The Graphic Alphabet (Caldecott Honor Book) [Hardcover]

David Pelletier (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Caldecott Honor Book

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.

Editorial Reviews

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.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic; First Edition edition (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531360016
• ISBN-13: 978-0531360019
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #123,667 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A for Apple? Not any more!, July 2, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Graphic Alphabet (Caldecott Honor Book) (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!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars History repeating itself?, August 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Graphic Alphabet (Caldecott Honor Book) (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:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not just for little ones, January 15, 2001

By 

D. King (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Graphic Alphabet (Caldecott Honor Book) (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!