Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic [Hardcover]

Steven Schnur (Author), Leslie Evans (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

One brief acrostic poem for each letter of the alphabet from acorn to zero follows the fall season from end of summer to chilly conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3. Seasonal books are always in demand and this alphabet acrostic will be especially welcome. In clever, poetic verse, a fall riddle is presented for each letter of the alphabet. The answer is spelled out in the first letter of each line. The riddles are spare with striking images as seen in "Bats/And owls/Roost among empty/Nests." The 26 poems cover such chilly-day themes as knitting, frost, leaves, and icicles. The only source of confusion comes with the always challenging letter "X." Schnur uses the Roman numeral "XII" for 12 and the answer to the riddle is "Xylem," a term not familiar to most primary-grade students. Evans's stunning hand-colored linoleum block prints are clear, bright, and provide sharp clues for the riddles, which are placed in a white box right on each illustration. This delightful alphabet book with a new twist will provide inspiration and challenges for a wide audience.?Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

A strong graphic presentation is balanced against the clear simplicity of an ingenious text in this captivating picture book. Schnur (Beyond Providence, 1996, etc.) creates an acrostic for each letter of the alphabet on an autumnal theme. For example, for the letter F, ``FROST'' is spelled by reading the lines vertically; the text reads ``From the window the/Rows of/Orange Pumpkins/Seem clothed in/Thin white shawls.'' The first letters of each line appear in cherry-red type and the rest in black, set in a box on each page of illustration. While the words are not haiku, they partake of the spirit of that poetic form in their spare, direct, and emotionally telling worth. Evans's pictures, executed in hand-colored linoleum cuts, are full of saturated colors with an elegant use of the black line of that medium. Accessible and intimate, they depict people, animals, household objects, and outdoor scenes; warm and cozy, they complement and further define this friendly read-aloud. (Picture book. 3-8) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books; 1 edition (August 18, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395770432
• ISBN-13: 978-0395770436
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 9.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #533,240 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic, June 21, 2000

By 

"szechenyi" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic (Hardcover)

These twenty-six acrostic poems are wonderful. I use this bookevery year in my third grade classroom. Each poem tells about anaspect of the autumn season with such detail. The pictures are amazing and very well done. This book is a keeper!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A+ for Autumn, November 12, 2003

By 

D. Worth (Centreville, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic (Hardcover)

I got this book from the library - it is recommended in the book called "Books Children Love" - and I would add it to mine because I like it as much - if not more than - my 3 year old. Totally makes you experience autumn - pure poetry, and that includes the illustrations which are marvelous.