An Animal ABC
A gorgeous book that should be on every child’s bookshelf, An Animal ABC is far more than an illustrated alphabet featuring animals. This encyclopaedic book is lavishly illustrated by Pattullo using meticulous screen-prints in glorious colours.
The publishers’ note tells us that Pattullo painstakingly hand printed the images on each page. Children will adore the pictures but may not be sophisticated enough to appreciate the artistic merit. However, their parents will.
The illustrations are what drew me to the book initially, before I realised that the animals depicted were no ordinary animals: Nautillus, Xantus, Uakari, Okapi all feature, alongside Quail, Polar Bear, Sloth and Rhinoceros. Did you know, for instance, that the Latin name for an okapi is okapia johnstoni and that it has scent glands on its feet for marking its territory as it roams, and that it is the only living cousin to the giraffe? Each animal is treated thus: Pattullo provides us with amazing facts about them that will make children want to learn more. (For example I looked up the Okapi and found that it was first discovered by Lancaster in 1901 and named after the British Governor of Uganda Sir Harry Johnston). And on top of all this, the text rhymes beautifully.
The production values of Pavilion books are obviously very high. This amazingly beautiful reference book is great value at this price and is set to be a classic, in my opinion.
