Module 11--Creature ABC by Andrew Zuckerman

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/6525742-creature-abc

Summary: 
 Organized as an alphabet book, each letter is represented with a photograph of an animal.  With the turn of a page, there is another photograph and word to describe the animal.  It starts with a photograph of an alligator leg and the word Alligator for "Aa".  It ends with a photograph of the back of a zebra and the word zebra for "Zz".  In between insects, nocturnal animals, wolves, and an oryx are among the featured creatures.  The book ends with a glossary that includes a sentence or two about each creature. 

APA Reference:
Zuckerman, A.  (2009).  Creature abc.  San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books. 


My Impressions:
The journey of a reader toward maturation is really apparent when you consider the simplicity of this book in relation to others in the genre.  It is quite amazing how a young child, first learning to read, can draw appropriate levels of learning from the simple nature of an alphabet format photography book with one word per 2 pages.  Then, just a few short years later, their books are filled with complex vocabulary and concepts such as those in 14 Cows for America.  Eventually, readers reach the ability where a book such as Art Attack, is a welcomed labyrinth of words.  While simple, Creature ABC is quality.  The photography is sharp and interesting to peruse.  The poses of the animals are often unexpected (such as the close-up of the rooster's face).  The large negative space adds good contrast for young readers and the text introduces new vocabulary (such as quills, vulture, and mandrill).  


Professional Reviews:

PreS-Gr 2--The power behind this thick, square alphabet book lies in the breathtaking photography. Striking zebra-skin endpapers lure readers into the book. On each spread, a letter of the alphabet is presented in large, bold font in its capital and lowercase form along with a teasing photograph. The page turn shows a more complete photograph and the word describing it. Usually the letters stand for one animal, such as "Ee" for "Elephant." But there are a few exceptions--such as the letter "Nn" denoting "Nocturnal" and "Qq" for "Quills." The portraits stand out sharply from the white backgrounds, helping to focus readers on the animals' stunning details and colors. A glossary offers tidbits of animal trivia about each of the 26 entries, which might inspire readers to seek out more information. Based on photographs from Zuckerman's adult coffee table book Creature (Chronicle, 2007), this playful trip through the alphabet and nature will be visually inspiring for young children.

Roach, J. (2009). [Review of the book Creature abc, by A. Zuckerman]. School Library Journal, 55(11), 92. Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com

This adaption of Zuckerman's adult pictorial Creature (2007) uses white backdrops in striking juxtaposition with brilliantly detailed photographs to introduce animals and the ABCs. Children will marvel at the portraits, in which elephant freckles, mandrill stripes and porcupine quills appear in such startling clarity that the animals seem to breathe on the page. The design devotes two double-page spreads to each letter and animal. Young readers encounter upper- and lower-case characters first (Dd), along with an introductory shot. Then a turn of the page reveals the creature's name (dove) and another breathtakingly close picture. The placement of images remains compositionally compelling throughout, with animals appearing in motion, in fragments or relating with another creature. Readers find a glossary in the back, with fascinating facts about each animal embedded in a grid with ample white space and small pictures. Little ones just learning letters won't be able to hold this hefty book on their own, but the large format will make for fantastic lap-sit sessions. Older children won't tire of staring into the eyes and souls of such beautiful, mysterious creatures. (Picture book. 3-8)

[Review of the book Creature abc, by A. Zuckerman].  (2009). Kirkus Reviews, 77(15), 113.  Retrieved from http://www.kirkusreviews.com

Library Uses:
School ABC or Nature ABC:  Students walk the school with digital cameras to capture school-related objects or walk outside the school to capture nature-related items.  These can be compiled to create an ABC book.  Prior to searching for items to photograph, students can brainstorm items that start with each letter.  

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