The Imaginary Alphabet

PreS-Gr 2–“Dizzy Dinosaurs Dancing in the Dark,” “Majestic Macaws Making a Magnificent Mess,” “Wild Wolves Wandering the Wintery Woods.” Unassuming at first glance, this sophisticated yet whimsical, alphabet book lures readers into a fantastical alliterative rabbit hole and is visually captivating, with the utmost attention to detail. A spread is devoted to each letter of the alphabet, highlighting illustrated letters on the left coupled with a surreal look-and-find scene on the right. Daigneault’s digitally enhanced colored pencil drawings are vivid dreamscapes of nature, magic, and imagination that play along with each alliterative description that proceeds. Readers of all ages will linger and absorb the many whimsical plants, animals, and objects woven throughout each carefully crafted illustration. Back matter provides a guide for the hidden components incorporated into each illustration, and readers will surely scan each drawing to make sure all elements are discovered. Some details depicted will not be easily identifiable for the youngest readers, but when enjoyed with an older reader, the book may serve as an opportunity for extending vocabulary. Early elementary aged children will be drawn to the stunning illustrations and gamelike details of the book, but the most interest will likely be shown by grown-ups nostalgic for Graeme Base’s Animalia.