In Norman Messenger's An Artist's Alphabet, tradition is tossed out the window with an artist's interpretation of the ABC that's as delicious as its irreverence.
No, C is not for 'wave', but it could be for curve (in this stunning visual à la The Great Wave Off Kanagawa by Hokusai). D may not be for 'cat', but a feline sure does make for a beautifully-shaped letter D--both upper and lower case.
The letter R can be rendered in the negative space of exquisitely crafted trees, yes it can. And the shape a snake makes effects the perfect Q.
There are no rules with this visually stunning book, and that's just the way I like it. Not only does the imagery make the reader ponder and wonder and think, it delights with its finely-designed illustrations and layout--drawing on such themes and styles as botanical, woodblock, watercolour, mythology, classical and modern.
There are no other words for it--simply scrumptious.
Title: An Artist's Alphabet
Author/Illustrator: Norman Messenger
Publisher: Walker Studio, $29.99
Publication Date: 1 September 2016
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781406346763
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book