Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Part alphabet book, part captivating animal encounter.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
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 :
- 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 13, 2017
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