Alphabeasties and other Amazing Types

I recently had the pleasure of randomly picking up this book from the shelf at the library for the kids. Alphabet books have been done before – many times – but this one is slightly different. As the preface says, “Have fun in our world of wondrous Alphabeasties where you’ll meet animals – and letters – of all types.”

Yes, that’s right, this is a book that introduces children to the joys of typeface; all those different styles of fonts that some of us often just take for granted when, actually, it has a rich and diverse history. I’ve seen people as fanatic about their most loved (or hated) typefaces as any sports-related debate that’s ever raged.

Some artwork from the book can be seen here at Flickr.

It’s made of a durable stock (there are a few flaps and flips-outs, so it needs to be), and that’s a plus for me as the kids can sometimes be a little rough.

Published this year in the US, it’s available here in Australia at Borders and Readings (and other places, I’m sure)

I love my library. You never know what treasures you’ll find.