There’s nothing predictable about this alphabet book other than the order of the letters themselves. B follows A, G follows F, and so on. But X is for armadillo, and the reason why is the only thing that’s readily explained in this book full of riddles about the animal skull pictured for each letter from A to Z. “Every skull tells a story. Be a detective,” invites author Jerry Pallotta. “Why would a cow be on the J page?…H is for . . . . Here is the only creature on the earth that can read this book!” The answers for each letter take a little detective work, too. They can be found in small type on a double-page spread near the book’s end. One other puzzling aspect to the book is the incorporation of U.S. presidential portraits into Ralph Masiello’s illustrations. While a bit of a stretch conceptually (granted, they are heads), they won’t distract from the overall appeal of the volume, and for kids who just can’t get enough of brain-teasers, they may actually add an inviting dimension. (Ages 7-10)

Riddle me this: what animal beginning with 'L' has binocular vision and is a predator?

THE SKULL ALPHABET BOOK makes young readers use their brains. Children learn simple facts and hone their critical thinking skills as they deduce the identity of 26 different animals arranged in alphabetical order.

Incredibly rich, realistic, and inventive oil paintings by Ralph Masiello lay a trail of clever clues to the identity of the animals represented only by their skulls. Look even closer and find hidden in the unique settings portraits of 43 of the presidents of the United States.