A Helpful Alphabet of Friendly Objects

John Updike. Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $6.99 (40pp) ISBN 978-0-679-89009-6

D is for Dog, and the author of Rabbit, Run makes much of it: ""A dog is jumpier; its fur is clumpier... but rarely (compared to a cat) is it grumpier."" PW gave a starred review to these 26 short poems illustrated with photographs: ""This extraordinary alphabet book offers numerous rewards."" Ages 5-8. (Mar.)

Featured Children's Reviews

Aubrey Hartman

Clare, the undead fox of Deadwood Forest, is cast as a monster by the local children who gather each Halloween around the forest’s edge to chant about how he “waits to feast/ On Continue reading »

Tony Keith Jr

Poet and educator Keith (How the Boogeyman Became a Poet) delivers a poignant, hip-hop-fueled collection of poetry that’s equal parts memoir, love letter, and rallying cry to Continue reading »

Randy Boyagoda

Sixteen-year-old Sabel is puzzled by tonight’s family meal, which seems to be a special spread of her and her four siblings’ favorite foods. Sickness and savagery have toppled Continue reading »

Cheryl Willis Hudson

Willis Hudson movingly exalts the power of African American spirituals in a lyrics showcase that pairs existing verses with feelings they can evoke. On the first page, a Black Continue reading »