Hosie's Alphabet

by Leonard Baskin

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A full-page illustration of a creature for each letter of the alphabet, including a bumptious baboon, furious fly, ghastly garrulous gargoyle, and quintessential quail.

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Member Reviews

4 reviews
There are so many alphabet books but this one is delightful. There are so many unusual animals, adjectives and drawings. I kept thinking how much fun it would be to do this kind of book with a classroom of first graders.
I found this at the ABAA: Hosea Baskin's father was an avid book collectors [sic] and his mother still is, and his aunt and uncle were booksellers, so it seemed inevitable that he would end up in the field. Following several occupations in the rare book field, Hosea founded Cumberland Rare Books in Northampton, MA in 1995..." And, at http://www.vintagechildrensbooksmykidloves.com/2011/10/hosies-alphabet.html, this: ?"American artist, sculptor, print maker and friend to the Plath/Hughes family, Leonard Baskin was known for his dark and sometimes strange etchings and paintings. Here, at the urging of his family, he created an alphabet book (his first work for children) in collaboration with his wife and sons. A Caldecott Honor book, each show more spread pictures a single illustration with appropriate alphabetic explanations..." So... basically it's self-indulgent artsy fartsy, but it also definitely has appeal for the right audience. ?áI was intrigued enough to find a 2nd-hand copy online.?á The only page I love is 'Hosie's heron,' free & open & lovely. ?áI appreciate the life-size 'A furious fly' of course, but I can't say it's attractive. ?áIf I were actually an artist myself, I'm sure I'd appreciate the talent shown by these illustrations. ?áAs is, I'm going to keep the book. ?áI just don't know if I'm going to save it intact for (still-hypothetical) grandchildren, or remove the best pages and frame them. Difficult to rate." show less
½

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Caldecott Honor Books
296 works; 23 members
Books Read in 2023
5,547 works; 145 members

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Picture of author.
62+ Works 516 Members

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Classifications

Genres
Children's Books, Picture Books
DDC/MDS
769Arts & recreationPrintmaking & printsPrints
LCC
PZ7 .B2923 .HLanguage and LiteratureFiction and juvenile belles lettresFiction and juvenile belles lettresJuvenile belles lettres
BISAC

Statistics

Members
85
Popularity
374,450
Reviews
4
Rating
½ (3.68)
Languages
English
Media
Paper
ISBNs
1
ASINs
3