cover image Annie's ABC

Annie's ABC

Annie Owen. Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $8.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-394-89590-1

Nothing novel or unusual sets apart this alphabet book, but it has elements of charm and repetitiveness for children. Most pages have five rows and columns of toy-like objects in minute sizes; the name of each object corresponds to the letter of the alphabet on that page: ""B is for balloons, bananas, bread, boots and bowls.'' Some pages are filled with variations on only one theme, such as ice cream for I and jack-in-the-boxes for J. A distinguishing factor is the diverting colors in an ordered display of objects. In some ways, this aspect will nab a reader's attention, but it may not keep it for long. All ages. (March)