ABC3D

From its quad-lenticular cover (presenting A, B, C and D, depending on the angle of view) to its 3-dimensional Z, this is one showboat of a pop-up book. Remarkable paper mechanics cause some members of the alphabet to mutate and morph into their successive characters through the use of slides, pivots and peek-a-boos, while other letters stand alone in daring 3-D splendor. Perhaps the most magical pages are the translucent overlay that transforms O and P to Q and R, and the mirrored spread that converts V to W. Meant to be relished, not read (despite its bold palette of black-and-white-and-red–all over), this is too fragile for flip handling and won’t likely find a place on public-library shelves, but for alphabet-book collectors and paper-engineering enthusiasts, it’s an absolute delight. (Toy book. All ages)