Abstract Alphabet: An Animal ABC

by Paul Cox

Bargain Books are non-returnable. An alphabet is a set of symbols. If the symbols were different from the letters we know would they still spell words? In this unusual ABC book, colorful shapes make up the alphabet and a sturdy fold-out key is included to help readers decipher the word puzzles on each page. One each word is the name of an animal and the twenty-six different letter combinations are in alphabetical order. Do the shapes spell out ape? ant? bull? bear? cat? cod? In a playful homage to modern art, the graphic letter combinations that make up this mesmerizing menagerie will captivate readers and art lovers of all ages.

Genres: Picture Books, Art

64 pages, Hardcover

First published May 24, 2001

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abstract Alphabet: An Animal ABC by Paul Cox is a great book. Throughout the book, there are different images put together to create a letter from the alphabet. As you continue to read, the reader realizes that the letters are actually spelling words. They are spelling animals for instance "rabbit" is a word that is spelled in the book. There is a flap that readers can lift to help decode the letters. This is a very fun book for kids cause not only are they learning their ABC's but it is game for them to decode the letters to create an animal word. I would not use this book as a read aloud in my classroom because it is a more hands on book and the students need to get up close and personal with it. I would use this book to help teach my students their alphabet and they can learn how to spell words.

[Christine Turner]

This is a book for those who like to crack a code.

This book could also be paired with books about abstract art or artist. For example, the Orphism art movement or Sonia Delaunay's work.

Subject: Art, Abstract -- France -- Juvenile literature.
Ciphers -- Juvenile literature

[Kirsten Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great and fun book for creative thinking and problem-solving of symbols. So many great possibilities for sharing with children of all ages.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An alphabet book in which abstract symbols create a code that spells out names of animals (ape, bear, cat...). We use a flip-out chart to decode each page. This would be boring as a read-aloud, but great for kiddos to decipher on their own. I didn't find it too exciting, but I bet kids will enjoy it.

[Sarenkeifert · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 5 1/2 yr old loves this book. It is fun and appropriately challenging for a Kindergartener to 1st grader.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neat book for my coffee table