Alphabet City

Alphabet City cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Buy online
Technical
  • ID: 9778
  • Added: 2026-01-02
  • Updated: 2026-01-02
  • ISBN: 9780140559040
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 1999-10-25
  • Reviews: 3

Alphabet City is a unique and sophisticated wordless alphabet book that invites readers of all ages to explore the urban environment in a new way. Through a series of strikingly realistic pastels and watercolors, artist Stephen T. Johnson reveals how everyday objects and scenes can form the letters of the alphabet, from a sawhorse containing the letter 'A' to lampposts forming elegant 'Ys'. This innovative approach to learning the alphabet is both educational and visually captivating, making it a standout choice for art lovers and alphabet enthusiasts alike. Published in 1996, Alphabet City was recognized as a Caldecott Honor book, highlighting its artistic merit and appeal. The book's sophisticated design and attention to detail make it a valuable addition to any collection, whether for educational purposes or simply for the enjoyment of its beautiful illustrations. Johnson's work encourages readers to look more closely at the world around them and find beauty in the ordinary.

Reviews
Kirkus Reviews · 2026-01-02
VisuallyAppealing 4.00

The artist's vision stretches across fire escapes, water towers, and streetlights, creating a unique and visually appealing alphabet book. The book is praised for its realistic paintings and tantalizing exercise in visual perception.

Alphabet City is a unique and visually appealing alphabet book that transforms the urban landscape into a learning experience. The artist's vision stretches across fire escapes, water towers, and streetlights, creating a unique and visually appealing alphabet book. The book's realistic paintings are not only educational but also aesthetically pleasing, appealing to a wide range of readers. It's a testament to how art and learning can come together to create something truly special. The book's ability to engage both children and adults is a testament to its universal appeal. The artist's vision is praised for its ability to stretch across different elements of the cityscape, making learning fun and interactive.


Quick quotes

    The artist effectively demonstrates just how far his vision can stretch

    Handsome, realistic paintings…a tantalizing exercise in visual perception

    The urban landscape will never look the same again

Books On Books · 2021-11-30
Innovative 4.50

Alphabet City is celebrated for its innovative approach to the alphabet, transforming urban landscapes into a visual learning experience. The book's artistic vision is praised for its ability to engage both children and adults.

Alphabet City is more than just an alphabet book; it's a visual journey through the cityscape. The author uses the urban environment to create a unique and educational experience. Each letter is found in the architecture and street elements, making learning fun and interactive. The book's artistic vision is not only educational but also aesthetically pleasing, appealing to a wide range of readers. It's a testament to how art and learning can come together to create something truly special. The book's ability to engage both children and adults is a testament to its universal appeal.


Quick quotes

    Alphabet City goes beyond the alphabet letters as found objects

    A Caldecott Honor Book and New York Times Best Illustrated Book in 1995

    The urban landscape will never look the same again

Pages for Ages Blog · 2013-05-08
Engaging 4.00

The book encourages children to look at their world differently, finding letters in everyday objects. The illustrations are reminiscent of Sesame Street, making it a fun and educational read.

Alphabet City is a delightful book that encourages children to look at their world in a unique way. The illustrations are reminiscent of Sesame Street, making it a fun and educational read. The book's ability to transform everyday objects into letters is both creative and engaging. It's a great way to introduce children to the alphabet while also fostering a sense of curiosity and observation. The book's artistic vision is not only educational but also aesthetically pleasing, appealing to a wide range of readers. It's a testament to how art and learning can come together to create something truly special.


Quick quotes

    Alphabet City encourages children to look at their world in a unique way and to find letters everywhere

    The illustrations remind me of Sesame Street

    It makes learning fun and interactive