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Thursday, 21 July 2016

Review: Alpha Bravo Charlie

If you love sensational design with your juvenile information books, then you'll be performing backflips over Alpha Bravo Charlie. This is a book that has caused some kind of heart-racing in this reviewer's chest.

Subtitled The Complete Book of Nautical Codes, kids (and adults!) love this kind of information. In the Introduction, we learn about signal flags and how they work. We also learn about the phonetic alphabet and Morse code, as well as semaphore. And it's beyond fascinating (and presented in a concise way that's perfect for primary schoolers).

We then commence with Alpha and work our way through to Zulu, each outlining the above techniques for signalling--the phonetic name, Morse code/sound and light signalling, and semaphore. We also learn more about a relevant topic, like diving boats, cargo ships, icebreakers and more.

Each section is preceded by a full page signalling flag, some with paper cut-outs. The addendum pages include the collected flag signals, codes and alphabets, and a helpful glossary--again, all laid out with superb colourings and design style. Beautifully-crafted infographic-style illustrations and a colour palette of red, yellow and blue make for a visually divine total package.

Printed on creamy, uncoated paper, the price for this hardcover, 120-page book is phenomenal value. Don't miss it.

Title: Alpha Bravo Charlie: The Complete Book of Nautical Codes
Author/Illustrator: Sara Gillingham
Publisher: Phaidon, $24.95
Publication Date: 2 May 2016
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9780714871257
For ages: 7+
Type: Picture Book