Artichoke to Zucchini (Alice Oehr, Scribble)

If you’re looking for an A–Z book with a twist, Alice Oehr’s Artichoke to Zucchini: An alphabet of delicious things from around the world is it. From ubiquitous bananas to the Japanese fruit umeboshi, this delightful picture book is perfect for growing little foodies aged 2–6. Following her ABIA award-winning Off to the Market, Oehr’s new book goes beyond the foods that may immediately come to mind for many readers and might even introduce a child to something new from the various food cultures represented here—agar jelly, finger limes, empanadas, onigiri, ziti or persimmons. The pages are varied and kept interesting thanks to a range of descriptors with different qualities (sweet, sour, tangy, large, small, bold, delicate), and Oehr’s illustrations burst off the page with freshness and colour. The foods are depicted with clear, bold outlines and filled with striking colours and textural details that bring them to life. Their simplicity and elegance are reminiscent of Leo Lionni’s classic books, such as A Color of His Own, and could provide great drawing inspiration to slightly older kids. The text is gushing but fluid, full of palpable excitement for the possibilities of food. Artichoke to Zucchini is an elevated yet accessible addition to a child’s library, perfect to read aloud and come back to again and again.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Fay Helfenbaum is a freelance writer and editor and was a bookseller for five years. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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