Gretchen's ABC

By Gretchen D. Simpson

Book Overview

Elegant paintings illustrate each letter of the alphabet. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060256451
• ISBN13: 9780060256456
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books
• Weight: 0.97 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.3" x 0.5" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 4 years and up
• Grade Range: Preschool and higher

Customer Reviews

at the top, not over it

Most striking about this alphabetic primer are its illustrations. Twenty-six objects, with the first letters of their names corresponding to letters of the alphabet, are selected to allow for a more conceptual and less conventional association of letter and object. For instance, instead of depicting the totality of a flag (for "f"), Simpson composes with the red and white stripes of the American flag and adds a small, triangular field of blue and two stars. The resulting patterns hold the eye's attention until the reader equates "f" (clearly denoted) with "flag" (or "folds," for that matter). But that's an easy one. More difficult for some will be the drawing of Miscanthus blades (leaves) associated with "g" ("grass"). For those who are curious, child or adult, Simpson's drawings will intrigue with their bold patterns that step toward abstraction and their dramatic compositions that compel the viewer to look before seeing. In its intellectual playfulness, its graphic simplicity and quality of its production, this is a sophisticated book, just as one would expect from an illustrator to the New Yorker.

an amazing book (which just happens to be an alphabet book)

Gretchen Dow Simpson is a fabulous artist - those of you who read the New Yorker in years past may be familiar with her work. Buy this book for yourself and then share it with your child. It's a work of art.