Augie to Zebra

October 1, 2012

PreS-K-A charming alphabet book with a broad cultural feel. Children will love the simple text and delightful illustrations. The variation of names and animals allows this book to stand out from the countless books in this genre. Each page brings a new delight with entries like: "Hiroshi Hugs the Hippo," "Josie Jams with Jaguars," and "Nalani Naps with Nuthatches." Endle's collage illustrations are adorable, bringing a visual energy to each page. Children and adults will enjoy the search-and-find lists of items that start with each letter of the alphabet. An added bonus is the free download of the catchy and sweet Caspar Babypants song. A fun addition for most collections.-Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2012
Preschool-K If there's room for one more alphabet book in your library, this will be a delightful choice. The premise is simple. Each letter gets three or four words: a child's name, a verb, and an animal. So Augie Awards the Ape (with an apple). Some of the letters get quite creative: Viola Vaults over Vultures, for example. But in all cases kids will be delighted with the concept, both because of the fun alphabetic actions and the delicious art. Endle, a cut-paper artist, uses the hand-painted and decorative papers she has been collecting for years in imaginative collages where tigers can be tickled and owls are readily organized. The authors make sure to use a diverse world of children with names like Komiko, Siska, and Tamekah. A key at the book's conclusion lists the other items in each picture that begin with the designated letter, adding a look-and-find aspect to the art. Kids whose names are included will especially like this. (Willy, Quinn, and Bella, I'm looking at you.)(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)