by Kim Krans
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2016
ABC Dream is a stunning picture book debut by artist and musician Kim Krans. Each page (and sometimes a two-page spread) is devoted to a letter of the alphabet, standing large and proud, in a classic font in pen and ink, but surrounded by images, colors, and even textures inspired by that letter.
Although the book is wordless, the reader can't help but mentally supply a string of words to identify the gorgeous black and white and water-color saturated images that grace each page. While this book would be a delight to share with a toddler who is learning to identify letters, colors, words, and patterns, the images are so elegantly surreal that adults who love art and language will treasure it as well.
It is thus not surprising to learn that Krans is also the creator of a popular tarot deck which features images in the same ink-and-water style. She is an illustrator of great depth and talent; a creator of art that inspires thought and whispers of mystical meaning.
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Kim Krans is an artist and musician from the upper peninsula of Michigan. She is the creator of The Wild Unknown, a website that sells beautiful handmade objects such as prints, calendars, and an intricately illustrated tarot deck. Kim and her husband, Jonny, comprise the band Family Band. They live in Portland, Oregon. Visit her at kimkrans.com.