A IS FOR ABSTRACT

A parade of alphabetical animals includes some unusual selections in Mackie’s picture book.

This debut title takes readers on a zoological tour through the alphabet, including familiar examples such as “E is for Elephant” and “Z is for Zebra” that are paired with short poems providing details about those creatures’ habitats and habits. What sets this particular primer apart are the wild cards that readers may not have encountered before: N is for the Peruvian Ñandú, an ostrichlike bird, while U is for the wild sheep Urial and V is for the llama’s distant relative the Vicuña. The trickiest letter for any animal alphabet book to pair is X, and Mackie does not disappoint: “X is for Xerus, an African squirrel, exploring and excavating his underground world.” No matter the animal, the message remains consistent that each is beautiful and important in its own way, and that we as humans must take care of the planet we live on. This out-of-the-box take on a well-worn genre will impress both children and parents alike with its surprising animal choices and bold color palette. C.K. Mackie’s vibrant illustrations feature Picasso-like explosions of colors and shapes. This title’s approach provides multiple entry points for discussion, making it eminently rereadable.

A fresh take on the alphabet primer featuring striking animals and art.