CM Magazine: The Wildlife ABC & 123: A Nature Alphabet & Counting Book.

________________ CM . . . . Volume XI Number 9 . . . .January 7, 2005

cover
The Wildlife ABC & 123: A Nature Alphabet & Counting Book.

Jan Thornhill.
Toronto, ON: Maple Tree Press, 2004.
64 pp., cloth, $19.95.
ISBN 1-897066-09-6.

Subject Heading:
English language-Alphabet-Juvenile literature.
Counting-Juvenile literature.
Animals-Pictorial works-Juvenile literature.

Preschool-grade 1 / Ages 3-6.

Review by Reesa Cohen.

**** /4

Although both these titles will be familiar as separate editions that were published in 1988 and 1989, respectively, it is worth revisiting these award-winning books as a collection. Think of this duo as Thornhill's tribute to nature.

In The Wildlife ABC, Thornhill cleverly combines what should be essential to young readers in a quality alphabet book: bold upper and lower case letters; illustrations consistent with a theme and that reflect the key words, clarity in text and art. Additional "extras" to these requirements, provided by this talented author/illustrator are great word choices which will assist in developing a wider vocabulary, using wonderful expressive verbs like "munching," "sneaking," "inspecting," "paddling" and a delightful rhyming text that has great appeal and is very helpful for young readers learning sequence.

G is Goose
Paddling under a bridge,
H is for Housefly
Inspecting your fridge.

I is for Inchworm
Sneaking along the ground,
J is for Jumping Mouse
Hopping around.

Every picture is encased in Thornhill's trademark of enchanting borders, reflecting the animal, insect or bird used for each letter. Many of the illustrations, as well as the text, incorporate humour.

The last picture brings all the animals together and repeats them in the border.

Z is for Zoo
Can you tell who's who?

Children will be encouraged to find all the animals listed and numbered.

The Wildlife 123: a Nature Counting Book was a recipient of the Ezra Jack Keats award for illustration. Once again, clarity in a counting book is of prime importance, and this is beautifully accomplished by Thornhill. The text uses the numeric as well as the symbol for each number. Pictures reflect the number with an interesting array of animals in their natural habitat. The number of animals is also repeated in the colourful borders. Larger numbers are also included from 11 through 20, and then 50, 100, and 1000. A cleverly drawn pyramid reviews the numbers and animals.

This combination book is enjoyable on so many levels. It offers letter and number recognition; it helps to identify many exotic and familiar animals; and it encourages participating in the flowing rhymes. The edition also includes "Nature Notes" at the end that refer to both sections, giving quite detailed background and interesting information on each animal inviting further exploration. The exceptional artwork in this collection far surpasses the standard ABC or counting books. Each framed painting employs rich colours with intricate details and provides a wonderful visual companion to and an interpretation of the text.

Highly Recommended.

Reesa Cohen is an Instructor of Children's Literature and Information Literacy at the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, 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.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364 Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

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