"Fancy Ferrets Feeling Famous
and Fabulous
Grumpy Gorillas Guarding the
Garden Gate
Happy Hippopotamus Hopping
down the Hall"
Go on! See what you can do to add to this alliterative animal alphabet. Join in the fun! The words I might have some success with, but the artwork? Not a chance! The alliteration is a real treat and the artwork is stunning in this truly lovely new alphabet book. Just when you think you might have seen your last one, someone adds to your collection. The focus here is on nature, and the beauty to be found there. Of its birth, the author says:
"The text came knocking on my brain and I began
the intricate game of composing prose in alliterative
style, in order to present each letter with panache."
Ms. Daigneault has most definitely accomplished that, in spades. Four years were spent creating this remarkable and challenging project; the joy to be found on each page is glorious. I can't wait to share it with others.
Each double page begins with a detailed illustration of the capital letter itself, and a caption for the facing page. The accompanying artwork matches what has been described - and so much more. That is when the searching begins. While the ferrets may look fabulous and feel famous, there is no mention in the text of the frogs, fairies, flames, fountain, flowers, fan, French tie, Fascinator, ferns, fur, or feathers. Yet, they are there waiting to be discovered. It is the same for each entry, and Ms. Daigneault includes a list of the 'just under 300 little gems' keen observers will find in their repeated readings.
There is much to see that is sure to delight readers at any age. Every letter has its time in the spotlight. Most animals will be familiar to young readers; others will give older readers a chance to test their knowledge of the less familiar, and of some included objects. Colored pencils are used exclusively, and enhanced digitally, creating scenes that whet the appetite for more.
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