Where the Girls Are

Jean Free is a retired teacher-librarian and library consultant in
Whitby, Ontario.

Annick’s new alphabet book (originally published as Was machen die
Mдdchen) focuses on activities by girls—“Alison enjoys a
sandwich,” “Frances is sound asleep,” and “Ruth plays in a
band,” for example—as the author-illustrator Nikolaus Heidelbach
moves through the alphabet examining various things children like to do.

The full-page, sensitively interpreted illustrations opposite each page
of text show different ethnic groups of girls. The unusual colors and
fanciful situations engaged in by these girls will interest preschool
and primary-grade children. Youngsters will also enjoy reading, or
hearing, all the girls’ names and perhaps finding their own. Where the
Girls Are, with its emphasis on female activities, will make a fine
addition to library collections. Recommended.