A graphical representation of the alphabet gives a new view of the letters, from the A that crumbles as an avalanche approaches to the D that glows with the light of the devil.
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Amazon.com Review
Most alphabet books for pre-readers and early readers set out to make the somewhat abstract idea of letters as clear and as clearly linked to words as possible. In The Graphic Alphabet, graphic designer David Pelletier has created an alphabet book that aims to explore letters for their beauty and complexity as design elements as well as help teach kids how to read. His "A," for example, stands for "avalanche," and with its normally pointed top tumbling down the right diagonal, the letter doesn't just stand for the avalanche, it becomes the word. Pelletier is equally ingenious throughout. And while this might not be the best book to make the concept of letters concrete for youngsters, it will certainly help instill in them a sense of wonder about letters and words.
From Publishers Weekly
This arresting alphabet book is far removed from the "A is for Apple" school of abecedaries. Here, A is for Avalanche, and the churning snow in the accompanying illustration crumbles from the summit of an A-shaped mountain. B is for Bounce, and the arcing path of a blue ball loops to form the outer curves of that letter. Each of the 26 letters is thus ingeniously featured in an illustration that represents the word in question. Glossy and elegant, Pelletier's debut work is striking for the clean lines of its images and the overarching simplicity of its composition. Each letter is showcased against a sleek black background, vivid colors against a square of darkness. There is humor here, too: set sideways, the letter D glows as a horned red devil; in a ghoulish X ray two bony fingers overlap to form an X. Even so, this book is too sophisticated for kids just learning their ABC's; it may best suit older children with an interest in art and adults with an interest in graphic design. All ages.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
I'm torn! Is this a children's book or something I put on my coffee table? It's that good!
Instead of cute pictures in bright colors representing letters, Pelletier takes a graphically unusual look at the alphabet using everything from color and graphic images to different varnishes to get across his message. The colors are bright with a black background that jump off the page.
The unique images are clever and engaging. One of my favorites is the x-ray of a hand with crossing fingers for X.
Have a child; know someone who does; looking for something interesting as an ice breaker? Take a look at this book!
Instead of cute pictures in bright colors representing letters, Pelletier takes a graphically unusual look at the alphabet using everything from color and graphic images to different varnishes to get across his message. The colors are bright with a black background that jump off the page.
The unique images are clever and engaging. One of my favorites is the x-ray of a hand with crossing fingers for X.
Have a child; know someone who does; looking for something interesting as an ice breaker? Take a look at this book!
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Although I did enjoy the art in this book, wasn't this book originally called "The Z Was Zapped" by the genius author/illustrator Chris Van Allsburg? Just by adding color doesn't make this a revolutionary book. My kids love the mystery and anticipation that comes with Mr. Van Allsburg's story, and I love how it challenges and promotes that higher level of thinking and word construction. Thank you, but I'll be sticking with Chris.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By D. King
Format:Hardcover
I wondered how could an alphabet book win a Caldecott Honor. I examined this book with my class of 10 year olds. They loved it and it inspired them to write their own. This book isn't just for little ones learning their alphabet!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Immaginative
Love alphabet books in general. This one is different and fun. Each letter is made to look like the word. Kind of dated looking, but in a cool way.
Published 13 days ago by D. Revie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Excellent, excellent graphics. I use several kids's books when I teach my "Creative Thinking Through Watercolors" class. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Marni Lawson
5.0 out of 5 stars
multi purpose
I teach K through 12 art. The elementary love alphabet books presented in new ways. For my High School students it gives them a graphic art perspective that stretches their... Read more
Published 4 months ago by K. TRANCH
5.0 out of 5 stars
My 16-month old adores this book!
I got this book at a garage sale, and looking at it I would have thought the same thing as many of the reviewers here who seem to feel that it would be useless for kids trying to... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Susan E. Snyder
1.0 out of 5 stars
unimaginative, uninspired
i love typography and lettering, and I try to expose my kids to good design as much as possible. This book is quite terrible and a lot of the letter designs look like "last-minute,... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Robert Chadwick Greene III
5.0 out of 5 stars
ELLs
Ideal for teaching the alphabet to older beginner ELLs learning the sounds and letters of English. The words for each letter lend themselves to TPR.
Published on November 28, 2009 by Ana Lado
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Graphic Alphabet
Pelletier, David. The Graphic Alphabet. New York: Orchard, 1996.
ISBN: 0-531-36001-6
Award: Caldecott Honor Book
The Graphic Alphabet by David Pelletier... Read more
ISBN: 0-531-36001-6
Award: Caldecott Honor Book
The Graphic Alphabet by David Pelletier... Read more
Published on June 14, 2007 by Cinda B
3.0 out of 5 stars
... next time won't you discuss the clarity of contrast with me...
This is kind of rare. A graphic designer without any children's book credentials to his name, creates an alphabet book in 1996 that (in his own words), "had to retain the natural... Read more
Published on October 10, 2005 by E. R. Bird
5.0 out of 5 stars
A witty alphabet book
In an epilogue to his 1997 Caldecott Honor Book The Graphic Alphabet, David Pelletier explains his aim: "the illustration of the letterform had to retain the natural shape of the... Read more
Published on September 14, 2004 by Kara Reuter
4.0 out of 5 stars
An ABC book which uses the letters themselves as examples.
This is an alphabet book for children in which each letter is coupled with a word that is graphicly illustrated by the letter. Read more
Published on May 29, 1999 by R. D. Allison (dallison@biochem.med.ufl.edu)
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