The jungle ABC

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3--Yet another variation on the alphabet concept-book theme. This title uses images from Africa to illustrate the different letters. While the title indicates a jungle setting, the words employed span a broader African scope. For example, the text includes impalas and zebras, which are indigenous to the open savannahs. Problematic letters such as U and X are dealt with by the conventional choices of "umbrella" and "xylophone." Most of the vocabulary will be accessible to children except for the word "kraal," which is not defined. The oversized cut-paper collages are striking and vibrant. However, the page layout omits the actual word that the picture represents. With the individual letter as their only clue, readers must attempt to guess what the picture represents or refer to the word list at the back of the book. For children just learning the alphabet, this arrangement is especially awkward. They will need significant guidance from adults in order to appreciate this title and there is not enough here to hold the interest of more sophisticated audiences. A foreword by fashion model Iman is also an odd touch. A graphically beautiful mixed bag that somehow misses the mark.--Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA

NY Times Book Review

The alphabet in this sumptuously printed large-format book consists of collage illustrations of creatures, images and things loosely associated with the African jungle: antelope, elephant, fire, leopard, zebra.