Review
First and foremost this is an undeniably gorgeous book! Each page is a vivid recreation of vintage circus poster art. This happens to be one of my very favorite art forms so I was instantly attracted to the book. Each poster represents a famous circus act (from the Bearded Lady to the Wild Men of Borneo). For the most part the images don't disappoint. If I'm terribly nit-picky I have to say I was bothered by her depiction of the famous Hilton Twins (Daisy and Violet, not Paris and Nicky). The sullen creepy little girls just don't seem like a fitting or accurate tribute, plus they're not even connected in the right place!
Another reason why I was attracted to this book is because it was billed as an alphabet book. As much as I love alphabet books I really wish she had just left this out entirely because it really contributes to this book having a bit of an identity crisis. For the most part the words she uses aren't really circus related: A is for Awesome, A show for all ages, Death defying acts, And strange beasts in cages. So, as a thematic alphabet book it falls pretty short. But thank goodness this isn't all it has going for it. The little poems that go along with each picture are really fun and inventive and make up partially for the lame alphabetizing. And she includes some brief historical information and trivia at the bottom of each page - just enough to make you want to know a little more ;)
All in all, as a debut book I think this shows that this is an author/illustrator to watch.
Another reason why I was attracted to this book is because it was billed as an alphabet book. As much as I love alphabet books I really wish she had just left this out entirely because it really contributes to this book having a bit of an identity crisis. For the most part the words she uses aren't really circus related: A is for Awesome, A show for all ages, Death defying acts, And strange beasts in cages. So, as a thematic alphabet book it falls pretty short. But thank goodness this isn't all it has going for it. The little poems that go along with each picture are really fun and inventive and make up partially for the lame alphabetizing. And she includes some brief historical information and trivia at the bottom of each page - just enough to make you want to know a little more ;)
All in all, as a debut book I think this shows that this is an author/illustrator to watch.
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