Found Alphabet [Hardcover]

Ramon Shindler (Author), Wojciech Graniczewski (Author), Anita Andrzejewska (Illustrator), Andrzej Pilichowski-Ragno (Illustrator)

Book Description

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

The ordinary becomes the extraordinary within the pages of Found Alphabet, a fantastic collaboration of Polish artists.

The four creators of Found Alphabet reside in Kraków, Poland. This is their first book published in the United States.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-This book matches poems with pictures fashioned from found objects. The short verses and clever art encourage readers to explore the possibilities that are present in what most would consider junk. The representation of each letter includes animals, objects, vehicles, and the ubiquitous x-ray. These items were created from twigs, leaves, matchboxes, wire, buttons, and whatever else the artists happened to find. The placement of the objects and the lettering further add to the visual interest. The rhymes are often fresh but occasionally awkward, as in the case of the spider whose "mother says/it's very clear/the World Wide Web was his idea." Overall, though, this attractive title offers many opportunities for programming and extension. Children will be inspired to collect scraps and pieces to create their own found art and poetry as well.-Genevieve Gallagher, Murray Elementary School, Charlottesville, VA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 1-3. It's an alphabet book . . . it's poetry . . . it's a collection of photographs of found-object art! The objects, from airplane to zebra, are creative constructions of manmade and natural materials, including rusty wire, keys, antique clock faces, tin boxes, golden leaves, sugar cubes, and breadsticks. The accompanying poems are refreshingly nonsensical, most referencing the specific object. For example, the wings on the butterfly are toasted bread slices, and in the poem the insect can't fly because "Without butter they get dry." A wooden wolf is accompanied by the poem: "This wolf is quite a scary sight / His long, sharp teeth are sparkling white / I'm sure he'd eat you if he could / He can't because he's made of wood." Curiously, some entries are somewhat repetitive. For instance, H (house) and K (key) both feature poems about and pictures of keys. rain images and track-related poems are used for both E (engine) and T (train). Nonetheless, plenty of pleasant surprises abound here for young readers and art buffs alike. Karin Snelson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children; None edition (May 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618442324
• ISBN-13: 978-0618442324
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,523,133 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Toddler alphabet book, May 1, 2011

By 

Julie DeMatteo - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Found Alphabet (Hardcover)

Our 2-1/2 year old grandson loved the book - he loves letters & has just about every book you can think of with the alphabet in it. This one was very unique.

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming in all ways, January 11, 2009

By 

M. Pederson (Edina, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Found Alphabet (Hardcover)

I've loved this book for many years. It appeals to me as a children's book to share with children (not too many words on a page, fun visuals). But I love it for myself too and enjoy it time after time.

The design of the book, the uniqueness of the concept ... and the charm of the individual pages. Inspirational for a mixed media art project idea for adults or kids. Frame a page for a child's room? This year I gave a copy to the marketing communications design team.

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have in any library, August 22, 2007

By 

LiveLifeSexy "Wee" (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Found Alphabet (Hardcover)

I just borrowed this book from the public library. I applaud the poets and artists who put this creative and artistic masterpiece together. You can probably tell I absolutely LOVE it! I don't live in the USA now but immediately got online to try to buy it. I read it to my daughter who is 29 months. She was captivated and enjoyed it too. Buy this book for yourself or as a gift. It's wonderful and sure to impress.