C is for City

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Grimes, Nikki. 1995. C is for City. Ill. by Pat Cummings. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard. ISBN 0688118097

PLOT SUMMARY

Grimes presents an alphabet vocabulary rhyme that doubles as a vocabulary-increasing game.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

C is for City is an engaging and fun picture book for young children.  Each letter of the alphabet includes a verse that is packed with other vocabulary that starts with the letter.  For example, “B is for butcher / or breakfast with bagels / or block-party bands / out on hot summer nights” (3).  By including vocabulary unfamiliar to many children, Grimes is likely to increase her reader’s vocabulary.  The content of each stanza is varied and reflects different things that might be found in a large city.  Many of these things will be unknown to young children and may require more explanation, such as “Hasidim in black hats” (10).  In addition to varying content, the rhythm of each verse is varied as well.  Even though the rhythm is varied, it is done in a way that seems natural.  The flow of the poems seems very natural.  Grimes’s rhyming pattern is fun and adds another engaging layer to the book.  The rhymes will appeal to young readers.

 

Illustrator Pat Cummings does an excellent job of adding to the imagery of the poem.  With each verse, Cummings has created an illustration that includes several items beginning with the appropriate letter.  Some items are included in the accompanying text and some that are not.  The illustrations are bright and detailed.  The illustrations can also be used as a game for children to see how many of the items they can find in the illustrations.  A key is included in the back of the book that tells what items are in each picture.

This book is most appropriate for young children who are learning the alphabet, though the text is fun for older readers as well.  The length is typical of picture books.  Although the city specific vocabulary may be unknown to some readers, it provides a great opportunity to increase vocabulary.  The illustrations do not overpower the poems, but add to it nicely.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book Guide: “Both the text and the art create a finding game in this cleverly conceived book.”

School Library Journal: “. In addition to the letter-specific items mentioned, others are incorporated into the pictures for sharp-eyed viewers to find.”

CONNECTIONS

C is for City would be an excellent book for use in a library program on the alphabet.

Other alphabet poetry books include:

Hopkins, Lee. Alphathoughts: Alphabet Poems. ISBN 1563979799 

Rosen, Michael. Alphabet Poem. ISBN 1840593938