I know these have been around for a while, but they're on my shelf and I'm slowly blogging about what I've got on my shelf as well as "new things" as they come along. I recently learned of a new Alison Jay title that is coming in April this year, and it got me to thinking how much I love her work.
These two in particular are so well put together that they're just so enjoyable to read and share with children.
Alphabet can be used as a straight forward alphabet book (I love alphabet books) where the main thing on each page begins with the corresponding letter. BUT, what makes me get excited about this book, is that if you look closely enough at her beautiful illustrations, you can find a little clue, something that doesn't start with that letter, but begins with the next letter of the alphabet. Therefore, while these are marketed for very young children ("A Child's First ABC") they are still good for the more observant older child who loves looking and finding and is a bit more confident with their letters. I see this as being great for sharing with siblings of different ages too.
Numbers, on the other hand, has a different hook. Each number has a fairy tale/Mother Goose relation. In fact, the main girl ("one little girl sleeping") is escorted by Mother Goose ("two soaring wings") throughout the entire book. And again, like with Alphabet there are tiny clues on each page as to what the next story book reference will be.
Alison Jay's illustrations are just fantastic. I love that they are all cracked, like they are wall frescoes from some brilliant ancient civilization that was steeped in folklore and fairy tales, revering them as the Greeks did the gods.
I got these two in a slip case of large format board books. I love them.
Find them on Goodreads
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