Classic Munsch ABC

Classic Munsch ABC is a wonderful example of “illustration recycling”. Some of Martchenko’s images that had previously appeared in books authored by Robert Munsch have been selected to represent the letters of the alphabet. And so, for example: “B is for Baby” is an image taken from Murmel, Murmel, Murmel, “F is for Fire truck” was an illustration in The Fire Station, “L is for Leg” was originally found in David’s Father, “M is for Music” appeared in Mortimer, “R is for Run” was part of Stephanie’s Ponytail and “U is for Underpants” was selected from Thomas’ Snowsuit.

In most cases, like “G is for Grandpa” or “H is for Hug’, the letter/object correspondence is quite clear; however, there are a few instances where the amount of detail in Martchenko’s illustration may make it difficult for the younger end of the book’s audience to quickly locate the targeted object. “E is for Eggs” and “Q is for Quack” would be two examples in which the amount of activity may initially mask the sought after thing (plus “Quack” is a sound that is not actually present on the page).

Overall, Classic Munsch ABC is an effective introduction to both the upper case letters of the alphabet and Munsch’s oeuvre. The book’s last page contains “Even more CLASSIC MUNSCH!”, a listing of Annick Press published Munsch’s books, including Munsch Treasury collections and titles not illustrated by Martchenko.

Although Classic Munsch ABC is an obvious home and public library purchase, it would not be out a place in kindergarten classrooms. Because there is not a “Key” to the original source of each of the board book’s illustrations, primary grade teachers could use the book’s content as a Munsch quiz to see how many of the images students could correctly link to the book in which they originally appeared.