ABC AND YOU AND ME

Posed bodies of adults and children form the upper- and lowercase letters of the alphabet.

A handstand and a tall stretch make up the two versions of the letter I, while two other people each stand on one leg, the other leg held out, to form the letter K. Some of the poses appear doable, while others would likely require expert-level contortionist skills to complete. In each case, the adult forms the capital letter and the child, the lowercase letter; all are depicted holding relevant objects (eggs for E, umbrellas for U). A key at the back of the book outlines which objects are in which letter pictures; including the words alongside the images would have made for a more reader-friendly experience. Some simple rhyming text appears at a couple of points throughout, inviting readers to move. The illustrations are the real standout here, fluid and soft, a pale pastel palette setting the tone. All the people are dressed in white, allowing their unique features to stand out. The book’s greatest strength is its diversity—characters vary by ability, age, skin tone, and size, with a wide range of body types on display. As a guide to understanding the alphabet, it’s less successful, however; readers unfamiliar with their ABCs will have trouble recognizing what letters many of the bodies are attempting to spell out. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Not an alphabet book so much as an ode to the beauty of the human body.