"Animalia" by Graeme Base

"Animalia" 

by Graeme Base

32 pages /  Print / Fantasy

Summary: This book is an illustrated alternative alphabet filled with animals doing human things. This book is an adventure to read, with each letter representing a different animal. Also on each page are things that start with that letter. With so many detailed pictures and hidden treasures to find on each page, this book could take longer to read than a chapter book.

Evaluation: This book, like other books I've reviewed on this blog, is a work of art. This book is like your wildest and most strange dream. Because it is an alphabet book, students can learn about letter sounds (phonics) and alliteration (crimson cats,  hairy hippos, etc.). The tongue twisters on each page are fun to read. The book contains one inappropriate sentence that parents should look at before reading it to their child, ("Kid Kookaburra and Kelly Kangaroo kidnap Kitty Koala") showing animals in criminal clothing. This book can be read many times, and you would probably discover something new each time.

Appeal Terms: animal, leisurely, humorous, magical, gentle, quirky