bookshelf

THE ALPHABET FROM Z TO A

Name: THE ALPHABET FROM Z TO A
Author: Judith Viorst
ISBN: 0-689-31768-9

(WITH MUCH CONFUSION ON THE WAY)

by Judith Viorst & illustrated by Richard Hull ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1994

bookshelf

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

Categories:

CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS

- BOOK REVIEW
LULU IS GETTING A SISTER
by Judith Viorst ; illustrated by Kevin Cornell

- BOOK REVIEW
WHAT ARE YOU GLAD ABOUT? WHAT ARE YOU MAD ABOUT?
by Judith Viorst ; illustrated by Lee White

- BOOK REVIEW
ALEXANDER, WHO'S TRYING HIS BEST TO BE THE BEST BOY EVER
by Judith Viorst ; illustrated by Isidre Monés

bookshelf

SMILING

by Gwenyth Swain ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 13, 1999

bookshelf

The latest addition to the Small World series, which shows children around the world engaged in similar activities, focuses on the very human act of smiling. Using full-color photographs, Swain supplies a rhythmic cascade of statements and queries: “Do you smile when you put on a hat? Do you smile for the camera, just like that?” Every page contains a photograph with one to two lines that are simple enough for beginning readers to attempt. The scope of photographs allows children to stretch their imaginations: all convey the information that people are more alike than different. An index provides further information on the locations and settings of the photographs. (Picture book. 3-7)

Pub Date: April 13, 1999

ISBN: 1-57505-256-3

Page Count: 24

Publisher: Carolrhoda

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1999

Categories:

CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS

- BOOK REVIEW
HOPE AND TEARS
by Gwenyth Swain

- BOOK REVIEW
MEET THE WOOLLY MAMMOTH
by Sophie Philippo & translated by Gwenyth Swain & adapted by Gwenyth Swain & illustrated by Charles Dutertre

- BOOK REVIEW
CHIG AND THE SECOND SPREAD
by Gwenyth Swain

bookshelf

THE COWBOY ABC

by Chris L. Demarest ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1999

bookshelf

Demarest (Plane, 1995, etc.) abandons his familiar minimalist cartoons for a more elaborate style in this tribute to the cowboy mythos. Captioned by a rhymed alphabet—“A is for Appaloosa, a trusty steed. B is for Buckaroo, who rides at top speed”—the scenes depict a crew of cowhands (of both sexes) working horses, cattle, and sheep through a series of unspoiled, wide-open landscapes. Rendering chaps and stetsons, nighthawks and prairie dogs in loving detail, Demarest captures that rugged, outdoorsy life at its most romanticized, and will leave readers itching to saddle up. (Picture book. 6-7)