Alpha
Alpha
Select a format:
Publisher's Hardcover ©2014--
To purchase this item, you must first login or register for a new account.
Candlewick Press
Annotation: An introduction to the NATO phonetic alphabet is depicted through illustrations that visualize codes ranging from an elegant "Tangoto" and an enigmatic "Echo" to a humorous "Kilo" and a haunting "Romeo" and "Juliet."
 
Reviews: 1
Catalog Number: #109433
Format: Publisher's Hardcover
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Copyright Date: 2014
Edition Date: 2015 Release Date: 08/25/15
Pages: 1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN: 0-7636-7852-X
ISBN 13: 978-0-7636-7852-4
Dewey: 428.1
LCCN: 2014951397
Dimensions: 24 cm.
Language: English
Reviews:
School Library Journal (Wed Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2015)

Gr 3 Up-This unique abecedarian tackles an unusual topic for an alphabet book-the NATO Phonetic Alphabet, also known as the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet "used by various emergency services." From "Alpha" to "Zulu," each spread features a full page watercolor/gouache/pencil illustration on the right and the word printed in large blocky black letters on the white expanse of the left, with the first letter highlighted in light blue. As the blurb at the back explains, the book aims not only to teach the readers this "internationally recognized code" but that "each page, each letter, each word, and each image invite investigation." The latter sentiment is somewhat of an understatement, as most of the image/word pairs require a level of sophistication beyond most children. Readers might grasp why "Charlie" is a bowler hat, or that a tumbler with ice and brown liquid, though not exactly child-friendly, stands for "Whiskey," but a picture of alpha particles for "Alpha," a pair boxing gloves for "Mike," or chocolate cake for "Kilo" may stump even some grown-up readers. VERDICT Though beautifully designed and lovingly illustrated in Arsenault's signature retro style, this book seems destined for a niche audience. Yelena Alekseyeva-Popova, formerly at Chappaqua Library, NY

Reviewing Agencies: - Find Other Reviewed Titles
School Library Journal (Wed Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2015)
Reading Level: 2.0
Interest Level: K-3

Discover the NATO phonetic alphabet—and find layers of connection in every letter—in a stunning abecedarian from celebrated artist Isabelle Arsenault.

Alpha, Bravo, Charlie . . . Since 1956, whenever time and clarity are of the essence, everyone from firefighters to air traffic controllers has spelled out messages using the NATO phonetic alphabet. Now, with equal precision—infused with a singular wit and whimsy—award-winning author-illustrator Isabelle Arsenault interprets this internationally recognized code and makes it her own. From the elegant Tangoto the enigmatic Echo, from the humorous Kilo to the haunting Romeo and Juliet, the striking art in this remarkable ABC book elicits laughter and curiosity, calls up endless associations, and will draw the viewer back again and again.


*Prices subject to change without notice and listed in US dollars.
Perma-Bound bindings are unconditionally guaranteed (excludes textbook rebinding).
Paperbacks are not guaranteed.
Please Note: All Digital Material Sales Final.