In a sophisticated, clever exploration of visual and language arts, artist Stephen T. Johnson offers an alliterative caption explaining each alphabetically-themed illustration he created for the volume. A photograph showing a huge stack of hot-pink inflatable mattresses entitled “Meditation on the Memory of a Princess” features the caption, “Motionless, a man-made, monochromatic magenta mass mimics multiple mattresses and makes a massive mound near a mini mauve marble.” In addition to offering readers interesting interpretations of letters through collage, painting, and sculpture, Johnson incorporates playful interaction with an “I spy” alphabet hunt. Whether paged through or pensively pondered, this skillfully designed book creatively questions the idea of art for a range of readers. (Ages 7–14)

A is for Art: An Abstract Alphabet is a remarkable journey of discovery about art and language through painting, collage, and sculpture by Caldecott Honor artist Stephen T. Johnson. With literal renderings of each letter, complete with witty titles and playful, alliterative captions, Johnson's abstract art forges connections between words, objects, and ideas.

Can you find the hidden letters? Look closely and you will see a letter C made of colorful candy, a letter H hidden in a hook, and an S in a soft shadow. From A to Z, each stunning, original work of art will stimulate the imagination and creativity of children and adults alike.