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ABC Dream
This stunning and innovative alphabet picture book will dazzle little ones and engage the adults who share it with them! Each page is dedicated to a letter, and clever alliterations are packed into each ink-and-watercolor spread. This gem comes to us from Kim Krans, the creator of The Wild Unknown—a lifestyle website offering prints, calendars, and more.
48 pages, Library Binding
First published January 19, 2016
12 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Kim Krans
22 books231 followersKim Krans is an artist, author, and the creator of The New York Times bestseller, The Wild Unknown Tarot. Her publications include ABC Dream, 123 Dream, Hello Sacred Life, and the Animal Spirit Deck and Guidebook. Along with husband and collaborator Arjan Miranda, Kim curates The Wild Unknown, an arts collective offering publications, artwork, music, and events that activate the forces of creativity and radical transformation.
Her work has been featured in The New York Times, New York Magazine, NYLON, Teen Vogue, Design*Sponge, and Marie Claire. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
Find more of Kim's artwork, creations, and other modern tools for self-reflection through her website, www.thewildunknown.com.
Her work has been featured in The New York Times, New York Magazine, NYLON, Teen Vogue, Design*Sponge, and Marie Claire. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
Find more of Kim's artwork, creations, and other modern tools for self-reflection through her website, www.thewildunknown.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
April 17, 2016
Truly stunning wordless alphabet book. Each page is covered with gorgeous depictions of words common and obscure, that begin with that letter. At the end is a guide to each letter, because it's almost a game to figure out what's happening on each page. For instance, the lions are leaning on the letter L, the letter M is also a mirror, and so on. My toddler, who is not on board with flashcards or anything that resembles learning, is hooked on this book.
February 2, 2024
So stunning. I felt like a little kid again, trying to guess the words hidden in the artwork for every letter. My favorites were, of course, my initials.
February 15, 2019
I love this book for its beautiful illustrations and its creativity. If you are looking for an alphabet book that is truly worthy of taking up bookshelf space, I would highly recommend this one.
February 10, 2016
A gorgeous, wordless alphabet book that could be wonderfully interactive for children and their caregivers. (Spoiler alert: there are words -- a key to each letter and its drawings at the back of the book.) Not as witty as Michaël Escoffier's Take Away the A and not as engaging as Oliver Jeffers' Once Upon an Alphabet, but beautiful and thoughtful in its way. (Also, there is a unicorn on the cover. C'mon!)
August 22, 2016
By now I would of thought that I have seen all the ABC books that have been created. But the beautiful illustrations of this book made me want to see more. This is great book to look together on a one to one. it is fun to figure out the meaning of the illustrations.
August 6, 2016
This might be my favorite book of the year so far. Amazing pictures and it can be a fun game too
January 30, 2016
This ABC picture book may not be text heavy but the illustrations are fun and readers will enjoy figuring out all the things that start with each letter.
October 31, 2019
I LOVE the artwork. So detailed with a good balance of black/white and color. Each page is an I Spy of words that fit the letter. The back has an answer key. It’d be fun to have students see how many they can get!
November 24, 2023
Beautiful pictures & a fun way to practice the alphabet!
February 2, 2016
This wordless alphabet book is a wonderful mix of concept book and also guessing game. Each double-page spread is dedicated to one letter and filled with natural elements that demonstrate that letter being used. The detailed illustrations invite readers to look closely and explore what other items they can spot that start with that letter. Nicely, the book ends with a list for each letter so adults can help make sure all of the details are noticed. This alphabet book is a unique and wondrous book that invites whimsical dreaming even as young ones learn their alphabet.
The illustrations are the entirety of this book. They are a gorgeous mix of pen and ink fine lines and watercolor washes. This combines black and white detail with touches of color that enliven the pages. Each illustration is its own fine composition with colors that complement one another and invite you to lean in and look even closer.
One of the more unique alphabet books around, this picture book will delight adults and children alike. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
The illustrations are the entirety of this book. They are a gorgeous mix of pen and ink fine lines and watercolor washes. This combines black and white detail with touches of color that enliven the pages. Each illustration is its own fine composition with colors that complement one another and invite you to lean in and look even closer.
One of the more unique alphabet books around, this picture book will delight adults and children alike. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
January 16, 2016
There is nary a word to be found in this ABC book until readers reach the book's ending where there is an alphabetical list of the objects found on each page. The artwork is memorable, filled with some of the expected images and items associated with each letter, but there are plenty of surprises as well. For instance, an apple has been shot through by two arrows. It rests on the letter A depicted as wearing Argyle while nearby, ants devour an apple core. All of the pages are like that--sumptuous, compelling, slightly enchanting, and almost endlessly intriguing. While the book might be ideal as a gift to youngsters, older readers may find it well worth their time to explore its pages since it encourages creative thinking and embracing the imagination. Reading this book is almost meditative, and left me impressed with the artist's view of the world. There is so much out there that many of us never even see.
June 16, 2020
So, as an adult, I looked at the first page and thought “Nice pictures of things that start with A.” It took me until N to figure out that there was a game component to the book. Each letter was surrounded by things that start with that letter. A has apple, ants, and arrows. For some letters the objects are obvious and some are quite tricky and some are not objects at all. Feeling a bit foolish I finished the rest of the book with a more critical eye. I missed a lot.
At the end the objects and ideas that surround the letters are listed. I was far more excited than I should have been about getting a whole letter right. If an adult can have this much fun with a book then children will love it.
By the way I missed something in A. Maybe you can find it.
At the end the objects and ideas that surround the letters are listed. I was far more excited than I should have been about getting a whole letter right. If an adult can have this much fun with a book then children will love it.
By the way I missed something in A. Maybe you can find it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2016
It's likely many of adults have a favorite ABC book to give to kids, but this one is not to be missed! A gorgeous, creative take on ABCs. Identifying the items on each page (all of which begin with the featured letter) becomes almost a game. The final pages include a key to go back and see if you overlooked any small details. I'm very much looking forward to recommending and gifting this beautiful book.
February 6, 2016
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*
Stunning. I think this is my new favorite alphabet book. The illustrations are gorgeous and clever (the hinges on the H page spread pushed my rating from 4 to 5 stars). The book is wordless, leaving readers to work out the puzzle of each letter. However, Krans lists the letters in the back of the book with all of the words represented by each.
Stunning. I think this is my new favorite alphabet book. The illustrations are gorgeous and clever (the hinges on the H page spread pushed my rating from 4 to 5 stars). The book is wordless, leaving readers to work out the puzzle of each letter. However, Krans lists the letters in the back of the book with all of the words represented by each.
June 9, 2017
This abecedario has great illustrations that are whimsical and have interesting use of color. I think this would be a fun lapsit when you can open up any page and point and talk about what they see and or count how many items they see on that page that start with the particular letter of the alphabet. It can be fun for adults, too. There's a little bit of challenge involved!
January 19, 2016
This is freaking amazing
February 10, 2016
Beautiful illustrations of numerous subjects per letter make for a lovely "I spy" alphabet bedtime book for parents and kids.
April 16, 2016
An absolutely gorgeous wordless alphabet book. I was thrilled by reading it with each turn of the page. A book I want to gift to babies.
April 25, 2016
A lovely and beautifully illustrated "wordless" picture book that shows the letter as well as a corresponding picture. A great book for little ones learning their ABC's.
January 30, 2023
ABC Dream by Kim Krans
As one who enjoys ABC picture books, this was a great one to discover. This book takes you on a journey of learning the ABC’s through very detailed, whimsical illustrations. Furthermore, there were many types of illustrations shown like water colors and pencil. Each letter was largely displayed on every page with pictures to follow the theme. For example, the letter F was displayed on a double-paged spread with pictures that started with the letter F such as a fox, a fern, a feather, a fish, and a fly. Some of the pictures are placed in a hide-and-seek type format while others are more bold. I really enjoyed how there were multiple pictures for each letter, as well as, the placement of the illustrations. This made my imagination spark and more fun to follow along. While this was not a boring picture book to read, some pictures were more mature and sophisticated for someone who is learning their alphabet. For instance, the letter Z incorporated an example of Zinnias. Therefore, I would recommend this book to an older age such as 1st-2nd graders, as someone who is reviewing their alphabet. To end, there was a reference page at the back of the book for all the pictures that were displayed throughout the book.
As one who enjoys ABC picture books, this was a great one to discover. This book takes you on a journey of learning the ABC’s through very detailed, whimsical illustrations. Furthermore, there were many types of illustrations shown like water colors and pencil. Each letter was largely displayed on every page with pictures to follow the theme. For example, the letter F was displayed on a double-paged spread with pictures that started with the letter F such as a fox, a fern, a feather, a fish, and a fly. Some of the pictures are placed in a hide-and-seek type format while others are more bold. I really enjoyed how there were multiple pictures for each letter, as well as, the placement of the illustrations. This made my imagination spark and more fun to follow along. While this was not a boring picture book to read, some pictures were more mature and sophisticated for someone who is learning their alphabet. For instance, the letter Z incorporated an example of Zinnias. Therefore, I would recommend this book to an older age such as 1st-2nd graders, as someone who is reviewing their alphabet. To end, there was a reference page at the back of the book for all the pictures that were displayed throughout the book.
November 8, 2016
Each letter of the alphabet gets 1-2 pages with an assortment of things on each page that start with that letter.
Not only are the illustrations in this fantastic making it a charming ABC book, but the number of things on each page that start with the letter can be a challenge/game to figure out. Everything on the page is significant, from the color to the position of critters to the decorative foliage. For example, there is a unicorn on the U spread, but it is in an unusual position, it is upside-down, and both of those count as things that start with U. The answers for all the pages are in the back of the book. See if you can figure out all of the things on that page that start with that letter. Some pages are definitely easier than others.
Not only are the illustrations in this fantastic making it a charming ABC book, but the number of things on each page that start with the letter can be a challenge/game to figure out. Everything on the page is significant, from the color to the position of critters to the decorative foliage. For example, there is a unicorn on the U spread, but it is in an unusual position, it is upside-down, and both of those count as things that start with U. The answers for all the pages are in the back of the book. See if you can figure out all of the things on that page that start with that letter. Some pages are definitely easier than others.
July 21, 2021
Lovely illustrations in an almost wordless alphabet book (spoiler alert - there is a spread in the back which lists all the words illustrated under each letter. H is hedgehog, heart, hat, hinges, etc). The pictures are wonderfully detailed, and I love the watercolor effects in the illustrations. On the other hand, not all of the letters have as many details or included words, and there's no overarching theme or quirk of humor through the book, like is some other alphabet books.
Overall, very, very pretty, but not one of my favorites. Still, it makes for a great interactive read in a small group/one-on-one. Could be a good storytime read too for an alphabet theme - a new one to throw into the rotation.
Overall, very, very pretty, but not one of my favorites. Still, it makes for a great interactive read in a small group/one-on-one. Could be a good storytime read too for an alphabet theme - a new one to throw into the rotation.
March 27, 2018
Copyright: 2016
Number of pages: 48
Book format: print
Reading level: pre-k-2; GR level N/A
Genre: fiction
Lit requirement: alphabet book
ABC Dream by Kim Krans is a simple alphabet book which features just the letters and illustrations that start with the letters. Some are more obvious than others, and at the end of the book, the letters have lists underneath them that say what was in each picture. For example, the pictures that went along with H is a hedgehog wearing a hat that had hearts on it. Where the pages are bound, there are also two hinges. I rated this book three stars because I think it is a pretty basic alphabet book, but it is not all that interesting.
Number of pages: 48
Book format: print
Reading level: pre-k-2; GR level N/A
Genre: fiction
Lit requirement: alphabet book
ABC Dream by Kim Krans is a simple alphabet book which features just the letters and illustrations that start with the letters. Some are more obvious than others, and at the end of the book, the letters have lists underneath them that say what was in each picture. For example, the pictures that went along with H is a hedgehog wearing a hat that had hearts on it. Where the pages are bound, there are also two hinges. I rated this book three stars because I think it is a pretty basic alphabet book, but it is not all that interesting.
December 16, 2017
This mostly wordless book (aside from the letters themselves) provides readers with a "dreamlike" introduction to letters. Illustrations are artsy, lovely pen & ink illustrations, colored with watercolor dreamlike lots of detail on illustrations. It's not your average alphabet book, in which Krans finds creative objects and animals for each such as a Dalmatia and dandelions, a hedgehog with a party hat. There's also a guide in the back for any that a reader is uncertain about. It's a joy to flip through foxes, ferns, and flying fish, and learn the alphabet.
May 17, 2018
It's rare that I give 5 stars to a picture book - with no words - but this book is so beautiful that I could see myself returning to it over and over.
Each letter of the alphabet is given a full page and is illustrated with 3-4 words that start with that letter. For example, the letter S is drawn in a star pattern, with a sun shining overhead, while shells, snails, strawberries and spiders are on the ground. My son is too young to appreciate this one, but I will return in a couple of years when we can explore the pages and find all the pictures together.
Each letter of the alphabet is given a full page and is illustrated with 3-4 words that start with that letter. For example, the letter S is drawn in a star pattern, with a sun shining overhead, while shells, snails, strawberries and spiders are on the ground. My son is too young to appreciate this one, but I will return in a couple of years when we can explore the pages and find all the pictures together.
October 27, 2024
There are just so many alphabet books but this one with a mix of black and white drawings and watercolour embellishments is quite stunning. No words but an answer key at the back for those who desire a list {not needed and some are a stretch like "leaning" for the lamb and "lying down" for the lion...) Favourite page: the chicken eating the crumbs from the chocolate cupcake with the cherry on top!
June 20, 2017
This is an AMAZING wordless ABC book! Each letter has a few illustrations that begin with that letter. The watercolor and pen illustrations capture the attention of the reader and open up those conversations that revolve around vocabulary. At the end of the picture book there is an index with the letter and what each of the illustrations on the page are.
September 11, 2017
I checked this book out for my 18-month-old nephew; turns out, I got more out of this book than he did! I would recommend this book for 4-6 year olds, so you can name things in each picture that starts with the featured letter and so on. It was visually captivating, and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!
March 30, 2018
So arty yet simple. In addition to its beautiful picture and letters It’s a bit of a puzzle for the kids to say what’s on the page and learn they start with that letter. I even enjoyed guessing some and some I didn’t know. So glad the answers are in the back so I learnt some things as well as the kids. Would love to read again and again
January 4, 2019
This book is beautiful. Each page (or two-page spread) features a letter of the alphabet, and illustrations that start with that letter. It sounds simple, but the illustration style and colour use are so striking, and some of the words being hinted at are a bit difficult (like "argyle"). It makes for a very fun book. Love this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews