ABC USA

by Martin Jarrie

An American classic is born! Breathtaking folk art-style illustrations that are ageless as well as timeless capture the culture, history, and heritage of the United States--from A to Z. It's a high-quality, exquisite tribute to America.

With beautiful pictures that echo the artistic legacy of generations of American painters, award-winning artist Martin Jarrie has created a unique volume that everyone will cherish. It's suitable for little ones learning their ABCs, slightly older kids who want to find out more about their country's symbols, and grownups who appreciate fine art. Best of all, it truly goes to the heart of the American spirit in all its diversity and depth. Here are treasured landmarks, significant events that shaped the nation's development, and also the flora, fauna, and fun things so dear to our hearts. A is for alligator , and B is for baseball --and the image shows a great big mitt, a player at bat, and a pitcher winding up. G is for the Grand Canyon , portrayed in deep, earthy colors topped by a violet sky. H is for Hollywood , depicted in a witty montage. P features Pilgrims , R has a Rodeo , and U reminds us of the Underground Railroad . At the book's end, two spreads with thumbnail versions of every picture provide additional background information. No other American-themed ABC is its equal.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, History

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2005

Reviews

[Megan]

Counting Book
• Book title and author/illustrator:
o ABC USA
o Written and Illustrated by Martin Jarrie
• Two Professional Recommendations:
1) Publishers Weekly (Publishers Weekly)
French artist Jarrie brings a fresh perspective to this engaging alphabet book, which doubles as an illustrated geographical, historical and cultural tour of the United States. His images form a comprehensive catalogue of Americana: "B is for baseball/ C is for cars/ D is for the Declaration of Independence." Even the art style is uniquely American: flattened perspectives applied with earth-toned paints layered on wood emulate the folk-art style of Colonial times. A few of the examples beg for explanation, either because their particular connection to America is unclear ("A is for alligator"; "O is for oranges"), or because the reference may be obscure ("X is for X-roads"), but Jarrie provides a four-page addendum in which he offers additional factual background. (He explains that "The American alligator is the largest reptile in North America" and that "X-roads" refers to the crossroads of highways 49 and 61 in the Mississippi Delta.) Jarrie clothes his characteristically elongated human figures in regional and period garb: the jockeys at the Kentucky Derby (K) wear their uniforms while a spectator dons a fancy dress and hat; a Native American wears blue jeans and a headband as he paints Navajo (N) artwork (the appendix discusses the Navajos' crucial role as code talkers during WWII); and folks travel by covered wagon in the Smoky Mountains (S) decked out in fur hats. With hallmarks such as the Empire State Building, the Liberty Bell and the Grand Canyon (plus a host of human contributors), this book offers a dignified representation of the country, A to Z. Ages 3- 8 (May)\n"
(PUBLISHER: Sterling Juvenile ;Chris Lloyd [distributor] (New York:) (Poole:), PUBLISHED: 2005.)

2) Barbara Troisi (Children's Literature)
Celebrate the symbols of America s history and culture with this alphabet book that promotes significant--and at times surprising--objects, events, and places in varied times and settings. As one browses through the whimsical paintings, curiosity is aroused as to the role each played in molding the USA and making our country unique and eloquent. Each page features an illustration as the book progresses from A to Z and ends with a glossary of thumbnail reprints and one-paragraph descriptions revealing noteworthy information about each treasure. Eyes focus on the long, tall figures, shapes, or objects decked out in folk-art style and then scan the multitude of details against natural backgrounds of various shades. Seldom do books appeal to broad audiences, but this one appears to be for all ages. Young children will discover fresh vocabulary along with associating letters and symbols. Opportunities for research abound. Students can enhance the information presented for the 26 selected concepts and images, examine artistic style and techniques used by the illustrator, or invent new data for each of the letters. For instance, Yellowstone could be replaced with Yosemite, yodel, yoke, or Yogi Berra of the Yankees (my team). Nostalgia will set in as adults browse through the imaginative paintings and recollect memories from the past. From alligator to zydeco, there is a heap of things of interest!
(PUBLISHER: Sterling Juvenile ;Chris Lloyd [distributor] (New York:) (Poole:), PUBLISHED: 2005.)
• Brief Book Summary:
o This book is simple and contains a letter from the alphabet on each page. Every page beings with “(this letter) is for…” and lists something that begins with that particular letter and is related to the USA. Every page also shows a visual of what is being discussed. For example, on the first page it says, “A is for alligator” and then has a visual of an alligator. At the end of the book there is an “Alphabet Glossary” where children can learn more about each item that was discussed on a page. For example under the letter “A” it has information about alligators.
• Personal Response to Reviews
o On the review by Barbara Troisi she mentions that, “Young children will discover fresh vocabulary along with associating letters and symbols.” I could not agree more with this comment especially when it comes to associating letters and symbols. I really enjoyed how the author included visuals that pertained to the letter so that children can associate the two. This can assist children with understanding what objects begin with what letters. The Publishers Weekly reviews states that, “ A few examples beg for explanations, either because their particular connection to America is unclear or because the reference may be obscure.” Although I do agree that some references to America are unclear I feel as if the meaning behind the book (the alphabet) is represented very well. Even if certain items don’t relate to America in major ways, the gist of the book is understandable. There is also the Alphabet Glossary to clear up references to look at as well.

[Mama Bibliosoph]

Cultural fluency is important for socialization. So it's handy (for Americans) to have an ABC book that highlights the touchstones of (nostalgic) Americana. While ABC USA is a mixed bag in execution, an ABC-obsessed kid will be able to power through the weaker pages because of that familiar alphabet primer structure.

The book introduces some straight-forward things (baseball, jazz, the White House). Then there are are some trickier, but appropriately challenging pages for a motivated child (Kentucky Derby, Liberty Bell, immigrants). But there are some poor choices on the author's part that are too obscure (Zydeco) or require too much prior knowledge or more context that isn't shown in the illustration (Underground Railroad).

The folk-style art is quite aesthetically pleasing and makes thematic sense for the book, but it's not the most child-friendly. C is for cars, but my car-loving son Luke couldn't make out that's what they were!

It's a mixed bag, and for some this book won't work at all. But I'm happy we own it and will be reading it more as we approach the 4th of July.

I review books for children from the perspective of a parent of kids with autism. The review above is from a longer blog post about great books for kids with autism who REALLY love the alphabet: http://www.lineupthebooks.com/obsesse...

[Erin Sturtz]

What a fantastic book! ABC USA, illustrated by Martin Jarrie, is an alphabet book that is designed to teach kids their letters from A to Z. Each page contains a letter, a word beginning with that letter, and a beautiful illustration. My favorite pages include “K is for the Kentucky Derby,” “L is for the Liberty Bell”, and “D is for the “Declaration of Independence.” I thought these pages were the most unique! I enjoyed this book so much because the words relate to important events throughout the history of the United States. Not only is this book perfect for students learning the alphabet, it is beneficial for older kids who are wanting to learn more about our country’s history, events, monuments, and symbols. The end of the book contains an alphabet glossary, with a little paragraph that describes each term in more detail. I also like how this book will show children the depth of America’s history! The illustrations in this book are spectacular. They are folk-like, bright, colorful, rich in detail, and perfect for young kids. I would use this book in a kindergarten classroom to teach the alphabet, and in a first, second, or third grade classroom to accompany a history lesson.

[Sarah O'Brien]

The alphabet book, “ABC USA” illustrated by Martin Jarrie goes through each letter of the alphabet using words related to the United States of America. Each page is illustrated with simple artwork that depicts the letter. Some of the letters are broad like “C is for cars” while others are more specific like “D is for the Declaration of Independence”. Overall, this book does a good job at giving an overview of some important parts of the USA while also teaching children the alphabet. At the end of the book there is a glossary where the reader can go back through and learn more about each important word. This could be used in a kindergarten or 1st grade classroom to teach the alphabet. Students could even make their own alphabet with things they think are important to the United States.

[Cheira Combs]

I found this book while looking for other non-fiction books to put into my collection. I appreciated that it incorporated history into an alphabet book. To me, history is kind of a bland subject so I do think it’s important to teach kids about it in a fun way.

[michele]

A fun illustrated version of the ABCs with a focus on the USA for all the word inspirations. Eg: I learned about zydeco, a uniquely American style of music, so that was fun.

[Kaitlyn]

Title: italicizeABC USA
Author: Martin Jarrie
Illustrator: (if different than author)
Genre: ABC book
Theme(s): alphabet book with american historical facts
Opening line/sentence: A is for alligator
Brief Book Summary:This book is an ABC book that gives examples of American historical facts throughout. There is a reference glossary at the end of the book.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:"A is for alligator / B is for baseball / C is for cars..." and so on. Jarrie knows better than to oversell his patriotic message: his minimal text puts his playfully stately art center stage. The illustrations frequently feature historical images set, appropriately enough, against what look like old painted boards, complete with chips and imperfections ostensibly from an earlier era. Glos.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Title: italicizeABC USA
Author: Martin Jarrie
Illustrator: (if different than author)
Genre: ABC book
Theme(s): alphabet book with american historical facts
Opening line/sentence: A is for alligator
Brief Book Summary:This book is an ABC book that gives examples of American historical facts throughout. There is a reference glossary at the end of the book.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:"A is for alligator / B is for baseball / C is for cars..." and so on. Jarrie knows better than to oversell his patriotic message: his minimal text puts his playfully stately art center stage. The illustrations frequently feature historical images set, appropriately enough, against what look like old painted boards, complete with chips and imperfections ostensibly from an earlier era. Glos.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Celebrate the symbols of America s history and culture with this alphabet book that promotes significant--and at times surprising--objects, events, and places in varied times and settings. As one browses through the whimsical paintings, curiosity is aroused as to the role each played in molding the USA and making our country unique and eloquent. Each page features an illustration as the book progresses from A to Z and ends with a glossary of thumbnail reprints and one-paragraph descriptions revealing noteworthy information about each treasure. Eyes focus on the long, tall figures, shapes, or objects decked out in folk-art style and then scan the multitude of details against natural backgrounds of various shades. Seldom do books appeal to broad audiences, but this one appears to be for all ages. Young children will discover fresh vocabulary along with associating letters and symbols. Opportunities for research abound. Students can enhance the information presented for the 26 selected concepts and images, examine artistic style and techniques used by the illustrator, or invent new data for each of the letters. For instance, Yellowstone could be replaced with Yosemite, yodel, yoke, or Yogi Berra of the Yankees (my team). Nostalgia will set in as adults browse through the imaginative paintings and recollect memories from the past. From alligator to zydeco, there is a heap of things of interest! Response to Two Professional Reviews: The reviewers speak about the simplicity of words and that is the case in this book. The sentences are very simple but with the help of the pictures it is easily understandable.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The words the author used are very good for young readers. They are not to difficult but still gives them a little boost in their vocabulary.
Consideration of Instructional Application: I would use this book in my classroom at the beginning of the school year. It would not only refresh on the ABC's but also be a good introduction to American historical facts. This book could also serve purpose for my ESL students as a reference guide that is always in the classroom.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: The reviewers speak about the simplicity of words and that is the case in this book. The sentences are very simple but with the help of the pictures it is easily understandable.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The words the author used are very good for young readers. They are not to difficult but still gives them a little boost in their vocabulary.
Consideration of Instructional Application: I would use this book in my classroom at the beginning of the school year. It would not only refresh on the ABC's but also be a good introduction to American historical facts. This book could also serve purpose for my ESL students as a reference guide that is always in the classroom.

[Denim Eakin]

Genre: Picture Book- Alphabet Book
Awards: None
Audience: K-5
- This book fits the category because it is a book that has the abc's with examples of objects with the same letter.
-The shape is over all standard, there are lots of shapes and even the peoples faces are made mostly of shapes. this brings simplicity to the illustrations and makes them easily recognizable.
- This is a good whole group read because it builds the children language and reading skills by teaching kids the letters of certain words and also the sound of the words.

[Amanda]

DS picked this one out (maybe because it was sitting across the top of the others on the shelf). It has a different object for each letters, starting with alligator, baseball and going through zydeco. There were some that may be a little harder to explain to a child, particularly a toddler, like Underground Railroad and Declaration of Independence. The illustrations are good, but very artistic (there's a better word I can't think of right now) to the point where he couldn't identify a horse or dog.

[Heather]

24 months - I really liked the American Folk Art appearance to the illustrations but like most ABC books about places many of the choices are a bit beyond a small child or obscure choices trying to fit the theme and a difficult letter. Take Z for Zydeco for example. How many adults have even heard of that type of music that are not from Louisiana? I don't mind a few new concepts in a book but there were too many to keep her attention... This is saying something as she is an avid reader with and can sit and read for a couple hours at a time.

[Sarah]

This was a fun ABC book! It's a really fun way to reinforce the alphabet and what makes America so great! My only problems with it are how he illustrated the women. They are really busty, especially the ones on the "H" for Hollywood page. Not only were they busty, but the illustrated women disturbingly revealing - especially for a children's book! The other thing was my problem with "X" for X-Roads??? I'm not even quite sure what that means or the importance of it in the context of the USA.

[Christie]

Interesting folk-art illustrations take the reader through an A-Z journey of everything that makes the United States of America unique. An alphabet glossary in the back goes into more detailed information about historical significance. Effective for any Social Studies chapter on American geography.

[Ruth Ann]

This book shares American culture, history, and music, mostly through unique folk-artsy, full-page, colorful illustrations. The text is a mere phrase for each letter ( A is for alligator) but at the end of the book a glossary is included which shares interesting facts pertaining to each illustration.

[Kelly]

I thought this book was really cute even though it was a little too old for Abby since the letters stood for things like S=Smoky Mountains D=Declaration of Independence but it would be great for an elementary schooler. Kind of like a beginners "We Didn't Start the Fire" primer on American history

[Abbi Kraus]

I liked the way that the author chose many historical events as well as culturally unique things. The illustratiuons are a good reflection of the American-folk background. This is a good book for Memorial Day, Labor Day, or President's Day.

[Mina Saeed]

This book has the ABC's
Teach ABC's for Prek -Kindergarten

[Dmills]

A great book to read to students to introduce them to some important things that are a big part of the United States of America.

[Emily Pinson]

This is a book that teaches their ABC's where the children have to match the letter with something that starts with that letter. The objects are all in the USA.
The graphics are great in this book! This is the main reason I loved this book. They are very realistic and portray things in a very real sense.
This book is for children just learning their ABC's. I would use this in my own home someday when my children start to learn their ABC's.