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35th out of 127 books
—
75 voters
The Graphic Alphabet
This elegant alphabet is for those who long ago mastered their ABCs but never outgrew their passion for discovering beauty in unexpected places.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
September 1st 1996
by Scholastic
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329)
Oct 08, 2008
Mahrya
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Pre-schoolers, kindergartners
Shelves:
juvenilia
Pelletier, David. 1996. The Graphic Alphabet, Orchard, New York. 28 pgs. Alphabet picture book, Caldecott Honor Book.
Description: This book contains graphic representations of the alphabet. The letters depict objects or ideas, which appear as a single word below the letter.
Review: The bold, simple graphics of this book are deceptive. At first glance, each page appears to contain a letter. On closer inspection, however, the letters form pictures, which in turn correspond to a single word appeari...more
Description: This book contains graphic representations of the alphabet. The letters depict objects or ideas, which appear as a single word below the letter.
Review: The bold, simple graphics of this book are deceptive. At first glance, each page appears to contain a letter. On closer inspection, however, the letters form pictures, which in turn correspond to a single word appeari...more
I love this one where the letters change into action words,for example, This A becomes an avalanche. Some of the letters may be too obscure for beginning readers, but great for alphabet book collectors like me!
1. Picture Book- Alphabet
2. This book contains graphic representations of the alphabet.
3. Critique:
a. This book is an amazing representation of letters in a seemingly simple, yet complex manner. The illustrations are interesting and captivating for young readers who are starting to make connections between letters and words.
b. The interesting and graphic illustrations seem like simple letters, but there is way more to it than that. Upon a closer look, the letters transform into amazing pictur...more
2. This book contains graphic representations of the alphabet.
3. Critique:
a. This book is an amazing representation of letters in a seemingly simple, yet complex manner. The illustrations are interesting and captivating for young readers who are starting to make connections between letters and words.
b. The interesting and graphic illustrations seem like simple letters, but there is way more to it than that. Upon a closer look, the letters transform into amazing pictur...more
Main Character: None
Setting: None
POV: None
Grade Level: K-3rd
Reading Level: Fountas-Pinnell - P
Genre: Picture Book
David Pelletier, the author of this picture book, is a graphic designer from New York City. He had a vision of presenting the alphabet through graphics that represented each letter in a unique way. This isn’t your typical “A is for apple” with a picture of the apple next to the letter. The letter maintains its form while showing the image that the word represents. In addition the imag...more
Setting: None
POV: None
Grade Level: K-3rd
Reading Level: Fountas-Pinnell - P
Genre: Picture Book
David Pelletier, the author of this picture book, is a graphic designer from New York City. He had a vision of presenting the alphabet through graphics that represented each letter in a unique way. This isn’t your typical “A is for apple” with a picture of the apple next to the letter. The letter maintains its form while showing the image that the word represents. In addition the imag...more
Genre: Alphabet Book/ Picture Book/ Caldecott Honor
This is an alphabet book where each letter is presented in a graphic form, or picture.
The illustrations are a unique take on presenting the alphabet to students. Each letter is presented on a black backdrop that makes the graphic depiction of the letter stand out. I found it difficult to discern some of the letters in the pictures presented. I had trouble understanding the G page (p. 8). The gears were not connected, and visually I struggled to...more
This is an alphabet book where each letter is presented in a graphic form, or picture.
The illustrations are a unique take on presenting the alphabet to students. Each letter is presented on a black backdrop that makes the graphic depiction of the letter stand out. I found it difficult to discern some of the letters in the pictures presented. I had trouble understanding the G page (p. 8). The gears were not connected, and visually I struggled to...more
1. Genre: Alphabet
2. Summary: In this alphabet book David Pelletier, a graphic designer works to depict the images of each letter of the alphabet in a unique picture form. Each letter is given its own page, represented by a single word and picture which not only depicts the shape of the letter but also allows the letter to act out the word shown on the page.
3. Critique:
a. This book’s pictures make it a truly unique alphabet book that takes the reader through the alphabet in a different way.
b. I...more
2. Summary: In this alphabet book David Pelletier, a graphic designer works to depict the images of each letter of the alphabet in a unique picture form. Each letter is given its own page, represented by a single word and picture which not only depicts the shape of the letter but also allows the letter to act out the word shown on the page.
3. Critique:
a. This book’s pictures make it a truly unique alphabet book that takes the reader through the alphabet in a different way.
b. I...more
An incredibly sophisticated take on the ABC book. At the best of times the illustration of letters did played with the letter shape such as in the case of "i" "d" and "x". But even with the weaker letters, a lot is going on that is made to look simple. Most of vocabulary could work for early readers (like "circle", "knot", "fire" and "noddles".) "Avalanche" and " Universe" might be a little more difficult. But if the vocabulary is there then I also don't think the visual puns are difficult for e...more
Jan 30, 2010
L-Crystal Wlodek
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
picture-books,
award-winning-and-honor-books
This alphabet book recommended for children ages 4-8 is a Caldecott Honor book. In this book, the words are not as clearly linked to letters as in other alphabet books seen. Instead, this book aims to show children how to explore and identify letters, as well as read by way of graphic art.
This book is an alphabet book with a twist. It definitely has the theme of discovering beauty in unexpected places. When reading, the reader experiences an A deteriorating as an avalanche occurs, a bouncing B,...more
This book is an alphabet book with a twist. It definitely has the theme of discovering beauty in unexpected places. When reading, the reader experiences an A deteriorating as an avalanche occurs, a bouncing B,...more
Aug 05, 2012
Lisa Vegan
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
readers who already know their ABCs; those interested in creativity & art
I enjoyed the creativity shown in this book but I don’t like it as an alphabet book and it’s too slight for an art book. I really enjoyed the avalanche made out of A, the fire made out of F, noodles for N, and many others, but many letters are not even close to their proper appearance. C looks more like O, I doesn’t look like any letter really, and there are many other instances. So, this book is for children (or young adults or adults) who are competent readers and who can enjoy art, whimsy, cr...more
Genre: Alphabet Picture Book
Summary:
This book portrays the alphabet with vivid graphic illustrations. The illustrations are all on a black background and the pages are smooth and shiny which adds another wonderful element to the story.
Critique:
(a) The book accurately depicts the alphabet and uses wonderful illustrations to present the information that will appeal to both young new readers and older readers who are sharing the book as well. The letters are imposed on other pictures and formed wi...more
Summary:
This book portrays the alphabet with vivid graphic illustrations. The illustrations are all on a black background and the pages are smooth and shiny which adds another wonderful element to the story.
Critique:
(a) The book accurately depicts the alphabet and uses wonderful illustrations to present the information that will appeal to both young new readers and older readers who are sharing the book as well. The letters are imposed on other pictures and formed wi...more
Dec 09, 2011
Amy Keltner
added it
1. Alphabet
2. Learning the alphabet has never been more fun. Taking real life elements and putting them into drawings with the letter being taught.
3. a: The strongest element of the book is its ability to have such dynamic pictures.
b: The dynamic pictures help the students see real life examples of the world around them.
c: The biggest picture that I enjoyed was "S" is for steps. Making an "S" and making it look as if it was created out of steps. This makes them see how the world around them...more
2. Learning the alphabet has never been more fun. Taking real life elements and putting them into drawings with the letter being taught.
3. a: The strongest element of the book is its ability to have such dynamic pictures.
b: The dynamic pictures help the students see real life examples of the world around them.
c: The biggest picture that I enjoyed was "S" is for steps. Making an "S" and making it look as if it was created out of steps. This makes them see how the world around them...more
This is a unique alphabet book that uses the picture to show the letter and the meaning of the word on the page.
The pictures show the meaning while displaying each letter of the alphabet. Some of the pictures have very obvious letter forms and meaning while others need to be studied more deeply to find the meaning. The letters are created by the meaning. For example the letter M is represented by a mountain with snow on the top. The artist used a dark background for each picture that makes the l...more
The pictures show the meaning while displaying each letter of the alphabet. Some of the pictures have very obvious letter forms and meaning while others need to be studied more deeply to find the meaning. The letters are created by the meaning. For example the letter M is represented by a mountain with snow on the top. The artist used a dark background for each picture that makes the l...more
Jan 10, 2009
Kate
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Kate by:
Read for Children's Literature portfolio
Shelves:
2007,
age-childrens
Features large graphic representations of letters with a word beginning with the letter describing the action, example: A Avalanche (The top part of the A appears to be sliding down the side). Some of the letters are difficult to see (as in C Circles, where the letter C is a half circle on the edge, and two other circles (one partial and one nearly complete) are in the picture. Author description mentions that the author “decided that ‘the illustration of the letterform had to retain the natural...more
"Graphic" (as in graphic art) is the operative word in describing this Caldecott Honor title...each letter transforms into an art piece. My favorite was "I" becoming iceburg with the majority of the letter underwater. May not be the best book to pick up for true beginners at alphabet books because it doesn't have objects/phrases easy to recognize or relate to (a is for apple, e.g.) and some of the art translates a bit unfamiliar from the letters' true form. Still, a joy to share with my older pr...more
I have a minor obsession with children's alphabet books, so when I saw this sucker at the library today (with the silver Caldecott medal prominent on its cover) I didn't think twice about checking it out.
I give it major kudos for creativity. In the author/illustrators words: the illustration of the letter form had to retain the natural shape of the letter as well as represent the meaning of the word. And it is a very pretty looking book - my favorite is the F on fire!
But, is it really Caldecott...more
I give it major kudos for creativity. In the author/illustrators words: the illustration of the letter form had to retain the natural shape of the letter as well as represent the meaning of the word. And it is a very pretty looking book - my favorite is the F on fire!
But, is it really Caldecott...more
Very interesting and clever! I've never seen the alphabet presented in this way before, through the eyes of a graphic artist. I would recommend for children who already have some familiarity with the alphabet, so they are able to find the (sometimes) hidden letter in each picture. But I enjoyed how the letters were related back to real life, through use of word beginning with that letter, an illustration related to that word, and then the actual letter found somewhere in that illustration.
Caldecott Honor book. I'm a list girl. And so I am starting to read and finish reading Caldecott and Newberry Award/Honor books that I've either not read or never finished.
This book is great for children learning their ABCs, and really for all of us because of the artist within and the appreciation we all have for creativity and art. It is such a talent for an illustrator to bring humor to a page with one letter and a drawing like this author does. It was a delightful "read"!
This book is great for children learning their ABCs, and really for all of us because of the artist within and the appreciation we all have for creativity and art. It is such a talent for an illustrator to bring humor to a page with one letter and a drawing like this author does. It was a delightful "read"!
Author: David Pelletier
Publisher: Scholastic
Genre: Picture Book – Alphabets
Summary: An alphabet books present the letters in a graphic or computerized manner
Response: I would not use this book as a way of introducing the alphabet to younger children because the half the time the letters were difficult to discern due to the design. It would be better for older children as a way of showing them that letters could be written in various styles.
Theme/Concept/Connection: ABCs, Graphic Design
Publisher: Scholastic
Genre: Picture Book – Alphabets
Summary: An alphabet books present the letters in a graphic or computerized manner
Response: I would not use this book as a way of introducing the alphabet to younger children because the half the time the letters were difficult to discern due to the design. It would be better for older children as a way of showing them that letters could be written in various styles.
Theme/Concept/Connection: ABCs, Graphic Design
Alphabet books seem to seek me out, and this one was no different. I had about 10 books on hold for me at the library and this one snuck into the pile without a request but I couldn't put it back and I am glad it found me.
Pelletier's alphabet creations are remarkable. Each letter is represented in shape, word, and depicted word. For example, the letter G stands for gear and there are two gears placed together to make a lowercase g. My favorite is the letter N.
Pelletier's alphabet creations are remarkable. Each letter is represented in shape, word, and depicted word. For example, the letter G stands for gear and there are two gears placed together to make a lowercase g. My favorite is the letter N.
This book won a 1997 Caldecott Honor award. Now it is supposed to be for kids, but really I think adults will appreciate the graphic design of it more (after all, that is what the author/illustrator's main job is). As a reviewer on Amazon said, this book would be great for art teacher to use in their classes. It is definitely not your traditional ABC book. Recommended for ages 4+, 3 stars.
This graphically-clean alphabet is visually pleasing, innovative and sometimes impish (see D, K, P and V), all on a black field with a word beginning with that letter. I found myself trying to find other words to match the letter, like "down" for D, "flame" for F, "pasta" for P, "stairs" for S, "toppled" for T.
David Pelletire,the author of this book,creates a different perspective of each letter in the alphabet. This won the Caldecott Award. It is a book that should be shown to children when they are in the process of learning the letters in the alphabet. I love the creativity that is shown in this book.
This is a simple enough premise: create a graphic image that shows the shape of each letter of the alphabet, while at the same time demonstrating a word that starts with that letter. For example, the "A" on the cover stands for "Avalanche" and so the top of the "A" is collapsing down the side as if the "A" is a mountain experiencing an avalanche. These were all very creative graphics, and even young children can relate to most of the pictures, sometimes with help, even if they don't exactly see...more
GR Level: NA
NOT AVAILABLE
This is a great book to show a relationship between each letter of the alphabet and a word that starts with that letter. Some of them are ones I never would have thought of.
NOT AVAILABLE
This is a great book to show a relationship between each letter of the alphabet and a word that starts with that letter. Some of them are ones I never would have thought of.
I liked this book because it gave me new ways to think of the letters. It uses the shape of the letters as a mnemonic device. T is a T tripping and falling over. J is juggling the dots above it.
This is a great book to show a relationship between each letter of the alphabet and a word that starts with that letter. Some of them are ones I never would have thought of.
Photo illustrations taken with an artist's eye in this acrostic are not all predictable subject matter, so it exposes the audience to additional possibilities and vocabulary.
1997 Caldecott Honor
This book is quite creative! Really enjoyed it and would use it to inspire kids to create their own unique letters.
This book is quite creative! Really enjoyed it and would use it to inspire kids to create their own unique letters.
written and illustrated by David Pelletier; edited by Neal Porter; published by Orchard Books; nonfiction; Caldecott Honor 1997
Creative alphabet book! Each letter is created from the illustration which visually represents the word that each letter is presented with. Favorite letters include: N for noodles, R for rip, and Y for Yawn. Must see.
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Nov 11, 2008 12:00am
Nov 14, 2008 08:59am