Alpha Beta Chowder (Michael Di Capua Books) - Hardcover

Steig, Jeanne

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0062050060 ISBN 13: 9780062050069

Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books, 1992

Synopsis

Presents an alliterative humorous verse for each letter of the alphabet, including "The Enigmatic Egg," "Mishmash," and "Worrywart."

About this title

Review:

If Roald Dahl and Lewis Carroll were to put their heads together to write an alphabet book in verse, Alpha Beta Chowder is what they might have come up with. This, however, is the wily work of the devious Jeanne Steig. With her rollicking rhymes, alluring alliteration, and weird words--some of them of decidedly uncertain origin--Steig leads the reader through a controlled delirium, complete with a hint of menace and a little lighthearted bloodshed.

Meet Gruesome Gilbert, who smells like old galoshes and whose teeth are green, gooey, and gorgeously mildewy. And here's Xavier Max, who views the Great Sphinx; Tactless Toby, who teases Tina with tadpoles in her tapioca; and Penelope, who plummets from her piano stool, pretending to be dead so she won't have to practice her scales.

William Steig's hilarious illustrations provide a perfect accompaniment to the verses--in fact, his pictures sometimes communicate even more than the words. Children will delight in seeing Vera's feet under her bed while her parents are still wondering if she vaporized, or if a vampire's venom downed her. Parents and children be warned: if you're looking for tame and innocuous, turn right around and go home. Alpha Beta Chowder is going to tangle your tongue and wobble your world. (Ages 9 to 12)

About the Author:

Jeanne Steig is the author of several books for children including, most notably, Consider the Lemming, The Old Testament Made Easy, Alpha Beta Chowder, A Handful of Beans, and A Gift from Zeus; all of which were illustrated by her late husband and award-winning author/illustrator, William Steig. She lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0062050060
• ISBN 13: 9780062050069
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 45
• Illustrator: Steig William