ALL ABOARD!

From A for “All Aboard” to Z for “Zeppelin,” this highly original alphabet book takes its travel theme seriously. Each letter of the alphabet represents a travel term, a travel place or a travel mode. Terms include “Jump,” “Landing,” “Nautical,” “Paddle,” “Quick” and “Swoosh.” Places range from “Bridge,” “Dock,” “Highway” and “Island” to “Overpass.” Modes start with “Cycle” and “Elephant” and end with “Yacht” and “Zeppelin.” While the terms conjure tantalizing travel images, the slick airbrush gouache illustrations steal the show. Inspired by sophisticated travel posters of the 1920s, each letter of the alphabet is ingeniously incorporated into the bold design of each travel image. The arch of a Venetian bridge and its reflection in the water along with the tip of a gondola form the letter “G” for the image representing “Gondola.” The front of an ocean liner forms the letter “V” for “Voyage.” A kayaker’s arms and paddle form the letter “K” for “Kayak.” Seeking the shape of each letter should prove as intriguing as the retro-travel images themselves. A final page reveals the location of the letter hidden in each image. A tour de force. (foreword) (Picture book. 3-7)