| ________________
CM . . .
. Volume X Number 8. . . . December 12, 2003
Ross MacDonald has created an unusual alphabet book where each letter of the alphabet is represented by a sound or sounds that begin with the letter. A is Achoo, and Z is zip! zap! zing! zoom. All of the type in the book was set in early 19th century wood type that was originally used to print early American circus posters, newspaper headlines, wanted posters and many other things. A different typeface was used for every word in the book. Only one was repeated, and the author asks if we can find it.
Although alphabet books are usually more suited to a young audience, this book would appeal to older students studying onomatopoeia or illustration styles. The author's detailed note at the back of the book explains the process he used for the type and printing of each page. Many adults would enjoy this nostalgic look at the alphabet. Recommended. Patricia Fay is a teacher-librarian in Charleswood, MB.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca. Copyright � the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.
NEXT REVIEW |TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - December 12, 2003. AUTHORS | TITLES | MEDIA REVIEWS | PROFILES | BACK ISSUES | SEARCH | CMARCHIVE | HOME |
The humourous illustrations have an old-fashioned 1940's-50's look to them. Children will love N, where a blindfolded boy is trying to pin the donkey tail on his father while the father is running away shouting NO! The next page shows the boy with the blindfold on his head, saying OH! oops! and the father, with the tail pinned to his behind and surrounded by stars, is shouting OW....