Review: Love the zany illustrations, text just ok
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 04 11, 2013
From A to Z this picture book teaches the alphabet with unique pictures set to odd rhymes.I love the illustrations. They are cute and unusual and well-done. I would read this book again just to look at them (Teeth on the jellyfish? A banana eating lizard? A hat wearing cat?). Love it!The text isn't the best. The rhymes required me to have a New York accent (and yet it's a British book, but try it and you'll see what I mean), which might be fun actually. However, the rhythm didn't maintain a steady beat, and that's important in a rhymed verse read-aloud. Also, lion doesn't rhyme with Baron or salon, no matter the accent. But most odd was several times it didn't read like a book for children. One page had a mouse hiding his secret pile of food from his "spouse." It felt very off kilter, like tongue in cheek humor for adults not kids, and my young kids asked me about the word "spouse." Just didn't feel like the author knew her audience.The book would make fun posters to decorate a kid's room, but the book isn't a good read aloud.2 stars for the writing.5 stars for the illustrations.