Once Upon an Alphabet

By Author / Illustrator

Oliver Jeffers

Genre

Humour

Publisher

HarperCollins Publishers

ISBN

9780007514274

Format

Hardback

Published

25-09-2014

Synopsis

WINNER OF THE CBI BOOK OF THE YEAR
A flagship publication, gloriously bringing the alphabet to life in irresistible Oliver Jeffers style!

The letters of our alphabet work tirelessly to make words that in turn make stories, but what if there was a story FOR each of the letters instead? Turn the pages of this exquisite book to find out...

Here you will discover twenty-six short stories introducing a host of new characters (plus the occasional familiar face). From Edmund the astronaut with his awkward fear of heights, via the dynamic new investigative duo of the Owl and the Octopus, through to the Zeppelin that just might get Edmund a little bit closer to where he needs to be, this book is packed with funny, thrilling, perilous and above all entertaining tales inspired by every letter in the alphabet.

An adventure to follow from A to Z, or a treasure trove to dip in and out of, Once Upon an Alphabet is a work of exhilarating originality from artist Oliver Jeffers, the creator of much-loved modern classics such as Lost and Found and The Incredible Book Eating Boy.

Reviews

Sue

If words make up stories, and letters make up words, then stories are made of letters. In this menagerie, we have stories, made of words, made FOR all the letters. This big, bright book offers twenty-six short stories - one for each letter of the alphabet! Whether read in alphabetical order or as the fancy takes, there is something for everyone here The art-work is distinctive and eye catching. Deceptively simple at times, each picture is delightfully humorous, offering many opportunities for discussion and encouraging story telling. Danger Delilah, for example, was a huge hit with my class as they competed to find more and more elaborate things that she was not afraid of: she laughs in the face of delinquent dwarves; she doodles on the desk of the Devil; she dances with dangerous dogs; and so on! Each story is original - many funny and many quirky! 'U' is for 'underground' where Nigel (the monkey) moves when the other monkeys laugh at him for needing a ladder to climb a tree. The final picture reassures us that Nigel's individuality wins out in the end. The succinct writing style, the precise choice of vocabulary, the excellent interplay between picture and word, make the book a triumph of possibilities to be explored! Any story could be taken and developed by a class or individual child; characters could be given whole worlds to explore! Although this book could be used on many levels, I think it would be perfect for exploring with older primary children. My favourite letter is 'b' because it's the first letter of 'book' and 'bibliophile' and 'bibliotheraphy'. 112 pages / Ages 6-11 years / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher.

Angel - Age 10

I love the illustrations- they make you want to be a bear! The illustrations show you different types of bears and the text tells you about them. I love the panda with its baby- it looks gentle and loving. I was surprised to learn how many different types of bears there are. The end picture is right - the best one of all is your own teddy!

Jess - Age 11

This book is really good. The pictures are enjoyable and easy to look at and you can dip in and out of it easily as each page is almost a mini-story itself! I also think the use of colour is very creative - it's simple and effective. I really like the picture for 'F'. Both older and younger children will enjoy this book!

Brandon - Age 10

The pictures fit so well with each letter. The effort put into each one is amazing! The humour in the pictures is great; they are drawn in a sketchy style which matches the words so well. I love the details you can find in each picture- 'H' is really funny! It is fascinating to think about where the ideas came from. Anyone would enjoy this book!