The Absurd ABC By: Walter Crane (1845-1915)
The Absurd ABC by Walter Crane is a delightful and unconventional children's book that is sure to captivate readers of all ages. Departing from the traditional alphabet books, Crane takes us on a whimsical journey through a world of playful illustrations and clever rhymes. The book opens with an absurd premise, challenging the very foundation of the alphabet. Crane playfully upends the expectations of readers by assigning unexpected words to each letter. From "A" being represented by an "Ass with a brass" to "Z" personified as "Zany Black Billygoats," the author invites readers to embrace the unexpected and expand their imagination. What truly sets The Absurd ABC apart is Crane's artistic prowess. The vibrant and colorful illustrations are a feast for the eyes, filled with intricate details that will capture the attention of both children and adults. Each page is a visual delight, with animals and objects seamlessly blended together in a whimsical tapestry. Crane's use of rhyme throughout the book adds an extra layer of charm. The verses exhibit a cleverness and wit that will engage readers as they navigate through the absurd world of the alphabet. The rhymes are easy to follow and have a rhythmic quality that makes them enjoyable to read aloud. While The Absurd ABC may not be your typical alphabet book, it holds great educational value. By presenting unconventional associations between letters and words, it challenges readers to think outside the box and expand their vocabulary. This book is not only entertaining but also an excellent tool for teaching language arts in a creative and engaging way. In conclusion, The Absurd ABC is a delightful and whimsical children's book transcending the boundaries of conventional alphabet books. With its vibrant illustrations, clever rhymes, and unconventional associations, it offers a refreshing and engaging experience for children and adults alike. Walter Crane's ingenuity shines through in this book, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the limitless possibilities of language and imagination. First Page: [Illustration: Crest] [Illustration: Cover] ·WALTER·CRANE'S· ·PICTURE·BOOKS· ·THE· ·ABSURD· A·B·C ·JOHN·LANE· ·THE·BODLEY·HEAD· ·LONDON·&·NEW· ·YORK· The absurd ABC originally published 1874. [Illustration: ABCD] A for the APPLE or Alphabet pie, Which all get a slice of. Come taste it & try. B is the BABY who gave Mr Bunting Full many a long day's rabbit skin hunting. C for the CAT that played on the fiddle, When cows jumped higher than 'Heigh Diddle Diddle!' D for the DAME with her pig at the stile, 'Tis said they got over, but not yet a while. [Illustration: EFG] E for the Englishman, ready to make fast The giant who wanted to have him for breakfast. F for the Frog in the story you know, Begun with a wooing but ending in woe. G for Goosey Gander who wandered upstairs, And met the old man who objected to prayers. [Illustration: HIJ] H for poor Humpty who after his fall, Felt obliged to resign his seat on the wall. I for the Inn where they wouldn't give beer, To one with too much and no money, I fear. J does for poor Jack and also for Jill, Who had so disastrous a tumble down hill... Continue reading book >>

The Absurd ABC By: Walter Crane (1845-1915)

The Absurd ABC by Walter Crane is a delightful and unconventional children's book that is sure to captivate readers of all ages. Departing from the traditional alphabet books, Crane takes us on a whimsical journey through a world of playful illustrations and clever rhymes.

The book opens with an absurd premise, challenging the very foundation of the alphabet. Crane playfully upends the expectations of readers by assigning unexpected words to each letter. From "A" being represented by an "Ass with a brass" to "Z" personified as "Zany Black Billygoats," the author invites readers to embrace the unexpected and expand their imagination.

What truly sets The Absurd ABC apart is Crane's artistic prowess. The vibrant and colorful illustrations are a feast for the eyes, filled with intricate details that will capture the attention of both children and adults. Each page is a visual delight, with animals and objects seamlessly blended together in a whimsical tapestry.

Crane's use of rhyme throughout the book adds an extra layer of charm. The verses exhibit a cleverness and wit that will engage readers as they navigate through the absurd world of the alphabet. The rhymes are easy to follow and have a rhythmic quality that makes them enjoyable to read aloud.

While The Absurd ABC may not be your typical alphabet book, it holds great educational value. By presenting unconventional associations between letters and words, it challenges readers to think outside the box and expand their vocabulary. This book is not only entertaining but also an excellent tool for teaching language arts in a creative and engaging way.

In conclusion, The Absurd ABC is a delightful and whimsical children's book transcending the boundaries of conventional alphabet books. With its vibrant illustrations, clever rhymes, and unconventional associations, it offers a refreshing and engaging experience for children and adults alike. Walter Crane's ingenuity shines through in this book, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the limitless possibilities of language and imagination.

First Page:

[Illustration: Crest]

[Illustration: Cover]

·WALTER·CRANE'S· ·PICTURE·BOOKS·

·THE· ·ABSURD· A·B·C

·JOHN·LANE· ·THE·BODLEY·HEAD· ·LONDON·&·NEW· ·YORK·

The absurd ABC originally published 1874.

[Illustration: ABCD]

A for the APPLE or Alphabet pie, Which all get a slice of. Come taste it & try.

B is the BABY who gave Mr Bunting Full many a long day's rabbit skin hunting.

C for the CAT that played on the fiddle, When cows jumped higher than 'Heigh Diddle Diddle!'

D for the DAME with her pig at the stile, 'Tis said they got over, but not yet a while.

[Illustration: EFG]

E for the Englishman, ready to make fast The giant who wanted to have him for breakfast.

F for the Frog in the story you know, Begun with a wooing but ending in woe.

G for Goosey Gander who wandered upstairs, And met the old man who objected to prayers.

[Illustration: HIJ]

H for poor Humpty who after his fall, Felt obliged to resign his seat on the wall.

I for the Inn where they wouldn't give beer, To one with too much and no money, I fear.

J does for poor Jack and also for Jill, Who had so disastrous a tumble down hill... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Kids
Fiction

eBook links
Wikipedia – Walter Crane
Wikipedia – The Absurd ABC

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