There's a Monster in the Alphabet

The world changed when rags and bone, sticky stuff, and other things came together in the hands of a man who lived in the German city of Mainz. Johannes Gutenberg had printed a book in a new way. Readers will be drawn in as the elements Gutenberg used unfold, illustrated in handsome, realistic illustrations. An epilogue completes this intriguing book.

In 1802, when Champollion was eleven years old, he vowed to be the first person to read Egypt’s ancient hieroglyphs. He faced great challenges over the next twenty years as he searched for the elusive key to the mysterious writing.

Ali, a contemporary boy living in Bagdad enjoys soccer, “loud, parent-rattling music,” and Arabic calligraphy. Ali finds solace in it during the noise of war much like 13th century calligrapher Yakut. Dynamic, evocative illustrations make this book memorable, sure to remind readers that children are similar world-over.

Turtle and Tiger became friends only after they argued and fought over who saw one Spring flower first. When they both wind up in a field of flowers, they realize how silly they have been and together they return to their pond. This original tale is told in a storyteller’s cadence complemented by rich, textured illustrations.