Teeth Tails and Tentacles - Hardcover

Christopher Wormell is the celebrated English wood engraver whose illustrated books are collected and loved throughout the world. His first children's book, An Alphabet of Animals, won the prestigious Graphics Prize at the Bologna International Children's Book Fair and has been reprinted in numerous editions. His other children's book titles include Mowgli's Brothers, Blue Rabbit and Friends, Blue Rabbit and the Runaway Wheel, Animal Train, Off to the Fair, and George and the Dragon. Wormell lives in London with his wife and three children.

PreSchool-Grade 2–In this companion to An Alphabet of Animals (1990; o.p.) and The New Alphabet of Animals (2004, both Running Pr.), Wormell's stunning graphics once again serve a concept–this time the numbers 1-20. Spreads depict each numeral, its spelling (in capital letters), and a reference to a body part or characteristic of an animal featured in linocut prints on the right (e.g., 2 camel humps, 5 starfish arms, 13 caterpillar segments, 19 crocodile teeth). The luminous prints feature mostly close-up illustrations of animals that will be a mix of the familiar and unusual to this audience. Each one is framed in a thick black line. The book ends with a picture of a whale's nose emerging out of the water with the line "20 barnacle shells on..." followed by a print of the animal's tale and the accompanying words, "1 humpback whale." Brief notes at the back next to smaller reproductions of the artwork give a bit of information on each creature, its habitat, habits, or featured body part or characteristic. Younger children will enjoy the concept book aspect, while older kids can study the artistry of the illustrations and learn a little more about each animal.–Tana Elias, Meadowridge Branch Library, Madison, WI
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