The a to Z of Everyday Things

November 8, 2004
From the "Alphabet" (and language itself) to "Zero" (and the numerical system), The A to Z of Everyday Things by Janice Weaver, illus. by Francis Blake, offers insight into the quotidian staples society takes for granted. Luxury items such as "Lipstick," which dates back to 3000 B.C. ("No discussion of kissing would be complete "), sits alongside necessities like "Money" (the author provocatively asserts, "We are close to living in what is called a cashless society"). The chatty tone and humorous line drawings will carry readers through all 26 entries. .

August 1, 2005
Gr 4-8 -This compendium offers 26 chapters, each representing, however loosely, a letter of the alphabet. B is for black, W is for white. Disparate subjects include ice cream, Queen's English, pretzels, and lipstick. X, a litmus test, really, for any alphabet book, explains all about Xeroxing. Short chapters (none more than six pages long) are packed with information that goes beyond the subjects at hand. For example, to get the lowdown on equinoxes, readers are led to the chapter on Easter by the handy and necessary index. A patron wants to know about Lupercalia festival? It's in the Valentine section. Gray-tone cartoons are humorous, as evidenced by the gentleman shown in the chapter on sideburns. Small, dark sidebars further entice readers with trivia. A Victorian woman, for example, might wear about a dozen different undergarments. Language style is friendly and not too difficult. An extensive bibliography is appended. While not critically essential, this is a fun and interesting choice for all, but most especially for devotees of the 031 section." -Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI"

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