Ted Harrison (1) (1926–2015)

In 1982 this book was published as a stapled paperback. Now it has been reissued in board book format for a new generation. I'm so happy, because it's such a beautiful book, quintessentially Canadian, and the new format makes it much more accessible to preschoolers just learning the alphabet -- not to mention younger siblings. The choice of words is sometimes unexpected and amusing: O is for owl, of course, but this is definitely the only alphabet book I have ever seen that features oil rig show more and outhouse (how outré, one might say). Each page has an evocative sentence with two or three words starting with the letter in question, and there will be other objects starting with the letter hidden in the accompanying painting. Children will return to the pages again and again and find new things to look at -- or as suggested by Ted Harrison in the foreword to the 1982 edition, new stories to tell. show less

Ted Harrison (1926-2015) was one of the most beloved of Canadian painters. Born and educated in England, he chose Canada as his home when he moved to the Yukon in 1967. While there, his work took on new prominence, not only as an artist but also as an illustrator and author. In 1987 Harrison was made a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian culture.

This board book edition of A Northern Alphabet will delight not only the children for whom it was written but any person show more of any age with a penchant for beauty, simplicity, and striking colour. Every picture tells multiple stories matching each of the letters of the alphabet. It is a stunning collection that allows all of us to experience, even if just in our imaginations, life in the north. You'll want to gift the young readers in your life with this gorgeous book but I'm betting you'll also want to keep a copy for yourself. show less

I am really loving this book. Of course, the art is gorgeous (which is to be expected from Ted Harrison), but the big blocks of colour not only show the beauty of Canada's North but also lend themselves well to the eyes of children who would be reading an alphabet book. The text is great. It is very playful with unexpected examples for each letter that also describe life in Arctic communities.

The author wrote and illustrated this alphabet book with a focus on Canada's north- specifically the Yukon. Each alphabet letter references an aspect of life in the north and features indigenous peoples. I like the fact that the words used to describe each letter introduce the young reader to a way of life that they either know or learn about. The drawings are all clear, and colourful. Harrison has produced a very handsome book for children that expands their knowledge about a part of Canada show more that perhaps they have not thought about before. This alphabet book reinforces the culture of the North for those who live there. I think that this is a resource that will be an important part of a child's education about the northern lives in the Yukon. show less