Animal Alphabet

Graphic artist Vincent brings a decidedly retro aesthetic to this alphabet book as she introduces an active cast of animal characters through alliterative phrases. On left-hand pages, letters appear in upper and lower case in a font reminiscent of vintage circus posters, while the heavily accessorized animals are shown on the right in flattened, crisp-edged illustrations. The quirky assortment of figures include a yellow “drumming Donkey” in cowboy boots (truth be told, he’s just carrying the drum in his mouth, not playing it), a “hippy Hamster” with John Lennon–esque glasses and a guitar, and an awkwardly phrased “outer space Octopus” seen Rich shades of orange, mustard, turquoise, and brown, along with the cream-colored paper stock, contribute to the throwback look of an offbeat alphabetic exploration. Ages 2–5. (Mar.)