ABC Discovery!

Izhar Cohen's ABC Discovery! is a large format (approximately 12"x9") book of picture puzzles based on the letters of the alphabet. Each letter receives a two-page spread. On the right-hand page a full-page illustration appears, while on the left a giant, artfully-drawn uppercase letter is displayed next to large upper- and lower-case letters and a list of 3-40 vocabulary words that start with that letter to be found in the drawing (along with an additional hidden upper- and lower-case version of the letter). So, the "K" vignette portrays a knight and a king wielding a knife, riding a kangaroo, holding a kettle, with a key chain in its pouch, a kitten on its head, and a koala clutching its tail. Most words are familiar objects (e.g., water, wand, whale) that are not too difficult to locate on the adjacent page, though some exotic words (e.g., ibis, Inuit) will challenge older children and expand their vocabularies. With the juxtaposition of many unrelated objects, the watercolor illustrations are appealingly crowded and surreal, forming a visual puzzle. Framed in boxed panels, items from the illustration playfully stretch outside the frame. Included at the end of the book are additional games to be played with the pictures, including finding objects that end with "t," creatures with four legs, and the object that has "blades but not for cutting"; an index to aid with the additional games as well as a list of answers are also included. Children who are accomplished readers will hone their powers of observation and expand their vocabularies.

This book is a cross between an "I Spy" book and an alphabet book. All my kids have enjoyed this book. It is perfect for preschool and kindergarteners who are learning the alphabet and letter sounds. The book consists of a list of words that start with each letter of the alphabet on the left page and a picture with includes those things on the right. There are some words that are new to the kids (i.e. winch) which gives them a chance to learn, but most are familiar objects which are not too difficult to locate on the adjacent page.

Dear readers,I am really excited by the prospect of being the first "official" reviewer of a book, in this case the ABC Discovery by Izhar Cohen. However, in all fairness, I cannot claim this very special honour since the real brains behind my comments are my two children: Roberto and Francesca, respectevely 7 and 5. They loved the very imaginative illustrations as well as the formative process of discovering new images and names. On a personal note, I would like to thank the author, Mr Izhar Cohen for giving me the opportunity to spend some wonderful quality time with my children.