Animalia: one of the best alphabet books ever

I was lucky enough to be part of a pay it forward surprise package for my class from a pre school class in Australia. (I am going to post about this over the week end, so I don't want to say any more!)

But, I will say that one of my favourite alphabet books is written and illustrated by an Aussie and was in our package.

It begged to be included in Susanna Hill's list of perfect picture books.

Animalia is a visual wonder.  And the vocabulary is pretty impressive too.

Animalia

written and illustrated by Graeme Base

published by Penguin Books, Australia, 1986

themes  alphabet and animals

suitable for ages 4 - adult

opening lines ...  An armoured armadillo avoiding an angry alligator.

synopsis ...  Animalia is an an alliterative alphabet book and contains 26 illustrations, one for each letter of the alphabet.  Each illustration features an animal from the animal kingdom along with a short sentence utilizing the letter of the page for many of the words.  The illustrations contain many other objects beginning with that letter that the reader can try and identify.  As an additional challenge, the author has hidden a picture of himself in every picture.   - Wikipedia

I like this book because ...  
Animalia is an absolute visual feast.  Kids Book Reviews says, " Animalia captures your imagination completely".  I agree.  I have spent happy hours lost in each page finding new surprises and treasures.

It's also a fun challenge to find the picture of himself as a boy that Graeme Base has hidden in each page.  It's not an easy feat.

The vocabulary that is introduced to the reader through the illustrations is amazing.  

I am sure that everybody who has read this book has their own favourite page. Mine is the letter L - Lazy Lions Lounging in the Local Library.

resources ...
As well as being a book, Animalia is also a computer animated television series which "tells the story of two human children, Alex and Zoe, who stumble into the magical library which transports them to the magical world of Animalia".     - WIkipedia. 

Here's a quick trailer to whet your appetite.

I bought the Animalia app for my ipad (also ipod touch and iphone compatible).  According to appadvice:  Animalia has been a great hardback book for the last 20 years, and is better in its new digital form.  Now the same great book has even more deluxe images to truly see the finite detail, and there are brand new touch based interactive features.  This app really shows has the iPad can reinvent and provide brand new interest in a classic book.  For only $3.99 Animalia is an absolute steal on the iPad and is great for young and old alike.

Hopping around the internet, I found another alphabet picture book that brilliantly (at least in my mind) marries art and the alphabet.

Welcome to the Learning Den writes:  It contains 26 lovely paintings by renowned artists. Each hides a letter while exposing children to fine art.

have a fabulous Friday