Title: Alphabet Adventure With Trudy Trotter
Author: Gudryn Dance
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 979-8-3694-3578-6
Pages: 36
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book / Educational
Reviewer: Beth Adams
Pacific Book Review
The author Gudryn Dance explains in the opening Forward, the English language has many words with multiple definitions, of which quite a few have evolved into slang vernacular. This caught me by surprise as Alphabet Adventure With Trudy Trotter began with the sentence, “Young Trudy Trotter, a farmer’s daughter, ran across the grass to
saddle her ass.” However, the illustration clearly showed a young girl saddling a donkey. Wow, I thought to myself, what type of book is this going to be?
Onward to the score of rhyming text showcasing other words commonly used for the definitions not being what the original texts were created, but rather used for slang – some of which have deeply rooted sexual connotations. The best example of this is the quote,” On the opposite side, marching and full of pride, boys learned from a braggart, how to build a faggot.” The Webster Dictionary has defined the word as “A male homosexual – always used disparagingly and considered offensive,” as the first use, followed by, “A bundle of sticks and branches bound together for firewood.”
Upon completing the book and pondering its message, I have concluded these double-meanings for the words used are actually very clever and educational. Yes, it may get some chuckles from readers getting into their higher-single-digit years with knowledge of the double entendre of these selected words but can also be innocently shown to younger readers so they may grow with knowing these definitions.
As the text is minimized to convey the word definitions, the illustrations in this book are highly detailed and encompass full page depictions of the event being written. Given the brevity of this publication, it can be read quickly to children and young people can read it repeatedly, chuckling of course as they show their friends this unique children’s book. Perfect for families who enjoy humor and a little bit of edge with their storytime. Parents should be aware that a few of the words included may be considered offensive or inappropriate for younger audiences. Recommended for readers ready for an unconventional (and unforgettable) ABC journey.
