California A to Z - Softcover

Kindergarten-Grade 2Various letters of the alphabet are paired with place names, tourist attractions, and flora and fauna associated with the Golden State. The book almost has the feel of promotional literature issued by a board of tourism or chamber of commerce. As a tool for teaching the alphabet, many of the references are too specific, too adult, or too obscure for children. For example, even most natives will be unfamiliar with the K is for kinglet entry, which refers to a species of bird found only in the less-populated eastern portion of the state. As an introduction to geography, zoology, etc., this title also falls short because the factual information is too eclectic, unfocused, and sparse. The illustrations, done in dyes and colored pencils, have a bland, insipid quality and the format is similarly uninspired. Library dollars would be better spent on more child-oriented alphabet books or on information-rich state series.Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In this alphabetic tour of the golden state, alliterative phrases illuminate the featured letter and relay pertinent facts about California, while colorful illustrations form the centerpiece of each page. Below the picture is the descriptive phrase and beneath that are both uppercase and lowercase version of the specific letter. For M, ``monarchs [are] migrating to Monterey'' with the accompanying scenic illustration showing said butterflies flitting around the coast. Readers can then turn to the detailed appendix for more information on both monarchs and Monterey. With such exhaustive detail, this outwardly simple book is packed with a wealth of information, blending art, history, marine and animal life, while providing a stimulating and colorful introduction to the alphabet. (map) (Picture book. 3-7) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.