Creature ABC
Part alphabet book, part captivating animal encounter.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Creature ABC is a this lovely book that uses wonderful wildlife photos to help teach the alphabet. There are some bared teeth and claws, but they aren’t at all frightening -- kids will most likely lean in close to get a good (and safe) look at these amazing animals.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
This massive ABC book features two photographic spreads for each letter. The first two pages present the letter in both upper and lower case with a portrait of the featured animal; the second spread presents another portrait and the animal’s name.
Is It Any Good?
The bold, simple presentation of this striking book belies the complexity of the images. Andrew Zuckerman’s photographs encourage viewers to regard wild animals in a whole new way. Close-up portraits and focused partial shots invite readers to marvel at the toenails of an elephant, admire the flexibility of a giraffe’s neck, and go eye to eye with a lion. Some of the letter associations are obvious -- A for alligator, for example -- but some of the choices are pleasant surprises. N showcases nocturnal animals, J introduces a jackrabbit, and Q features a wonderful shot of a porcupine’s quills. A glossary provides more information about the featured creatures. The only flaw is the heft of this large book: Small hands won't be able to handle it on their own. But adults will be happy to pore over it with them, again and again.
Arresting portraits against a white background are simply beautiful.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the puzzle-like glimpses on some of the alphabet pages. Try to guess each animal. With children who are just learning their letters, reinforce the letter sounds to help them guess.
Explore the textures and details in each picture. Did you realize elephants were so hairy? Point out how feathers separate in outstretched wings, how different the two pictured frogs are, and so on.
Book Details
- Author: Andrew Zuckerman
- Genre: Alphabet
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Chronicle Books
- Publication date: July 29, 2009
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 120
- Available on: Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
-
A Is for ART
Abstract art + alphabetic alliteration = amazing ABC book.
-
Avalanche
Snowball journeys through alphabet in fun book.
-
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Colorfully illustrated alphabet rhymes.
For kids who love animals and ABCs
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate