The Jazzy Alphabet - Hardcover

Shahan, Sherry

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0399234535 ISBN 13: 9780399234538

Publisher: Philomel, 2002

Synopsis

Enhanced with eye-catching collage illustrations, preschoolers are introduced to the alphabet through lively hip phrases, such as "alley cat" and "zoot suit."

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

The ABCs explode in a creative flurry of color and cadence in this stimulating mix of contemporary abstract images and playful jazz lingo. Shahan's (Feeding Time at the Zoo) alliterative text incorporates music jargon in each dynamic spread. Saxophone S is swingin,' so scuff your shiny shoes. Shimmy and shake to the scat man blues! For each letter, debut artist Thelen cleverly incorporates items ranging from the expected (zebra) to the unexpected (zither) on each purposefully busy spread. The focus letter, in a distinct bright color, stands out within black text that routinely dances up and down the page. Thelen orchestrates vivid hues and geometric shapes, often employing a scribbled backdrop for scintillating collage scenes; one spare scene of a fat cat shuffl[ing] to a fine funky beat as an elephant plays horn on Ellington Street, gives a nod to Matisse's jazz collages in its palette and mood. An African-American boy on harmonica and a blue cat make frequent appearances throughout the pages, taking time out to jam with the animal musicians (including a beret-wearing bear strumming a B-shaped bass). The rhymes may be uneven (e.g., for the letter U: U do, I do, upbeat u do. Utmost jam host!), but the tempo swings. New and whimsical discoveries await each toe-tapping visit to this book, though the very young may have trouble finding the alphabet hidden under all the jazzy dressing. A sassy improvisation on the abecedarian theme. Ages 2-5.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 3-"Bim-bam blues!" "Razzmatazz!" Shahan presents an alphabet book with lively language and a jazzy rhythm that will inspire a read-aloud with a snappy beat. The text boogies and sings, be-bopping through the alphabet from "Abazaba alley cat" to "zoot suit." Instruments and jazz terms and phrases capture the fun. "[W]iggle-waggle-wibble-wabble woo woo wee!" and other alliterative phrases make the book perfect for phonemic awareness and for use as a model for studying the literary device. Featured letters are usually identified with a different color to set them apart from the rest of the text. Brilliant collage illustrations harmonize with the vibrant spirit of the text. The illustrator has added additional alphabet interest by including pictures that begin with each letter. The first page lists a few examples, serving as an invitation for readers to find the many items that begin with each letter. Rockin' and tappin' fun, this title is an energetic addition to any alphabet-book collection.
Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Philomel
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0399234535
• ISBN 13: 9780399234538
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Thelen Mary