Charming art, fun animal choices, and a good level of challenge for a 4 year old. ( )

An awesome book - my least favorite by this author, and it's still one of my favorite children's books. ( )

Really really look at the details. The front page picture of the outside of the house includes tusks as columns on the portico, an elephant's foot as the base of a tower, and turrets finished in hides of giraffe, leopard, and zebra. Pretty creepy, if you ask me.... Many images reference a deck of playing cards; I wonder why....

I get a kick out of the Octopus changing the light bulb on a chandelier - pretty much the ideal critter for that job!

I think my favorite picture is for C is for Cat, who reflects on its self." I could see framing this, for sure. Most of the others are not as frame-worthy as most of the pix in the other books that I've enjoyed by Edwards. Well, except for the Quetzal arranging flowers, of course. Interestingly, the Swan is made to look clumsy.

Definitely a 'gimmick' book, really not helpful for tots learning their ABCs. But bewitching nonetheless." ( )

It's been done before, with more interesting action. This is pretty random, more interested in the rhyming than whether it makes a story or humor. Jaugar on a checkerboard patterened carpet in the same colors is most interesting. The rhino is poignant and well illustrated. X is for Xenosaur. ( )

From a dreaming alligator to a bathing zebra, the mystical mansion featured in this creative picture book fills the reader with wonder, curiosity, and surprise. Framed as a classic alphabet tale (“A is for…”), this story is far from ordinary as each page reveals realistically portrayed animals in rather fantastical scenarios. Rhyme and repetition coalesce with alliteration and descriptive language to form simple, poetic verses that extend beyond the initial representation of animal and letter. Incredibly rich and detailed illustrations cleverly complement the text with multiple dimensions that unfold the longer one gazes upon the page. Irony, paradox, and humor are seamlessly crafted into both words and images, further enhancing the layers of meaning and interpretation. While young children will enjoy the unassuming simplicity of letters and lines paired with vivid depictions of uncommon creatures, adults will delight in wealth of hidden context and impeccably crafted artwork. ( )