LOOK ONCE, LOOK TWICE

The bold colors, sharp graphics, and pure design of this alphabet book will nab children's attention initially, but the ideas beyond that first look may confuse even older readers. Each letter contains a pattern drawn from nature; with the letter as a clue, readers guess from what plant or animal the pattern comes. Thus, ``a'' is green, and covered with pink scales; the next page reveals asparagus. Only a few of the patterns will seem familiar on the first reading (e.g., butterfly and corn), however, and some, like unicornfish, probably never will. The illustrations, stylized paper cut-outs that are vibrant on their own, do little to abet the process. But the guessing game is fun, and may encourage children to look more closely at patterns in everyday life. (Picture book. 3-5)