Bembo's Zoo: An Animal ABC Book

This is no ordinary alphabet book. Highly inventive use of type and modern sense of style make this a book that should entertain kids on one level and adults on another level. It's amazing to see the animals that can be created from the letters of their names. Not only should it help kids learn the alphabet, but they can become familiar with the spelling of words ranging from the fairly simple like owl or wolf, to more complex words like elephant and rhinoceros by discovering all the letters that help form the shape of each individual animal. A real modern classic....

this is truly a wonderful book for children ages 3 to 13. I must admit I even enjoyed it and I am slightly older than 13 .

I know this will sound like a cheezy movie or theater review but it is heartfelt. Bembo's Zoo is nothing short of astonishing, inspired, miraculous and stunning. If this book doesn't get a kid into learning their ABCs, nothing will. So turn off the TV and open a copy of Bembo's Zoo. Share it together.

Bembo's Zoo is great fun to visit for children of all ages ( as well as the typographer and designer in all of us). It is the sort of book your child will keep into adulthood or search for later in life when they want to regain those early defining moments. Bembo of the title refers to the typeface whose origins date back to 1450 and which Mr. de Cumptich ambitiously and sucessfully links and assembles into animals which your child will enjoy exploring. (The author also includes a self-portrait in Bembo.) The wolf and monkey were among my favourites. A real joy, your child will see animals and letters as they have never seen them before.

When I first saw "Bembo's Zoo:An Animal ABC Book" I was struck by its beautiful and creative design. The use of colors and the inventive connection of the letters forming shapes of animals, caught my interest right away. Then I realized what effect that could cause on a child, and how interested one would get about learning the alphabet through such a inventive play between letters and figures. I think this book is a wonderful inspiration for those who are starting to learn the ABC, and a fun way for parents to help kids discover the complex world of language.