Author/artist Corrina Holyoake’s Animania takes young children on a smile-bursting adventure into a fantastical world of imaginary critters in this alphabet book with a twist.

The Story

This picture book flows in four-line rhymes as it names and describes imaginary creatures representing a different letter of the alphabet. Holyoake conjures up crisp text that’s easy for kids to remember and recite. It’s a silly-and-sweet combo that delights — such as B is for Booger Bat:

No need to laugh, for it is a fact
There is such a thing as the Booger Bat.
He is rather sticky and a little shy.
Best to take cover as he sets off to fly.

Illustrations

Holyoake’s inventive drawings in this 8.5 x 11-inch book are extraordinary, appealing to the child in all of us. Animals sizzle in full-size illustrations on a single page against a white background. The artist adds details that make her imaginary creatures come alive. For instance, the E’s Electroshell dances (the electric slide!) on a brightly checkered floor while two white mice, one in cool sunglasses, dance along side the 10-footed creature with its sparkling jewel-toned shell. In fact, the two white mice are design images carried throughout the piece. They mimic the main characters’ antics in wild, inventive ways and add to the fun. Colorful upper-and lower-case letters are also integrated into each illustration in imaginative ways. Each page is a visual delight for children to explore and enjoy.

Format

Words and illustrations follow a 32-page picture book layout, where each animal is large prominently featured. Rhymes are printed at the bottom quarter of the page, in quirky, black, sans-serif font, with plenty of white space around words and letters. Text naming each animal is in capital letters, colored to match the art, and a simply printed letter, in the same style as the rhyme, introduces each alphabet piece.

The book fits beautifully into small hands that are eager to turn pages and laugh at the animals. While you can read the book in a linear fashion from start to finish, Animania works well when children select their favorite animal or letters (like their initials) and read those parts first.

Unique Features

Holyoake’s art simply dazzles in its color, details and creativity. She brings to life a totally believable world of beautifully drawn, fanciful creatures that appeal to young and old. Best, she entertains while helping young minds learn. Animania teaches beginning readers and offers enchanting, visual prompts to reach even those who struggle to learn their letters.

Recommendation

I highly recommend Animania for preschoolers through second-graders. Children will laugh at its funny rhymes and be enchanted by the amazing illustrations. Parents and teachers can design all sorts of Animania extension activities to get greatest use from this book. I can see children being inspired to draw their own alpha-critter and trying their hand at letter formation.

While young readers giggle at the visual treats and silly verse, they will also remember that Booger Bat represents the letter B, and how those upper- and lower-case letters are formed. Holyoake recently released her Animania coloring book, where children can color in their favorite critters. Can’t wait to see what she does with her next book. I’m hoping to see the further adventures of Boogerbat!

About the Author

A tech support specialist by day for a medical and scientific publisher, a mum of two and artist by night, UK-based artist and author Corrina Holyoake is a lover of color, silliness, and the obscure. She enjoys life to its fullest and thrives off new experiences and challenges. Having just dipped her toes into the writing world and self-publishing with Animania, she’s looking forward to seeing where this new journey takes her. You can learn more about Corrina Holyoake on her web site.