ABC UK

Find out about all things British in this unusual alphabet picture book. A is for Arthur, B is for Beatles… this innovative new picture book delight looks at some of the things that give the UK its vibrant and unique cultural identity.

From Arthur to Zero Degrees Longitude, this unusual alphabet book offers a multifaceted portrait of British culture and tradition. Included are people, places, and things familiar to many readers — the Beatles, Stonehenge, Wellington boots — along with the decidedly unfamiliar Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerchwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, a railway station in Wales. Helen Bate’s imaginative, brilliantly colored illustrations contain a wealth of intriguing detail to engage and stimulate young minds. Further information on each topic is included at the back of the book, making ABC UK as suitable for older children as it is for those just learning their ABCs.

Publishers Weekly

It's the details that make this ABC book stand out from the crowd. Featuring historical and cultural highlights of Great Britain (Giant's Causeway, punk music, vindaloo), each letter of the alphabet gets a uniquely stylized treatment in Bate's mixed media art. For “H is for Holmes,” Sherlock peers at readers through a magnifying glass, complete with pipe and deerstalker hat, while in “N is for Nessie,” the benevolent-looking creature hovers in murky light-infused water. Readers will also get a kick out of the 58-letter name of a Welsh village that begins with L (the glossary provides a rough pronunciation, as well as extra information on the other topics). The diversity of subjects makes it a prime pick for Anglophiles of all ages. Ages 5–8. (July)

James Dunn's family comes from Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales. He grew up in the Scottish Highlands and lives in North London, where he works in publishing. When it comes to sport he is not one of those who supports Scotland and whoever's playing against England. This is his first book. Helen Bate is an exciting and versatile illustrator, who previously qualified as an architect. Her work for Frances Lincoln includes the Purple Class stories by Sean Taylor and Sita, Snake-Queen of Speed by Franzeska Ewart. She is also the publisher of Pictures to Share, a series of illustrated books for people with dementia. She currently lives near Chester, United Kingdom.