false 55815 0395937485 9780395937488 279 30 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1223648458m/55815.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55815.The_Z_Was_Zapped_A_Play_in_Twenty_Six_Acts 9685 Chris VanAllsburg 14865 1007 5 1 false Wed Oct 15 00:00:00 -0700 2008 Wed Oct 15 18:41:21 -0700 2008 Mon Oct 20 21:14:01 -0700 2008 3 Synopsis: Something is a foot within the Alphabet Theater! A dramatic portrayal in twenty-six acts, with moments both poignant and painful. This production is sure to capture the attention of all who experience it. With strong associations between words and letters. Could this be an alphabet book in disguise?
Review: Presented in classic theater style, Chris Van Allsburg creates a world of familiar ABC characters that are going through some tough, frightening times. The "A" is being over run by an avalanche, the "F" was firmly flattened, which of course made the "J" jittery, while the "V" completely vanished from the scene. Can you blame them? With all of the unusual, mysterious excitement going on within this production, I'm certain that the house will sell out weeks in advance. Of course, that is assuming that the kidnapped "K" will return and the "M" will stop melting. The illustrations are marvelous--you could say simple graphite and paper but, there is nothing simple about them. Chris Van Allsburg is a magician. I loved this book! I love all of his books.
Critical Reviews:Karen K. Radtke from S.L.J. says, "this is more an alphabet book for older children, who will enjoy guessing what heinous act is being foisted upon these noble letters. Which is a good point. Publishers Weekly gave a lukewarm review, "While Van Allsburg's visual ingenuity is in full evidence (among his hauntingly realistic images are the evaporating E and the jittery J), there is both a sinister quality and an stagey dimension to the work. Artistically, a virtuoso performance, but one with an undeniably cold cast." Which might be true but, still a great book! ]]>