School Library Journal Review

K-Gr 1-A book that is stronger in concept than in execution. The endpapers let readers know from the outset that the action in this book takes place inside a dictionary. The first page boasts a definition of an aardvark, thus introducing the main character. Alfred is an aardvark but he does not eat ants. In fact, his pet is an ant that he calls Itty Bitty. While Mama is away, he and Itty Bitty dig down through the dictionary to visit the zoo. Along the way, they encounter a woodpecker that threatens to eat Itty Bitty. Mama comes along at just the right moment and saves the day. Back they go to their aardvark tunnel in time for bed. It's not an alphabet book per se and it is not a credible adventure, and thus the story falls flat. Children who know the alphabet will recognize that the bird that appears is a woodpecker because of where the characters are in the dictionary. Other youngsters will have to wait for the page turn to find it identified. The same is true of the ending, when they board a zeppelin with Mr. Zebra to head back home. While they make it home safe and sound, the ending leaves readers wanting more. A remarkable illustrator, George's work here is a disappointment as well.-Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.