Alphabet books provide an organizational format for innumerable topics, but rarely do they “teach” the alphabet. Ballroom Bonanza is no different. It rhymes, introduces exotic animals (real and invented for problematic letters such as U), introduces flamboyant dances—samba, quadrille, disco—and musical instruments. The book is visually delightful and concludes with a Where’s Waldo -type puzzle involving naughty monkeys that hide the orches tra’s twenty-six instruments. The watercolor illustrations are over the top, jam-packed with minutiae and humorous details such as “the bears in bright boleros” (n.p.) and belly-dancing elephants sporting bare midriffs, feathered headbands, and beaded costumes. Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book. lmp

Originally published by Working Title Press Australia, in 2009.