Once Upon A to Z

This unique alphabet book deserves an A for applause. Chockablock with letter-appropriate words and images, these pages offer amusing and abundant alliteration. The fanciful story stars Andy, who ``always ate an astounding amount,'' and ``dearest Daisy the delivery girl,'' whose job it is to ``dispatch dozens of delicious delicacies daily.'' When the two meet ``tall Tilly,'' they put their appetites aside to form a trio and ``visit various village venues to volunteer their vibrant variety act.'' These samples represent only a small portion of each letter's allotted paragraphs; invitingly unfinished sentences at the end of each make for eager page-turning. The ingenious book is bound to inspire kids to try similar exercises in dictionary raiding and may well stretch their vocabularies (a glossary of some of the more difficult words is included) and imaginations. Using a palette of tropical colors, Holland's kicky and stylized cut-paper collages go a long way toward holding the somewhat rambling tale--which at times threatens to disintegrate--together. All ages. (Oct.)