The Alphabet from A to Y With Bonus Letter Z!

by Steve Martin, Roz Chast

The acclaimed entertainer and bestselling author Steve Martin and the wildly clever New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast team up in a weird, wonderful excursion through the alphabet.

The ABCs have never had it so good. Created by two of today’s wittiest, most imaginative minds, The Alphabet from A to Y with Bonus Letter Z! is a sheer delight from A to Z. In twenty-six alliterative couplets, Steve Martin conjures up much more than mere apples and zebras. Instead we meet Horace the hare, whose hairdo hides hunchbacks, and Ollie the owl, who owed Owen an oboe. Roz Chast contributes the perfect visual settings for Martin’s zany two-liners. Her instantly recognizable drawings are packed with humorous touches both broad and subtle.

Each rereading—and there will be many—delivers new delights and discoveries. There, hidden behind Bad Baby Bubbleducks, is a framed picture of a beatnik holding balloons; and the letter C finds clunky Clarissa all clingy and clueless adrift in a landscape cluttered with images ranging from a curiously comfortable clown to Chuck’s Chili stand. A smart, laugh-inducing introduction to the alphabet for young children, The Alphabet from A to Y with Bonus Letter Z! will also enchant adults with its matchless mix of the sophisticated and the silly.

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Childrens, Juvenile, Poetry, Fiction, Art

64 pages, Hardcover

First published October 23, 2007

About the author

Stephen Glenn "Steve" Martin is an American actor, comedian, writer, playwright, producer, musician, and composer. He was raised in Southern California in a Baptist family, where his early influences were working at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm and working magic and comedy acts at these and other smaller venues in the area. His ascent to fame picked up when he became a writer for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, and later became a frequent guest on the Tonight Show.

In the 1970s, Martin performed his offbeat, absurdist comedy routines before packed houses on national tours. In the 1980s, having branched away from stand-up comedy, he became a successful actor, playwright, and juggler, and eventually earned Emmy, Grammy, and American Comedy awards.

Reviews

[John of Canada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Martin silliness,Roz Chast weird art,and a bonus letter Z(we pronounce it zed in Canada which Martin missed and which cost him a star).

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh how i wish i wrote and illustrated this SUPERBLY silly book.

i could read this book ten thousand times (and i probably have) and still laugh out loud. Of course my daughter probably doesn't get all the jokes and puns, but who cares? It's entertaining for any adult and is a wonderful break from the typical children's books.

disregard the people who poo-pooed the book in earlier reviews due to it's more adult nature. i didn't read this book to my daughter when she was learning the alphabet, clearly it's too mature for that age. she's been reading it since she turned 4 and was already completely familiar with the alphabet and letter sounds. she laughs just as much as i do when reading this book. it's one of her favourites. if your child has a sense of humour, then you should have no worries.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Alphabet from A to Y with Bonus Letter Z!
Author: Steve Martin, Roz Chast, Roz Chast (Illustrator)
Publisher: Flying Dolphin Press, 52 pp, 2007
Format: Picture Book, (Alphabet Book)
Intended Audience: Children, ages 4 to 8
Description: Comedian Steve Martin and cartoonist Roz Chast team up to deliver an alphabet picture book that is filled with alliterative couplets and drawings filled with objects associated with the letter.

Personal Review: I can see how a child reading this book would really enjoy it. The premise is real simple, take a letter from the alphabet, create a couplet with words all beginning with the same letter and have a picture that displays all of the objects in it. Some picture books would use the same atypical stance, “A” is for apple or “B” is for banana. Steve Martin takes this boring formula, shakes it up and makes it a lot more interesting. Take the letter “C” for example. “Clunky Clarissa” is described as clingy and clueless. She left California and is also shoeless. Each page is filled with witty lines that rhyme and the pictures really drive the words on the opposing page. Kids will definitely want to read the entire book from A to Z and perhaps even backwards from Z to A.

The illustrator, Roz Chast is a cartoonist from New York and his style of drawing is comic book like. Each letter page can be part of comic strip and there are also dialog conversation bubbles that also follow the same structure of the rest of the book (dialog that has words that all begin with the same corresponding letter). You can really see the comedy of Steve Martin becoming alive with the help of Roz Chast’s vivid and colorful drawings.

Citation of two critical sources:
Publishers Weekly’s review of The Alphabet from A to Y with Bonus Letter Z! gives the reader a preview of what to expect by presenting a few letter couplets. I especially enjoy reviews that take quotes from the story or describe in detail the premise of the book. This review is effective in that it describes how Martin and Chast team up together as artists and delivering a picture book that both children and adults will enjoy.

Kirkus’s review of The Alphabet from A to Y with Bonus Letter Z! is a bit more critical of the picture book. It criticizes how some of the words put together are completely random and how some of the subjects or situations are in poor taste. As an adult, I wouldn’t find this book offensive but I can look at it from a parents’ perspective and understand how they can see that some of pictures are of poor taste. Even though this review, tears the book apart, it does make some good points.

[Marcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see using this with older students as the rhyming couplets are irreverent (What do you expect from Steve Martin?). I know teacher's who balk at the word stupid, but I think the kids will enjoy the language and laugh at the cartoon illustrations. The detail will require kids to get close up (or use a document camera to enlarge). The endpapers are wonderful with various symbols lamenting being left out of the alphabet. Words for looking up can be found on every page.

[emyrose8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book to teach both couplets and alliteration! Filled with tons of potential vocabulary words (in the pictures and couplets), this would be a great read aloud book.

[YUE LE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The Alphabet from A to Y with bonus letter Z!
Author: Steve Martin and Roz Chast
Genre: picture book
Theme(s): Alphabet book
Opening line/sentence: A Anuabke Amy, Alice, and Andie Ate all the anchovy sandwiches handy.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Publishers Weekly
Actor, playwright and novelist Martin (Shopgirl) branches into picture books for this nutty abecedary. No humdrum "A is for apple" list, this volume faces outrageous, alliterative couplets with full-page cartoons approximating the situations they describe. Known for skewering middle-class anxieties, Chast (Meet My Staff) ably sketches scenes of kitchen mayhem ("Friday when Frank fixed frijoles and French fries/ His fiancée Franny was covered in fruit flies") and pictures the main office for Xerxes Xylophones, where a bizarre X-perience unfolds ("Ambidextrous Alex was actually axed/ For waxing, then faxing, his boss's new slacks"). She also supplements the nonsense rhymes with added images of items that start with the highlighted letter (when "Quincy the kumquat querie[s] the queen," readers see a bookshelf of tomes on quintuplets, quantum mechanics and quartz). Martin and Chast show their mettle as each other's wacky sidekicks, performing for an all-ages crowd. Adults see two well-known artists at work, creating mind-bending tableaux, while children get a taste of original tongue twisters. This peculiar and funny book resembles a round of the Surrealists' game of exquisite cadaver or Mad Libs, worked out in a dizzying combination of words and pictures. All ages. (Oct.)

Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
KIRKUS REVIEW
This high-profile crossover will slide effortlessly onto the bestseller lists, but it’s not likely to win its creators many new adult fans—or any child ones. Showing a fine disregard for foolish consistencies like end words that actually rhyme consistently, Martin fashions surreal situations in 26 couplets, each paired to a literal illustration from Chast strewn with both her customary cast of homely, anxious figures and other words or items that feature the selected letter. Though some spreads have a certain verbal and visual bounce—in the art for “Pedro the puppy piled poop on his paws / And Papa dog published his photo because,” for instance, the peeved paternal parent brandishes a copy of “Popular Pooch,” as mama dog praises a parsnip pizza—more often the captions read like random words strung together. Furthermore, some of the image choices, such as the 107 (or so) hunchbacks in Henrietta’s hairdo, or the drunk wandering past David the dog-faced boy, skate to the edge of poor taste. A gallery of accented letters on the endpapers provides some added value, but not enough. Like Shirley and Milton Glaser’s The Alphazeds (2003), any resemblance to a title for tots is coincidental. (Picture book. Adult)

Response to Two Professional Reviews: Among the two reviews, the first one is more positive, but the second one is more negative. Both of them show me that this is an alphabet book that will work for any age. But it seems like it won’t work with children very well. Or say it won’t be appealed to children very much. The illustrations
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The texts are a bit too complicated for kids who are still learning alphabet. May be it should be used as a read- aloud. And teach the children a basic idea of alphabet.
Consideration of Instructional Application: This is not an appropriate choice for children to read alone, they will get so confused. I will do read- aloud with this book, and use the texts as a tongue twister for kids to develop their oral language skill.

[Bryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Alphabet Book
Grade: 2-4

This book was written by the comedian and actor Steve Martin. It is a fun and creative way of demonstrating pictures and words that begin with each letter of the alphabet. The book is structured so that one page has one sentence describing what is happening on the opposite page. The sentence uses letters that start with one letter of the alphabet, and are written in a rhyme. The picture contains many examples of objects that start with the same letter, along with many other items that match the letter. The illustrations are very detailed and you have to study them closely to see their many hidden parts.

Activity #1: I like this book because it makes the reader think about the meaning of the vocabulary, and requires focus to fully understand the illustrations. It's not a typical alphabet book, and makes the material a lot more interesting than other books do. The book would be great to use with second through fourth grade students. I would love to read the book as a class, not talking about the pictures much or discussing the vocabulary. I would then assign each student a letter to look at in more detail and then present to the rest of the class. The students would look up words they didn't know in the dictionary, write out definitions, and then include them in their presentation. They would also study the illustration so they could point out details about the image that other people might not see when they first read the book. After they had finished with their work, I would read the book again as a class and then have each student share what they researched.

Activity #2: An addition to this activity would be to have the students make their own illustrations for the text and the letter. They could do this by drawing, painting, or making a collage. The students could then present it to the class when they share their research. It would be fun for the teacher to take each student's creation and either hang them up on the wall in order of letter, or even to bind each piece together to make a classroom alphabet book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 stars. Physical book. I got this book to meet a requirement for a reading challenge. Since I don't really like any comedian enough to read a book written by them, I settled for a children's book by Steve Martin. The idea was nice, but the execution was poor. The script style letters were also confusing for my two year old. It was okay.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is set up with each illustration on the left page. The right pages have a centered letter in large black font followed by a couplet. The pictures feel cluttered and overwhelming to me, with many details and cartoon bubbles. While young children will be able to tell what words on the page start with the same letter, they probably will need assistance reading the couplets. I feel like the couplets are also cluttered- like the authors were trying to fit as many words starting with the same letter together. The P page reads:
“P
Pedro the puppy piled poop on his paws
And Papa dog published his photo because.”
When I student taught first grade, the students loved pointing out the rhyming words and finding words that all started with the same letter. I think this is a great book for doing exactly that. There are some words that introduce new vocabulary (amiable, dapper, frijoles, gravlax, knockwurst) and also includes some nonsense words (Bubbleducks). I am not a fan of how this book “cheats” on the W and X pages.
“Double-U's wonderful but it worries me
Shouldn't it weally be called Double-V?”
“Ambidextrous Alex was actually axed
For waxing, then faxing, his boss's new slacks.”

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. No awards
2. First grade
3. Even the illustrations brim with the letter of choice for each page as this books works its way through the alphabet. Written by Steve Martin and illustrated by Roz Chast of the New Yorker, the book is a hilarious take on alphabet books as could only be expected.
4. Let's face it, I picked this up mainly because "Written by Steve Martin" was bound to catch my attention. I was not disappointed, as each page is delightfully ridiculous with how many words of the chosen letter they manage to squeeze in. The illustrations make it even better, as they are full of objects that begin with the letter and speech bubbles that are much the same, managing to squeeze in a truly impressive number of words. However, I am a little disappointed, however unavoidable it may have been, by their most using words that contain X rather than begin with it.
5. The obvious use is for teaching the alphabet, of course. However, as the lines rhyme, it might also be good for a rhyming unit.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique ABC book with clever wordings including words that both start with and include the letter. Illustrations are incredibly detailed and give ample opportunities to explore each letter. Some images, such as the drunk for letter D might bother some parents. Still, entirely amusing for all ages.

Kirkus Review:
"...crossover will slide effortlessly onto the bestseller lists, but it's not likely to win its creators many new adult fans-or any child ones. Showing a fine disregard for foolish consistencies like end words that actually rhyme consistently, Martin fashions surreal situations in 26 couplets, each paired to a literal illustration from Chast..."

Publisher's Weekly:
"This peculiar and funny book resembles a round of the Surrealists' game of exquisite cadaver or Mad Libs, worked out in a dizzying combination of words and pictures. All ages."

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a fun, fresh look at the very old concept of introducing the alphabet through funny imagery to beginning students. Steve Martin hits some very satisfying comic notes, and one can easily tell by the book's structure that both author and illustrator took some extra effort to make this a quality product. Kudos to Steve Martin and Roz Chast on this volume, and I will be interested in further such forays by Steve Martin into the world of literature for young readers. I have always considered him to be very funny, and I think that his brand of humor would stand an excellent chance of doing well in kid's stories.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little sophistication mixed with wierd, silliness; it's a cute, witty book written by comedian Steve Martin and illistrated by Roz Chast, and can be appreciated by adults and children alike. I enjoyed reading the rhymes and picking out words beginning with each letter in the cartoon illustrations. Every time you look at the pictures, you'll probably see something you missed the last time. It may be a little mature for the very young with a few words (lowlife, stupid, nerd) that some parents may not approve of, but left out on the coffee table, it would make a good conversation piece for guests...

[Cassandra Gelvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

High quality for an alphabet book.

Silly rhymes where a lot of the words in the couplet start with the letter, or in the case of X have the letter in the middle or end of them.

Given Steve Martin's ability to write, most of them are actually really good rhymes and have good meter, which is hard to find in standard children's books. I was amused.

I like how the inner pages of the cover have letters that aren't in the English alphabet, like an O with an umlaut, and Es with accents. There might be a little bit of non-political-correctness with a dog-faced boy and hunchbacks.

For more children's book reviews, check out my site at http://www.drttmk.com.

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a good example of one of those books that poses as a children's book, but isn't one. I mean, the text is not children-friendly; it features difficult words that don't even rhyme all of the time. There is alliteration, but that doesn't really mean alot to a kid when he doesn't know what is being said. The sentences are a stretch, at best. The illustrations are alright; basically, to me, this book was written for the gratification of the author, or for adults who think Steve Martin is so funny that they want their children to appreciate him, too. And... they're not going to.

[Nielson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different than any other alphabet book I have read recently, this one definitely goes beyond what is typical into zany and creative! Each letter has a poem full of alliteration specific to it coupled with illustrations that reinforce each letter. Kids will love meeting Henrietta the hare, Josie from Jupiter, and Old Ollie the Owl and the other quarky alphabet characters.
The rhyming doesn't always work and some of the vocabulary is above and beyond what kids would know and even some adults! Nonetheless, this is a creative book that could be read over and over.

[Ellen Shackley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn't in the text or a medal winner but I grabbed it from the library because it's written by Steve Martin, who I think is hilarious! This is a great alphabet book because not only does it go through each letter and give pictures of anything and everything that you could think of having to do woth that letter, but every page is filled with alliteration. The stories/ excerpts don't make very much sense but the examples and the pictures are wacky and young children would love them. There are also great little hidden tidbits thrown in there for adults!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, with trademark Steve Martin and Roz Chast humor, but found (surprisingly) that it's not much fun to read aloud to the kids because most of the humor is visual. It's kind of a cartoon silly funny version of Graeme Base's Animalia, in which each picture contains seemingly endless items starting with the letter for that page. Better for older children, though too old and they won't be particularly interested in alphabet books.

[Sorgeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this for my 7yo daughter based on an interview I heard on NPR (mostly as a novelty because I think he's a great humorist - my 7yo doesn't need an alphabet book). Although it could be an alphabet book for toddlers, its sentence structure and word usage easily transcends beginning reading. I highly recommend this book for young children. Once you experience his excellent word usage, you'll understand why.

[Amber]

"Presented with lots of alliteration and rhyming couplets, the book carefully goes through all 26 letters of the alphabet with matching illustrations to boot. A welcome respite from the traditional “A is for apple” books, this story has a rather advanced vocabulary, so it’s best if it’s read aloud to your little ones, where they can enjoy the sounds of each word as you say them. Best for: Ages 2-5"

[Gwen the Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. I have to start by saying that is picture book really isn't for the kiddos. BUT this is also not your typical alphabet book. The illustrations had me rolling on the floor with laughter; they so perfectly express and surpass the text. Thank you, Steve Martin (or perhaps Roz Chast), for yet again making me laugh.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew as soon as I saw the headline "Steve Martin releases children's book" I was going to love it. Zany as he is, this is an entertaining version of the standard a-z book. Each page is loaded with words and pictures that feature the individual letter.

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I heard a blurb about this book on NPR and was excited to check it out...now, not so much. Basically, it only got the air time because Steve Martin wrote it! I guess maybe adults would like it, but it seems a bit over the top for a kid's book, especially an alphabet book.

[Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give this a 3.5. I'm not sure who the audience is for this book, 1 on 1 read alouds, older children? But I thought this book was clever with cute illustrations, reminding me of Dr. Seuss's ABC book and Graeme Base.

[Lauri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I am 36, I still am still drawn to children's books from time to time. It's really fun to find all the objects in the illustration that begin with the respective letter and poem. This is a completely fun & charming & non-traditional ABC book.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another children's book really written for the adult who is reading it aloud. Lots of alliteration in the drawings. A fun read because of the sing-song text, but some of it goes over even a 9-year-old's head. The vocabulary used has to be explained.

[Julian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad baby bubbleducks
beat up his bed with bashed up bananas
and old moldy bread

BRILLIANT!

I love this book, but I think my son can't wait for me to stop reciting the above quote over and over to him.

[Angela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry Steve Martin - we hated this book, it was gross and did not help us to learn the alphabet. Even though we love you and think you are a genius - we think eels with earwax should not be discussed.

[N · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be your standard alphabet book except for the weirdo drawings. Oh, and that it was written by Steve Martin.

"Yesterday Yuri the yeti did yoga,
Today he spilled yogurt all over his toga"

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure what I expected this to be, but it wasn't what I expected. The humor gets better with each passing letter, and the humor is what it's about. Not so great for educational purposes, but since Martin is talented and silly I'll give him 4 stars.