Product Description

From airplane/avión/avion to zigzag/zigzag/zigzag, Marthe Jocelyn and Tom Slaughter have created a unique ABC for the very young. The book works perfectly in three languages, English, Spanish, and French (English, Español, and Français). In each case, deceptively simple paper cuts will delight the eye while young readers explore words in three languages.

The book has been carefully constructed to accommodate each language, including the letters which occur in Spanish, but not in English or French. Earlier collaborations by Tom Slaughter and Marthe Jocelyn have received raves from critics. This new addition to their library is yet another excellent introduction to modern art, to words, and this time to the fun of languages

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1356454 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-11
• Released on: 2005-10-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 3–This alphabet book has an interesting twist: each letter is presented with text in three languages. What a terrific way to show the similarities among English, Spanish, and French, especially when the words are exactly the same in each case for jaguar, kiwi, quetzal, radio, and zigzag. Not only does it help children (and ESL students) make language connections, but they will also feel mastery of the recognizable words. In a few instances, Jocelyn has included alphabet combinations that are specific to Spanish, which is confusing. A page for ch presents the word chaqueta. Another page illustrates ll with lluvia. Unfortunately, the text is not labeled with the language represented, which might make these single examples particularly puzzling. But these distractions do not significantly detract from a stimulating and interesting approach to learning about languages. The illustrations are simple, painted paper cuts done in vibrant primary and secondary colors, accented with black. This style is very effective in highlighting the text and maintaining interest. Slaughter has used a simple technique and combined it with careful placement and perspective to create movement and keep readers turning pages. ABC x 3 is a good choice for both school and public libraries and lends itself to discussions of other countries and cultures.–Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
PreS-K. Perhaps taking a cue from the rise of second-language education in the earliest years of school, the husband-and-wife team behind One Some Many (2004) presents a trilingual alphabet book for the very young. For each of the 26 letters shared by the English, Spanish, and French alphabets, children will find a striking cut-paper illustration paired with a corresponding word in three languages: thus, P is for pear,pera, and poire. In several instances, the close connections between the Romance languages are further underscored through words that are identical in all three, such as quetzal and windsurfer. There are no pronunciation guides to elucidate, for instance, why the hard T sound is represented by the French theiere (teapot), nor any explanation of the three "extra" letters included--the Spanish ch, ll, and n. Nonetheless, this introduction to basic cognates may help children build confidence before undertaking further study, especially when guided by adults who already know the fundamentals of all three tongues. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author
Marthe Jocelyn is an award-winning author and illustrator who worked for many years as a toy designer before turning her hand to writing. Her picture book, Hannah’s Collections, was shortlisted for a Governor General’s Literary Award for illustration. She has written five novels, one work of nonfiction for older readers, and five picture books.

Tom Slaughter’s art has been exhibited in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan. His prints are in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum. His children’s books include 1 2 3: A Counting Book, One Some Many, and Over Under.