Synopsis
In simple rhymes and brilliantly colored illustrations, 26 African animals come to life on the pages of this stunning alphabet book. Browne portrays insects and mammals in vibrant paintings that celebrate the bold tribal patterns of Africa.
Publishers Weekly
Spiked with tangy tribal patterns from Africa and animated rhymes, this animal ABC book feeds youngsters what they love: exuberant illustrations and a bouncy text that invites their participation (``Elephant lumbers/ Frog leaps/ Giraffe dozes/ Hippo sleeps''). Featuring 26 animals whose survival in the wild is to various degrees threatened, debut author/artist Browne leaves serious issues and informative details for the fine-print endnotes, and her light approach proves inviting. A mix of the familiar (the elephant) and the unexpected (the Xoona moth) will arrest kids' attention as they ``prowl'' and ``growl,'' ``mutter'' and ``flutter'' their way through the alphabet. Adults, meanwhile, can slip in information gleaned from the notes. As electric-colored creatures pounce or perch in a fantastically patterned jungle, the heat fairly radiates from these pulsating pages. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)