ABC

Starred review from July 15, 2016
This alphabet book takes the ABCs to new heights--literally. Aerial color photographs from the United States Geologic Survey offer a bird's-eye view of various places in the United States from high above, letters of the alphabet "hiding" among the panoramic scenes. On the lower-right corner of each double-page spread is a square inset that identifies the location and map coordinates. For example, the A spread depicts Lake Worth, Florida, from above, an A-shaped subdivision just right of center. In the inset, a white map of the United States sits on a yellow field with a black dot to locate the town; city and state information is also printed, along with geographical data (N 26.5702 and W80.1904). Alphabet letters can be found in the many shapes: subdivisions and single buildings, roads and a power corridor, an island, a golf course, and bodies of water. Some letters jump out more than others, presenting readers with varying challenges. The page composition places a question at the top left as a prompt: "can you spot the A?" The type is a nice, clean Ariel Bold. This concept is an attention-grabbing blend of Stephen Johnson's Alphabet City (1995) and Roxie Munro's books of mazes that only the combination of a computational designer (Gross) and a geographer (Lee) could create. Backmatter includes a photo legend that reveals the letters plus two spreads of additional letters without identification, "just for fun." This alphabet scavenger hunt will intrigue adults perhaps more than kids, but it's fascinating and extremely inventive. (Picture book. 5 & up)

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August 1, 2016

K-Gr 4-As a concept book, this unique approach to the ABCs will engage early learners as they seek out the letters hidden in the shapes of our landscape. This is the culmination of a Kickstarter campaign project called Aerial Bold. Each spread uses satellite imagery to map out letter forms from all over the United States. Readers search for the letters while discovering other shapes and designs in the terrain. Older readers can learn about the precise coordinates of each letter; for example, the letter R was taken from an image in Oviedo, FL, located at N 28.6851, W 81.2115. The digital technology was gathered from a database supplied by aerial imagery from Mapbox and data provided by the OpenStreetMap community and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Back matter contains a glossary of infographics to aid in each letter's discovery. A supplemental page includes additional letters to search and discover. VERDICT Supporting 21st-century learning by combining art, science, math, and design, this is a strong purchase for school and public libraries, learning commons, and maker spaces. A noteworthy picture book that is sure to inspire.-Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2016
Preschool-K Let your imagination take you across America on a journey to discover the alphabet like you've never seen before. The creative project of the Kickstarter campaign Aerial Bold, this title offers young and old readers a unique opportunity to hunt for letters of the alphabet throughout America's conterminous landscape. Using satellite imagery and computer technology, hidden letters can be found in the shape of buildings, roads, trees, or even lakes. Simple prompts spark inquisitive readers to look for clues ( Can you spot the A?; Where's the M?; There's a W hiding somewhere ). Pages and pages of intricate full-page scenes let reader's imaginations go wild as they search for additional clues reminiscent of other things, such as shapes of animals or funny faces. Gross and Lee provide inset maps with locations and topographical coordinates for map enthusiasts. Answers to question prompts are included, as well as additional letter clues for further searching. A delightful anytime book with hours of entertainment. Don't be surprised if adults want to get in on the fun, too.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)