiences, from a girl who communes with nature and her own spirit on country rides to one who recognizes fear in the eyes of a horse that's just kicked her; from a withdrawn loner whose mount helps him to be ``proud to be me'' to a child of the plains glorying in his Appaloosa's ``wild white eyes.'' Of sure appeal to enthusiasts. Index. (Poetry. 8-12)
Pub Date: May 1, 1994
ISBN: 1-56397-182-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Boyds Mills
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1994
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
