Arabella's Alphabet Adventure
Age 4+
Picture Books
A timeless story about an alphabet, a daring adventure and a book who learns she is perfect, just the way she is.
“I’m an ABC book and that’s all I’ll ever be,”
Arabella complained to her capital C.
Arabella’s Alphabet Adventure is the most beautiful and most borrowed book in the library - but only ever by children. Tired of having her pages torn by sticky fingers, Arabella slips into the Very Serious Book section of the library and takes an adventure within the pages of an African travel guide. But will Arabella realise that where she belongs is closer than she thinks?
Creators
As the bestselling author of more than thirteen books for adults, teens and primary school children, Suzy Zail wanted to return to what ignited her love of words: the picture book. Being the mum of three kids who devoured books, the library became her second home and the perfect setting for a story about an ABC book who learns to be proud of what she offers the world. A family lawyer in her past life, Suzy is best-known for her young adult novels, The Wrong Boy, Alexander Altmann A10567 and I am Change, stories that shine a light on injustice. Her books have been published in the UK, US and Europe and appear on school syllabuses. Suzy lives in Melbourne and when she’s away from her desk, can be found playing with her dog, Billie, eating chocolate or planning her next adventure.
Christopher Nielsen’s illustrations flow forth from a love of vintage design. Tin toys, Mexican wrestlers, Matchboxes, Medical Charts and Indian Goddesses all jostle for attention amongst the flotsam and jetsam of his flip-top head. His images have been adopted by wineries, zoos, department stores, radio stations and fish mongers around the globe as well as many books. When he's not making images or raising a young family he can be found on stage playing guitar with his band The Ramalamas.
His artwork has been acknowledged by The British Book Design & Publication Awards, The AGDA Awards, 3x3, Communication Arts, American Illustration, Society Of Illustrators NY, Luerzers Archive, Hotshop Awards and The Creative Annual. He has received Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in the Illustrators Australia Awards. He was shortlisted in 2018 for the CBCA Crichton Award for best new illustrator in children's book illustration.
Reviews
A wholly satisfying look at the library and why it is there, younger readers will thrill at recognising the way books work. And along the way have a marvellous adventure with Arabella, who comes to see that life on the other side of the library is not what she wants after all, that she is happiest just the way she is.
ReadPlus
As a librarian, this gem of a picture book is close to my heart – the story is clever, relatable and innovative. The storyline demonstrates the power of words and the journey of discovering where you belong – something we all search for in life.
Kids' Book Review
