When the stranger rang our doorbell and handed over a brown package marked ‘Top Secret’ we gave him a knowing nod. His part in the mission was complete. He only needed to get back into his spy van, cunningly disguised as a post office vehicle. Our mission, however, had only just begun…

Operation Alphabet: old-school cool and we're loving it!

Independent Review: It may be new but Operation Alphabet instantly feels like a children’s classic. By that I mean the retro illustrations give the impression that it is an old book. They also give it a touch of old-school class and quality that does not go unnoticed or appreciated. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that Lozano and Bletsas’ designs are so gorgeous that if there is a prize for ‘Best looking book of 2012′ then Operation Alphabet will surely win. It is seriously coffee-table worthy even if it is meant for kids.

Looks aside, the story also has the makings of a kids’ classic. The simplicity of MacCuish’s story harks back to the times of tigers and caterpillars munching rather a lot of food. It’s a simplicity which comes as somewhat of a welcome relief in our house. At present we seem to be swamped with aliens and farts in the blue corner and fairies, princesses and fluff in the pink.

MacCuish has penned a ‘unisex’ story where The Ministry of Letters, a top secret government department, comes to the rescue of Charlie Foxtrot. Charlie is a dreamy young boy who knows lots about playing but none of ‘The Alphabet-A-Whattie.’ Faced with a school test, the letters, led by the perfectly-voiced Colonel A, come to Charlie’s rescue.

Illustrations: worthy of your coffee table

Bundling themselves into a cardboard box and dodging a hungry, alphabet-eating cat, the Operation takes its audience on a fantastic journey. With Colonel A’s humorous cries to the OOMPAH! OOMPAH! chorus of the letters, Operation Alphabet provided plenty of opportunities for a rousing read and for my two to giggle and squeal. Both lapped up the idea that there really was a team of Alphabetical assassins out there ready to leap into action.

When I asked Noah if he liked the book, he said: ‘it made me think about the alphabet… differently.’ The fact that he had thought about the alphabet at all was so pleasing to hear! To any parent that’s surely ‘mission accomplished?’

Operation Alphabet is published by Thames & Hudson, £9.95. The cover is also a reversible poster of the all the characters in the alphabet (a nice touch).

DISCLOSURE: A copy of Operation Alphabet was sent to me for review, however, this and all reviews on www.mummyratesit.co.uk are independent and honest.

NEW: Reviews Linky. Have you written a review that you would like to add to this linky? As long as it is a review it can go on the list! The linky will be open until Tuesday (Tuesday 24th for the first linky). I will look forward to reading your reviews and each week will be promoting one review as ‘Review of the Week’. Thanks for taking part. Michelle x