A to Z Menagerie

In its own words, a “quirky curated collection of lively letters” and a “gleeful gallery,” this alphabet board book with a larger-than-average footprint is in a league of its own and delivers from its very first moments. As the reader journeys from A to Z, each page features a plethora of items for the highlighted letter ranging from the familiar (i.e. apple, bear, elephant) to some delightfully non-mainstream choices (i.e. ascot, echina, quesadilla, unibrow), as well as a pull-tab that fills the central (initially white) letter cut out with a burst of color that transforms its shape into a final item. From foodies to francophiles, gamers to gardeners, and hipsters to historians, there is something here to charm readers with any and every interest. Variety abounds on each page, but so too does volume, with even traditionally difficult letters such as Q, X, Y and Z enjoying the full complement. The illustrations are as whimsical and original as the word choices, each object infused with personality and pizazz as rosy cheeks adorn cotton candy and a horse boasts high tops.