The Absolutely Awful Alphabet by Mordicai Gerstein

The Absolutely Awful Alphabet is not just another alphabet book. Gerstein cleverly and creatively describes each letter of the alphabet in one streaming sentence. Gerstein takes the simple concept of writing about the alphabet and turns it into a detailed, expressive flow of alphabet creatures. Gerstein also uniquely makes the descriptions of each letter flow into the description of the following letter. The title of this picture book, The Absolutely Awful Alphabet, oxymoronically describes the quality of the storyline and illustrations. This book contains magnificent illustrations that truly capture the descriptive wording provided for each alphabet letter. Each illustration took the form of a letter of the alphabet. Within the outlines of each letter of the alphabet contained a humorous, detailed creature. Each illustration contained an immense amount of detail intertwined with bright colors. The technique and colors used in these illustrations remind me of fun loving imaginary friends most children have. They are all unique, fueled by imagination and originality. These illustrations are truly wonderful.