cover image A Zeal of Zebras: 
An Alphabet of Collective Nouns

A Zeal of Zebras: An Alphabet of Collective Nouns

Woop Studios. Chronicle, $17.99 (56p) ISBN 978-1-4521-0492-8

From the graphic designers of the Harry Potter franchise, this ABC book of collective nouns couples informative text with digitally created tableaus reminiscent of vintage posters that wryly play on the terms. A “galaxy” of starfish takes on a celestial appearance en masse; an “ostentation” of peacocks (“they make excellent ‘guards’ ”) stands at attention in a spread with hints of Andy Warhol; a “pandemonium” of parrots perches at awkward angles, vibrating against a lime green backdrop; and a “troubling” of goldfish swims outside a glass bowl, suggesting a world turned topsy-turvy. The thoughtful and provocative portraits will leave readers teasing out their subtleties. All ages. (Sept.)