The Alphabet from Z to A: (With Much Confusion on the Way)

Brief Description: Verses running backwards through the alphabet take note of some anomalies in English spelling and grammar. Brief Description: Verses running backwards through the alphabet take note of some anomalies in English spelling and grammar. Publisher Marketing: In "The Alphabet from Z to A", Judith Viorst once again applies her clear-sighted wit to a subject of universal appeal, turning the traditional alphabet book on its head by going through the alphabet backwards. Viorst's lively verse irreverently demonstrates that the spelling and sounds of our language are often so maddeningly inconsistent-- "blue" and "blew", "chute" and "shoe"-- that, as her exasperated narrator complains, "It could drive you berserk". Aimed at children who already have some facility with language (and at anyone else who likes to play with words), "The Alphabet form Z to A" is an entertaining and throught-provoking romp through the quirks and quagmires of the English language. Richard Hull's exquisite drawings enrich the text and offers a playful challenge. Publisher Marketing: In "The Alphabet from Z to A, " Judith Viorst once again applies her clear-sighted wit to a subject of universal appeal, turning the traditional alphabet book on its head by going through the alphabet backwards. Viorst's lively verse irreverently demonstrates that the spelling and sounds of our language are often so maddeningly inconsistent -- "blue" and "blew, " "chute" and "shoe" -- that, as her exasperated narrator complains, "It could drive you berserk." Aimed at children who already have some facility with language (and at anyone else who likes to play with words), "The Alphabet form Z to A" is an entertaining and throught-provoking romp through the quirks and quagmires of the English language. Richard Hull's exquisite drawings enrich the text and offers a playful challenge. Publisher Marketing: In "The Alphabet from Z to A (With Much Confusion on the Way), " Judith Viorst once again applies her clear-sighted wit to a subject of universal appeal, turning the traditional alphabet book on its head by going through the alphabet backwards. Viorst's lively verse irreverently demonstrates that the spellings and sounds of our language are often so maddeningly inconsistent -- "blue" and "blew," "chute" and "shoe" -- that, as her exasperated narrator complains, "It could drive you berserk." Aimed at children who already have some facility with language (and at anyone else who likes to play with words), "The Alphabet from Z to A" is an entertaining and thought-provoking romp through the quirks and quagmires of the English language. Richard Hull's exquisite drawings enrich the text and offer a playful challenge. Review Citations:

School Library Journal 04/01/1994 pg. 123 (EAN 9780689317682, Hardcover)

Booklist 03/01/1994 pg. 1266 (EAN 9780689317682, Hardcover)

Publishers Weekly 01/03/1994 pg. 81 (EAN 9780689317682, Hardcover) - *Starred Review

Kirkus Review - Children 02/15/1994 pg. 235 (EAN 9780689317682, Hardcover)

Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/1994 (EAN 9780689317682, Hardcover)

Publishers Weekly 09/08/1997 (EAN 9780689815454, Paperback)

Contributor Bio:  Viorst, Judith Judith Viorst has written many books for children, including the classic "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day".