Also by Caroline Mockford: Cleo and Caspar   Also written or illustrated by Stella Blackstone: Alligator Alphabet Cleo and Caspar Bear about Town Bear on a Bike Bear in Sunshine An Island in the Sun Cleo's Alphabet Book by Caroline Mockford, illustrated by Stella Blackstone Ages 4-8 32 pages Barefoot Books July 2007 Paperback     Alphabet books are numerous and great additions to a young child’s library. Learning letters, sounds, words, and descriptions are essential steps in a child’s educational progression. This alphabet book by Caroline Mockford is one among the many alphabet books; however, the originality of her presentation makes for a nice breath of fresh air. Short and simple descriptions on each letter page let the child can figure out what word is being used to represent the letter. The objective is to introduce word descriptions and teach the true fundamentals of vocabulary while simultaneously introducing the alphabet. Cleo's Alphabet Book is a great bridge for preschool through first-grade learners. The pictures and letters are great for younger children, but the concept and some of the vocabulary will be beyond these younger children. The illustrations are cute and simple, and what they represent is always very easy to identify. A big thumbs-up to Caroline Mockford for her originality and multi-targeted approach to the alphabet and a budding vocabulary.     web reviews   Sonia R. Polinsky/2009 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)