Alligator Bear Crab: A Baby's ABC

Endearing animals introduce the ABCs in an inviting board book. Pechter's organic paintings feature soft lines, kindly faces, and a soothing palette of creamy sunset colors and sky blues. A goose with painterly, leaflike plumage cocks its head to the side; a contented iguana slurps his long, orange tongue; and a wolf offers a smile that reads more faithful than feral. Uncommon additions like an urchin and a vole broaden the menagerie, and the Y entry, "you"—a tubby, dark-haired infant—adds a chummy twist. With care paid to each image, this is a charming, distinctive primer. Up to age 3. (Apr.)