Miss Spider's ABC

David Kirk's in-your-face, electrically charged illustrations will excite any young reader grappling with the challenges of the alphabet. From ants to the zebra butterfly, Miss Spider's friends prepare for her giant surprise birthday party: "Bumblebees blow balloons.... Earthworms entertain.... Fireflies fandango.... Moths mingle.... Owlflies ogle." This visually arresting alphabet throws open the doors of imagination, inviting children to learn their letters, insects, and colors in one fabulous package. It's hard to believe an alphabet book could actually tell a story, but this one succeeds, splendidly. Emotions play on the faces of Miss Spider and her friends, telling of anticipation, excitement, and joy. Fans of Kirk's other bestselling Miss Spider books (Miss Spider's Tea Party, Miss Spider's Wedding, and Miss Spider's New Car) will gleefully welcome Miss Spider's ABC. (Click to see a sample spread. Copyright © 1998 by Callaway & Kirk Company LLC. Permission by Scholastic Press.) (Ages 4 and older) --Emilie Coulter