Take Away the A
An irreverent journey through the alphabet's playful transformations
Michael Escoffier author Kris Di Giacomo illustrator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Andersen Press Ltd
Published:1st Oct '15
Should be back in stock very soon
This playful exploration of the alphabet shows how removing letters can change meanings, as seen in Take Away the A.
In Take Away the A, readers embark on a whimsical journey through the alphabet, discovering how a single letter can dramatically alter the meaning of a word. The author cleverly illustrates this concept by showcasing playful transformations, such as turning 'beast' into 'best' when the letter 'A' is removed. This engaging exploration not only highlights the importance of letters but also invites readers to consider the power of language in a fun and accessible way.
The book is filled with humor and wordplay, making it a delightful read for both children and adults. Each page presents a new letter and its corresponding word, demonstrating how the absence of one letter can lead to unexpected and amusing results. For example, without the letter 'W', the 'witch' is left with an 'itch', showcasing the playful nature of language and its potential for creativity.
Take Away the A encourages young readers to think critically about words and their meanings, while also inspiring them to invent their own examples. The collaboration between the author and illustrator adds a visual dimension that enhances the humor and overall experience, making this alphabet book a unique addition to any child's library. As children explore the letters and their transformations, they will be motivated to engage with language in new and imaginative ways.
"All alphabet books require mastery of the letters in order to read them, but this one manages that paradox with genius." * The New York Times Book Review *
"Beyond the inherent fun of the concept (which has plenty of potential for classroom activities), every scene tells a story – it's practically 26 books in one." * STARRED REVIEW, Publishers Weekly *
"Amid the flood of alphabet books, now and then one rises to the surface. This one is a prize catch." * STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews *
"A playful celebration of language not as a dry, mathematical exercise in letter-organisation but as a living organism, in which letters make meaning through a vast mesh of metaphorical associations driven by the imagination – the very faculty that is the hallmark of children's minds." -- Maria Popova * Brain Pickings *
"A silly but smart introduction to wordplay" * Irish Times *
- Winner of English 4-11 Award 2016 (UK)
- Long-listed for UKLA Book Award 2018 (UK)
ISBN: 9781783443444
Dimensions: 310mm x 197mm x 5mm
Weight: 335g
64 pages