Arches to Zigzags An Architecture ABC

Children's Literature

This is an alphabet book for older kids who can relate to such concepts as eaves and balconies. We see photographs of finials, joists, keystones, mantels and obelisks. Each letter/photo spread has rhyming text explaining the architectural concept. Many of the photographs are complex buildings and require a close look to find the selected feature. An addendum provides small copies of the photographs with additional information and the specific location of the building. 2000, Harry N. Abrams,

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 4-Crosbie and the Rosenthals clearly have a passion for form. In this alphabet, upper and lowercase letters are coupled with full- and double-page color photographs illustrating architectural details or terms. Thus, "E" is for the "Eave" on the Robie house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. "T" is for the "Turret" on a marvelously ornate pink Victorian in California. The text consists of rhyming questions. ("Look under a roof/For eaves broad and plain./Can eaves give you shelter/From the sun and the rain?") They serve as an entr e to discussion for young children, but the imposed rhyme scheme is distracting. Nevertheless, the book is attractive and informative. Artfully composed, the photographs command attention and arouse interest. Source notes combining definitions and identifications conclude the title. Slipping this volume in between Stephen T. Johnson's even more fundamental Alphabet City (Viking, 1995) and Diane Maddex and Roxie Munro's more in-depth Architects Make Zigzags (Preservation, 1986) would build awareness for an underappreciated, yet omnipresent art.-Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.