Creature ABC

August 24, 2009
A handful of new titles explores simple concepts such as opposites, numbers and the alphabet.
Creature ABC
Andrew Zuckerman
. Chronicle
, $19.99 (120p) ISBN 978-0-8118-6978-2

Zuckerman's striking animal photographs are put to excellent use in this book—part abecedarian, part guessing game. Each letter is given two spreads. The first shows the letter in upper and lower case next to an animal; the second reveals the animal's name and offers a different view of the creature. Some touches are especially clever: a kangaroo and a lion seem to stare at each other during an interlude between K and L, and while the rest of the book features stark white backgrounds, the letter N is shown against black—a page turn uncovers a group of nocturnal animals. All ages.

November 1, 2009
PreS-Gr 2-The power behind this thick, square alphabet book lies in the breathtaking photography. Striking zebra-skin endpapers lure readers into the book. On each spread, a letter of the alphabet is presented in large, bold font in its capital and lowercase form along with a teasing photograph. The page turn shows a more complete photograph and the word describing it. Usually the letters stand for one animal, such as "Ee" for "Elephant." But there are a few exceptionssuch as the letter "Nn" denoting "Nocturnal" and "Qq" for "Quills." The portraits stand out sharply from the white backgrounds, helping to focus readers on the animals' stunning details and colors. A glossary offers tidbits of animal trivia about each of the 26 entries, which might inspire readers to seek out more information. Based on photographs from Zuckerman's adult coffee table book "Creature" (Chronicle, 2007), this playful trip through the alphabet and nature will be visually inspiring for young children."Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA"

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