Who would have thought I’d love an A is for Alligator book? Alphabeasts by Wallace Edwards is simply gorgeous, magical; I could get lost in the illustrations.
Edwards takes on a tour of an ornate Victorian mansion, introducing us to all the menagerie that lives there, from the alligator awaking from a dream to the zebra soaking in the bath tub. Along the way, we meet some out of the ordinary animals, like the ibis, a mandrill, a quetzal, even a narwhal. Each of the animals stars in a richly-colored scene filled with tiny details, a portrait that makes me at least wonder what the rest of the story is. Take for example the alligator from the cover. What was he dreaming of, why is he propped in the armchair like that? And I love the cat who stares into the mirror and sees the reflection of a tiger.
I wish I had a picture of the octopus changing the light in to show you. I love how the octopus tentacles are entwined with the chandelier.
I can’t recommend it for the youngest set. We gave it as a gift to my niece, who’s only 1, but I did it knowing 
It’s magnificently absurd, an unusual alphabet book to be sure, but one that I found delightful. Wonder who else I can buy it for?
5 out of 5 stars
Category: Picture book- Alphabet
Published April 1, 2002 by Kids Can Press
32 pages
Purchase from Amazon or an Indie bookstore.
Book source: Purchased
What beautiful artwork! I kind of like the A to Z theme as well–guess I’ve got a thing for the alphabet.
Lee
Tossing It Out
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Wrote By Rote Saturday 11/26
What a great recommendation. My 4 year old will love this. It is great when you can read a book for them that you enjoy also. Thanks
I totally agree! Especially since kids want the same ones read over and over.
This looks like such a cute book!
It looks like such a beautiful book. I’d get it just to stare at the illustrations myself!
It does sound really nice, I like those illustrations.
The illustrations in that book look gorgeous!
This seems like a book for adults as I think the illustrations may scare small children. As an adult, I just love the illustrations.
I don’t think they’re scary, really, they’re colorful and detailed. And kids don’t expect animals to only act like animals, especially in books.
Love the artwork!
Loved it – the artwork isn’t scary at all – just great.
Hi Carol, Many thanks for stoping by Pen and Paper, I’m glad you enjoyed my post on Mermaids. Lovely to meet you, I’ve really enjoyed my visit. Best wishes, PW.
I’m totally sold! Gage has a similar one and we’ve only ever made it to G, but I love it!