Alphabet: A Child's First ABC

A delightful continuation of the alphabet book tradition, this is a typically handsome production from Templar. Jay's mellow, still paintings are full of little surprises, questions and clues to absorb the parent and child. The illustrations are presented as single and occasionally double-page panels, with Jay's characteristic crackle-glaze technique giving the impression of an ageing painting on a wooden door-panel or the side of a battered old trunk. This could be an irritating visual mannerism, but it works well in this context to give a timeless, dreamy effect. Each image allows the child to identify the primary creature or object, whilst also seeking out others whose name begins with the appointed letter of the alphabet. Subtle clues can be found to what's coming up on the next page, giving an ongoing narrative thread to the whole. The artist's colour palette is nicely set off by the production of the book, in terms of typography, choice of paper weight and surface, and binding. A lovely book to keep.