Alphabet Books

Satoshi Kitamura is one of the few Japanese writer/illustrators to become a mainstay in the Western children's book market. He takes on emotional topics as with his book Angry Arthur. He has quite a sense of humor. He has collaborated with English writers such as Hiawyn Oram and Colin McNaughton. And in each of his 9 most popular titles, he reveals something bizarre, something unusual for a picture book to be revealing. And that is all the fun for devotees and the annoyance for those who cast him out.
    His ABC book, From Acorn to Zoo, is a book of pictures and labels. Like Richard Scarry, he stuffs his illustrations with dozens of words beginning with the given letter. Unlike Scarry (however much we adore his work), the treats for the eye are overwhelming. His drawings are at their finest. His humorous animals are full of expression. His subject matter is surprising. If you are a collector of ABC's or have an eager pre-schooler, this is one to add to the library.
Here are a few more we like:

Comments

[Il ana Salem]

Loved your site - very insiteful!
As the mum of one child who adores reading and the other who will do anything but read I will take your recommendations very seriously. Especially on the picture book front.
Thank you - it and you are a treasure.