ALEF-BET

In exuberant illustrations with vibrant colors vigorously defined by agile, rough lines, Edwards depicts an endearingly ordinary family engaged in everyday activities—helping Dad with the laundry, imaginative play, outings—with the oldest of three children taking part in everything from his wheelchair. Phonetic pronunciation is given for each Hebrew letter and the word it initializes, also given in English. Though more substantive information in the author's note would have been welcome (e.g., she says that some modern Hebrew words—ice cream, airplane—have been made from ancient words, but without further elucidation), a notably cheerful first introduction. (Nonfiction. 4-8)