The Graphic Alphabet

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. (Sept.)

Gr 1 Up-Graphic designer David Pelletier has created a striking and imaginative concept book. Against a stark, black backdrop, each vibrantly colored letter of the alphabet interprets a single word. The words are serendipitous. There appears to be no theme or criteria for their selection. Although they are mostly nouns, e.g., avalanche, devil, mountains, and edge, an occasional verb materializes (e.g., hover and juggle). This free association of words, the mixture of parts of speech, and the sophisticated visuals may be confusing to very young children, but the designs are fascinating. It is the graphics that give the book continuity. In a minimalistic fashion, intriguing shapes and spatial elements have been conceived. Like Chris Van Allsburg's The Z Was Zapped (Houghton, 1987) and Stephen Johnson's Alphabet City (Viking, 1995), this book challenges the mind and eye through the artist's unique perspective. It could elicit some interesting discussions as to the effectiveness of each design and why it works. A fine choice for examining the creative use of line, form, and space.-Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA