From School Library Journal
PreSchool-K—This simple, attractive alphabet of action words and pictures depicts children engaged in play and other activities. "Act," "blow," "catch," "dance" are just a few of the featured activities; youngsters also "unite," "view," "whistle," and "mark the spot" (X). The letters appear in both upper- and lowercase. The design is particularly effective. Large, colorful cut-paper collages of multiethnic children feature interesting patterns that stand out against solid backgrounds. Tie-dye-like endpapers are inviting as well. A good choice for the very young.—
Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Opening with the verse To Any Reader, by Robert Louis Stevenson, the book issues the invitation to the child to look through the windows of this book. Bold, crisp cut-paper collages accompany verbs from act to zoom. Because verbs are often hard to picture, this title may be one that an adult shares with children more than one they will read on their own. Act, for instance shows a young girl bedecked with many necklaces adjusting her hat. Although she is in the spotlight, supposedly on a stage, the link from word to image is tenuous at best. Other verbs—dance, hide, whistle—are more concrete. The art, however, is terrific. Colorfully patterned papers and great use of line make visual links from one page to the next. The children, in many shades of tan and brown, reflect children of the world. As a visual feast, the book will trigger as much discussion about the art as about the alphabet. Preschool-Grade 2. --Patricia Austin
