APPLES, ALLIGATORS AND ALSO ALPHABETS Odette and Bruce Johnson Don Mills (Ont.), Oxford University Press, 1990. 32pp, laminated boards, $14.95 ISBN 0-19-540757-1. CIP Pre-school to Grade 2/Ages 3 to 7 Reviewed by Constance Hall. Volume 18 Number 6 1990 November What a visual treat this alphabet book is for readers of all ages! Odette and Bruce Johnson have created a special illustration in colourful plasticine for each letter of the alphabet. These appealing pictures are the focus for the text, which includes a large capital and lower case letter as well several other words, beginning with that letter of the alphabet, For example, the letter C is illustrated with a couple of crazy cats and a magnificent family of cranes wearing some very creatively designed caps. In another example, the letter M shows a delightful arrangement of energetic monkeys and muddy mice hanging on to the antlers of a moose. Since not all the objects are part of the text, there is much to discover in each picture. Vivid colours of plasticine have been layered to create a variety of marvelous textures from smooth surfaces of water to heavy yak fur to soft velvet violets. This attention to detail in each illustra­tion creates a strong three-dimensional effect, adding to the reader's interest in turning the page to see the next letter. Lucky is the adult who can share this fun language book with a child. Constance Hall, Hamilton, Ont.