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Alphabet City

Stephen T. Johnson

Alphabet City Stephen T. Johnson Amazon Price: $6.99
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Alphabet City minus the grunge 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

How successful an alphabet book is relies entirely on how well it conveys the alphabet to children. Sometimes books of this nature are so wrapped up in their own cleverness (like the wearily look-at-me-aren't-I-a-visual-delight, "Graphic Alphabet" by David Pelletier) that they forget who alphabet books are supposed to be FOR. Now "Alphabet City" is clever too. No question of that. But what Stephen T. Johnson has done here is whip up a book that inner city kids will immediately recognize and cling to. How many alphabet collections are there out there that form letters out of pastoral or countryside setting? Plenty. Johnson turns the idea on its head with near photo-realistic paintings of recognizable city objects and places.

In his forward to the book, Johnson explains that the roots of this project are based in his own love of the, "particular energy one senses in the people, sounds, and structures, old and new, that constitute a city". While out for a stroll on day, he found he could find letters in the most basic city structures, like fire-escapes and sawhorses. "Alphabet City" is the result. Each letter, always a capital, is presented as part of the environment around it. So the aforementioned sawhorse is the very first picture, with kids being able to readily recognize the "A" hidden in its crossbeams. No letter is going to be immediately easy to find. Johnson doesn't outline them in darker paints or even necessarily point them out in any way. The "R" hidden in leaf covered cobblestones is evident if sneaky. He also cheats a little here and there to get just the right shape. To find the "C" in the cathedral's beautiful window, a late afternoon shadow covers part of the circle. By and large, however, Johnson executes an extraordinarily clever conjunction of images. I would have thought it near impossible to find a "Q" in the city, but the wheel well of a stationary train proved me wrong. Johnson also flits back and forth between different kinds of light and shadow. You'll find yourself quite taken with his mysterious and towering "T", or the snow-covered bench that provides an "O". It makes for perhaps the most interactive alphabetic picture book out there.

This book does work on the premise that the children reading it already recognize the alphabet as it stands. How hard would it have been for Johnson to have place a large black letter in the corner of each page, allowing kids the chance to learn as well as explore? If you're a four-year-old and can't remember if "Q" comes before or after "R", this book will be no help to you. That said, for those kids already familiar with the shapes in this collection, "Alphabet City" can become a game in their off hours. They can walk down the street pointing out the letters they see in their own neighborhoods. Some pictures admittedly feel like Johnson is cheating. He obviously could have located an "L" anywhere, but did he have to make it so difficult for the readers by constructing such a convoluted image? Try flipping randomly to some of the pages and see whether or not you can figure out what letter you're on. Betcha bottom dollar you don't guess "F" or "G".

I complain, but only because I love. Truth be told, "Alphabet City" blew me away. There are all kinds of seasons here and a true love for city living that rings true. Johnson has a keen eye for the beauty inherent in urban living. Rust and peeling paint and moldering iron and missing tilework all combine into truly beautiful portraits. The alphabet has never been done so eclectically. Alphabet books with a designer bent always leave me a touch cold, but "Alphabet City" is different. Like its sequel, "City By Numbers" it's original and lovingly rendered. Consider pairing it with "Achoo Bang Crash" by Ross MacDonald and "New York, New York: The Big Apple From A to Z" by Laura Krauss Melmed for a truly urban and urbane alphabetic threesome.

Editorial Review:

A 1996 Caldecott Honor book

The urban landscape will never look the same again. As Stephen T. Johnson demonstrates in a series of strikingly realistic pastels and watercolors, a simple sawhorse can contain the letter "A"--while lampposts alongside a highway can form a row of elegant, soaring Ys. A 1996 Caldecott Honor book, this sophisticated, wordless alphabet book is sure to appeal to young and old alike.

"Imaginative, stimulating, and striking." --The Horn Book

"Sure to intrigue." --Booklist

* A Picture Puffin
* Full-color illustrations
* 32 pages
* All ages

City by Numbers

City by Numbers Amazon Price: $6.99
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By: Puffin
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

the most creatively educational children's book on the marke 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 14 people found this review helpful.

Stephen Johnson is by far the most creative artist/illustrator of educational children's books alive. He not only makes learning fun in Alphabet City and City by Numbers, but shows his remarkable talent as an artist. His illustrations, for lack of a better word, are flawless as can be seen clearly in the originals. He does not bring the book down to a child's level, but teaches them to appreciate art and learning at his level. He is completely remarkable and shows that it is rewarding to major in fine arts in college even if you wish to be an illustrator. No illustrator could produce the quality work that he has produced. Definitely buy this book. You will not be disappointed.

Editorial Review:

In the ideal follow-up to his stunning Caldecott Honor book Alphabet City, Stephen T. Johnson turns his talents towards numbers. Wordless spreads featuring impressively photo-realistic paintings of New York City invite readers both young and old to search for the numbers zero through twenty-one hidden in the images. From a sweeping 4 found in the span of an urban bridge to the 13 of a faded crosswalk, this is an intriguing new way to think about numbers and the world around you.

A City Through Time

DK Publishing

A City Through Time DK Publishing Amazon Price: $12.23
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By: DK CHILDREN
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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Arts & Music -> Architecture

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A great entertaining book for all 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 11 people found this review helpful.

My children greatly enjoy all the books in this series, and while Anne Millard does a great job with the facts it is the art of Steve Noon that really makes these books phenomenal. Easily understood information that is very interesting appears on each page, and with characters you can follow throughout the book you can spend a long time searching for them -- which allows you to really appreciate all the other historically accurate mini-scenes that play out all over. I will admit that I have been known to look through these books even when my children aren't around. This book, and all the others in this series, should be enjoyable for all children of all ages. Even those who aren't old enough to read will still love the pictures and learn something. Older children learn quite a bit, and keep coming back to the book because there is always something new to find. I highly recommend this book, and encourage any parent to add all of them to their collection!

Editorial Review:

Created by Steve Noon, illustrator of the award-winning A Street Through Time, this stunning picture book vividly brings to life the history and growth of a city. Beginning with the birth of a fictional Greek colony and ending with a modern metropolis, A City Through Time is a captivating journey through 2,500 years.

1001 Things to Spot in the Town (1001 Things to Spot)

Anna Milbourne

1001 Things to Spot in the Town (1001 Things to Spot) Anna Milbourne Amazon Price: $6.99
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By: E.D.C. Publishing
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great details! 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

This book is full of fantastic little details -kids can spend hours searching for items in each scene, much like 'Where in the World is Wally', but with loads more to find. Many of the scenes have been very well researched, such as the villages in West Africa and Alaska. And at the end of the book, there are some souvenirs and travel photos that send the reader back to find things they didn't notice in the first reading! Endless fun.

A great counting book!! 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

As a Kindergarten teacher, this book is one of the BEST for practicing counting with pre-schoolers and Kindergarteners. It has large pictures and numbers making it easier for little readers to find and count each object, much less frustrating than the I Spy or Where's Wally seach and find books. This makes a wonderful book for parents and children to share. When I found it in our school library, I ordered this one and others for my classroom. We've all found it lots of fun. Enjoy!

Editorial Review:

-- Charming picture books loaded with lots of things to find and count on every page -- Bright, busy artwork brings to life scenes from around the world -- Hours of puzzle-solving fun!

My Town (Young Geography)

Rebecca Treays

My Town (Young Geography) Rebecca Treays Amazon Price: $8.99
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By: Educational Development Corporation
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Love these books 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I love these books and so do the children. It is colorful, fun, with fabulous illustrations for children to learn terms about their town and how a town can change. It's great for learning about maps also. A great educational book with lots of potential. If you are looking for more like them check on www.suesbooks.info. New and discounted also. If you order $35 you could qualify for customer specials and internet specials available.

City Signs

Zoran Milich

City Signs Zoran Milich Amazon Price: $6.95
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By: Kids Can Press, Ltd.
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

City Signs 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

my 4 year old grandson is having lots of fun with these signs, good quality,

Editorial Review:

Award-winning photojournalist Zoran Milich captures a world of words in the simplicity of big, bold signs. As young children discover the thirty colorful photographs in City Signs, they will delight in seeing people and places that are a part of their everyday world. With that delight comes the growing recognition of the words that are all around them -- and the exhilarating discovery that they can READ!

City by the Bay: A Magical Journey Around San Francisco

Tricia Brown

City by the Bay: A Magical Journey Around San Francisco Tricia Brown Amazon Price: $7.99
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By: Chronicle Books
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

. . . A Wonderfully Illustrated Tour of San Francisco 5 out of 5 stars.
19 of 19 people found this review helpful.

I purchased this book, a beautifully illustrated treasure, as a souvenir on one of my trips to San Francisco. The illustrations are so incredible--bright, cheerful, detailed and full of life. Each illustration (i.e. Golden Gate Bridge, The Cable Cars and Lombard Street) is accompanied by a brief history and interesting facts. Other sections include an Overview of the city's history, "Fun Facts" about San Francisco and an "Explorer's Guide". The book is both absolutely beautiful and filled with relevant information about exploring San Francisco including telephone numbers for various attractions. I highly recommend this book both for children and adults.

Editorial Review:

The Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Union Square, Chinatown—these are just a sampling of the San Francisco landmarks featured in this magical journey around the fabled city by the bay. Each famous location is brought vividly to life by fanciful collage illustrations that sparkle with the same color and action found in the city itself. The lively text is accompanied by a "Fun Facts" section and "Explorer's Guide" at the back of the book, making this perfect for residents and visitors alike.

Colonial Voices: Hear Them Speak

Kay Winters

Colonial Voices: Hear Them Speak Kay Winters Amazon Price: $12.23
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By: Dutton Juvenile
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Subjects -> Children's Books -> History & Historical Fiction -> United States -> Colonial & Revolutionary

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Colonial Voices: Hear Them Speak 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This book was written by a friend of mine whose talent I much admire. It gives the young reader a different perspective of the events leading up to the American Revolution - through the eyes of an errand boy who, while delivering an important message to Boston Patriots, gives the reader an inside view into the lives of some of the colonists. It is an interesting and beautifully illustrated book.
I bought it for my granddaughter who is nine, and will be studying the American Revolition next year in 4th grade.

Editorial Review:

Follow an errand boy through colonial Boston as he spreads word of rebellion.

It’s December 16, 1773, and Boston is about to explode! King George has decided to tax the colonists’ tea. The Patriots have had enough. Ethan, the printer’s errand boy, is running through town to deliver a message about an important meeting. As he stops along his route— at the bakery, the schoolhouse, the tavern, and more—readers learn about the occupations of colonial workers and their differing opinions about living under Britain’s rule. This fascinating book is like a field trip to a living history village.

The Neighborhood Mother Goose (Ala Notable Children's Books. Younger Readers (Awards))

The Neighborhood Mother Goose (Ala Notable Children's Books. Younger Readers (Awards)) Amazon Price: $11.55
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Modernizing Mother Goose 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Old nursery rhymes with a new look. If your child has ever wondered what "pickled peppers" were, pick up this very contemporary look at favorite rhymes. Illustrations are an update to the old style that left young ones wondering what some of the rhymes were about. Crews gives Mother Goose a new look that was long overdue. Kids love this one!

Making nursery rhymes relevant in my 21st-century classroom 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

As a music teacher in a city school, I have used this book to introduce children to nursery rhymes and to give those who already know them a new understanding. The photo illustrations are beautiful and depict the text using modern city-scape images. My students can interpret the meaning of these treasured old rhymes by looking at illustrations of kids who look just like they do. The book features photographs of children with different skin and hair colors, styles of dress, and kids of various ages.

Editorial Review:

Every day, children the world over sing, shout, and celebrate Mother Goose rhymes. And now there's a new reason to cheer: Nina Crews has added her own remarkable, jazzy style of illustration to a collection of forty-one favorite verses. Whether it's Jack jumping over a candlestick (atop a cupcake), Georgie Porgie kissing the girls (at the playground), or a fine lady riding a white horse (on the carousel), this exuberant treasury is sure to be read and enjoyed over and over again.

The Tale of Pale Male: A True Story

Jeanette Winter

The Tale of Pale Male: A True Story Jeanette Winter Amazon Price: $10.88
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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Animals -> Birds -> Nonfiction

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

High-flying fun 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 9 people found this review helpful.

"The Tale of Pale Male" is a gussied-up true story for the Picture Book set. Remember Pale Male--a Red-tailed hawk--and his Fifth Avenue perch? (Mary Tyler Moore lives in his building.) Remember how Pale Male brought his gal pal Lola to his favorite spot and they built a nest? Remember the birdwatchers down below and the momentous birth of two "hungry chicks"?

Pale Male and Lola set off a media storm when they build their huge nest and begin circling the skies of Manhattan. People lined the street to watch the birds fly and the chicks hatch. Winter chronicles their story and their abrupt eviction from 927 Fifth Avenue when downstairs neighbors complain of the "evidence of Lola's meals" falling on "to the balcony below." (Note: Winter includes only bones, leaves, and twigs in this "evidence.") Media and public outrage follow culminating in the restoration of Pale Male's home.

Winter successfully combines two stories in "The Tale of Pale Male." On the one hand it's the story of people standing up for nature even in the heart of Manhattan. On the other hand, it's a nature story--we learn how Red-tail hawks build nests, what they eat, and how they live.

Winter's pallette of grays, purples, and teals beautifully suits Pale Male's city life, especially when contrasted with the opening pages illustrated in the greens, blues and browns of a Red-tailed hawk's life in nature. An "author's note" at the end of the book gives us the straight story.

"The Tale of Pale Male" is best suited for readers ages four to eight. School-aged children in kindergarten through second grade will especially like "The Tale of Pale Male" at story time. Its dual story line will appeal to city slickers and nature lovers alike.

Editorial Review:

Here is the incredible true story of a Red-tailed Hawk that makes himself at home in the most unlikely of places--atop a high-rise apartment building in New York City. Named Pale Male by his many fans, this majestic bird not only endures in this urban environment, he thrives. But when the residents have Pale Male's nest removed from their building, a historic battle--and triumph--ensues, uniting bird lovers everywhere.
With Jeanette Winter's beloved folk art-inspired illustrations and soulful insight into the spirit of this beautiful hawk, this is a book that will delight nature enthusiasts of all ages.
Includes an author's note.

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