Arches to Zigzags: An Architecture ABC

My husband is an architect, so I bought this book for our (future) children. The photography is wonderful. We think it is an excellent introduction to architecture, and I love how it asks a question of the reader after each alphabet. For example, it asks if you think a keystone looks like a tooth.

A delightful book of engaging interactive text and glorious photographic images which will appeal to both children and adults. Compared to other architecture alphabet books, "Archibet" and "An Architectural Alphabet" for instance, this book not only delights the eye but asks the reader to "read" the image and engage with the text. An appendix offers details regarding the specific location of the element in each photograph as well as the full definition of the term associated with each letter of the alphabet. Put it on your Christmas list.

By now you've probably plowed your way through lots of those children's books that are about impossible for grownups to enjoy. I won't mention any names, but I've tried lots of them and the kids don't seem to like them much either! Here's a book that children enjoy, and that also offers something to us parents. The photos are lively and pretty (and there's a handy list in the back that tells us where they were taken). The verse is clever and fresh and informative. And you walk away from the book understanding a bit more about architecture, a subject that's endlessly fascinating. I'll have to check my son's latest Lego structure to see if he's incorporated any arches, corbels, gargoyles, or other architectural features into his creations. Then I'll know for sure that this book has been as successful with him as it has been with me! Incidentally, this is a good gift book for the school. I'm giving one to my daughter's 2nd grade classroom.