The latest entry in the publisher's alphabet series spotlights the Kentucky Derby, from "A is for Aristides" (the first winner of the Derby) to "Z is for Zeal." Like others in the series, this picture book presents topics in rhymed couplets accompanied by paragraphs of text in smaller type and a large painting for each entry. The quality of the verse is uneven, but the accompanying prose text is clearly written and interesting. A Kentucky painter who specializes in horses, Corum contributes pleasing paintings that are equally effective in depicting women showing off their Derby Day hats or a groom calming a thoroughbred before the race, and horse lovers will linger over the dramatically lit portrait of Secretariat. While the book's alphabetical structure leads to a rather haphazard arrangement of ideas, children interested in the Derby will absorb each bit of information from each entry while enjoying the colorful illustrations.

For each letter of the alphabet, a singsongy rhyming quatrain about America's most famous horse race shares space with a dramatic oil painting and a wordy sidebar exploring famous horses, Derby parties, "My Old Kentucky Home," and other racing topics. Though the sunny treatment is too long-winded for a read-aloud, horse fans will appreciate delving deep into their favorite subject.