Johnson, S. (1995). Alphabet city. New York: Viking. 32 pages. ISBN 01455943
Ages 3 and up
http://www.stephentjohnson.com/
The alphabet is all around. An "A" can be seen alongside the road at a construction site, "B" can be seen in the ladders of a buildings fire escapes, "C" is revealed in the details of a gothic church's window, and so on. This concept book shows that the letters of the alphabet can be found in everyday life; even though techically it is specifically based in the urban structures of New York City. Children need to really look into these illustrations and access their own creative eyes to find the letters of the alphabet. In doing so, they can have an introductory lesson in architecture and form. And, importantly a life lesson of looking beyond facades.
These stunning pictures are actually watercolor, pastel, gouche, and charcoal paintings and are really photorealistic and are visually deceptive. Throughout the book, Stephen Johnson does not stray from urban real life objects and architecture. This also seems to make the alphabet more tangible (for an older audience already comfortable with the ABCs).
This book received the Caldecott Honor Medal in 1995 and favorable reviews from Publishers Weekly and the School Library Journal.
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