Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The typical preschooler may not know 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea from The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, but that lack of familiarity won't impede them from enjoying Falkenstern's (A Dragon Moves In) geeky abecedary. Two industrious mice sporting all of the typical steampunk trappings-Victorian-style haberdashery accented with goggles and cogs, plus a zeal for low-tech industry-hammer on an anvil, collect bolts, and turn a crank (the latter belongs to an old-fashioned pencil sharpener). They progress through each letter of the alphabet (could G stand for anything but "gear"?) on their way toward a goal that remains inscrutable until the end. Honoring the subculture's DIY ethos, the mice enlist ordinary household items-spoons, a sardine tin, life-size toothbrushes-in service of their mysterious project. Blending the gleam of various metals with the warmth of the furry mice and their antics, Falkenstern's paintings lend a cartoonlike, kinetic feel to the dialogue-free scenes. The perennially sticky question of what X stands for causes many an ABC to overreach; Falkenstern's answer not only feels organic, but points the way to a logical letter-Z reveal. Ages 3-5. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-Two mice dressed in Victorian garb are hard at work using fanciful machinery in this inventive alphabet book. The elaborately crafted letters on each page echo the activity being carried out. "C is for Crank" shows a bowler-hatted, peg-legged critter operating an old-fashioned sharpener while the other creature dangles from the turning pencil. The spread that includes "L is for level" and "M is for monkey wrench" connects the two letters with a joyous tightrope walking mouse as the other lugs a heavy wrench into the background. At first glance, all the activities on each page seem disconnected. But this is not a book for just one glance. The intricate illustrations invite readers to peer carefully at both the individual letters as well as notice the story that is developing along the way. Something is being built here, and it is not until the last two pages that children see what all this industriousness is about. Bright, flat background colors allow the creatively developed letters to shine. Each one is a masterpiece in itself that would be fun to see as actual sculptures. The beauty of the letters is juxtaposed against the humorous shenanigans of the two mice, giving the book warmth and intrigue. This is a delightful work that can be enjoyed by all but especially by young tinkerers, future builders, and architects.-Diane McCabe, John Muir Elementary, Santa Monica, CA (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Here's another ABC book that takes an unusual theme and manipulates the device for a very sophisticated audience. Picture-book-age children will not be familiar with the term "steampunk," which is best known as a subgenre of fantasy and science fiction. The label typically features fantasy worlds powered by steam and clockwork and retro-futuristic inventions, often in a Victorian-style setting. Falkenstern takes that construct and adds two adorable mice, dressed in Victorian clothing, who use gadgets and found objects to invent machines, mostly using everyday tools. A is for Anvil; M is for Monkey wrench; P is for Periscope; Q is for Quartz; W is for Windsock; X Marks the spot; Z is for Zeppelin. Though there is no narrative as such, savvy readers will wonder what the various contrivances are leading to, if anything. The last page reveals the answer, as the mice float off on the zeppelin that they have contrived to build. The intricately detailed illustrations are quite fascinating and eye-catching, with the mice sporting French cuffs and bow ties, and one wears a red vest and derby hat. The disparity between format and content begs the eternal question, though: Who is the audience for this book? Though just a context-void bagatelle for actual children, perhaps teen and adult steampunk enthusiasts will take a look. (Picture book. 12 up)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
