MEDINA, Juana. ABC Pasta: An Entertaining Alphabet. illus. by Juana Medina. 40p. ebook available. Viking. Feb. 2017. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781101999783.

PreS-Gr 1 –Medina follows up her delectable counting book, 1 Big Salad, with a circus-themed look at the ABCs. A mouth-watering mix of performers juggle, soar, and cavort their way through the alphabet. Each letter is accompanied by a zippy alliterative phrase (“basil balancing ballerinas,” “fettucine fire-eaters”) and a whimsical illustration that incorporates a photo of a different type of pasta-related food. The artist makes inspired use of her edible medium: pieces of bell-like campanelle transform into clown hats; twisting strands of gemelli comprise the lithe, contorting bodies of the gymnasts; and a heap of vermicelli becomes a magician’s shock of hair. Featuring thick black lines and splashes of color, the digitally created visuals look as though they were sketched with a Sharpie pen; lively and witty, they perfectly complement the clever wordplay of the text. There’s plenty of white space here, resulting in a clean, elegant design. Medina is clearly in her element; each page reflects her humor, creativity, and passion for food. Appended is a recipe for cacio e pepe. VERDICT Children and adults alike will savor this dazzling addition, and the possibilities for programming ideas are endless. A must-have, especially for those seeking to spice up their concept book collections.–Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal

This review was published in the School Library Journal December 2016 issue.