The ABCs explode in a creative flurry of color and
cadence in this stimulating mix of contemporary abstract
images and playful jazz lingo. Shahan's alliterative text
incorporates music jargon in each dynamic spread.
Saxophone S is swingin,' so scuff your shiny shoes.
Shimmy and shake to the scat man blues! For each
letter, illustrator Thelen cleverly incorporates items
ranging from the expected (zebra) to the unexpected
(zither) on each purposefully busy spread. The focus
letter, in a distinct bright color, stands out within black
text that routinely dances down the page. Thelen
orchestrates vivid hues and geometric shapes, often
employing a scribbled backdrop for scintillating
collage scenes.
Publisher: Philomel - Publisher's Weekly
Five spreads from The Jazzy Alphabet were featured in
an exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago Family Gallery:
Artful Alphabets: Five Picture Book Artists
June 11-November 6, 2011
Picture Book Gallery
Ryan Education Center
Art Institute of Chicago
