• Age: 4 to 7
• Grade: p to 2

The cupboards are empty, as is the fridge. Thus begins the adventure of two hungry kids as they try to figure out what’s for lunch. But there’s nothing ordinary about the feast they are cooking up. From letter-picking in their backyard to browsing through the alphabet at the local market, from an expedition through the woods and up a mountain to sharing their finds with friends, the two chefs and letter foragers set out to create a feast of consonants that’s seasoned with both vowels and wit that keeps you turning the page. 
With its comic-style layout, Letter Lunch makes literal a love of language, food, and art. The wordless narrative incorporates how some letters can be found everywhere, while others require a bit of extra work to track down. An innovative approach to the alphabet — and, not so incidentally, to preparing a meal, from grocery shopping to washing the dishes — adults and children will delight in this clever approach to what, at first glance, seems commonplace.

Elisa Gutiérrez is an award-winning designer, author and illustrator. Her book Picturescape was short-listed for the Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize, was honored by the Alcuin Society and was the subject of a scholarly paper by the renowned Dr. Lawrence Sipe. Elisa has designed over 100 books and specializes in book design for children. Born and raised in Mexico City, Elisa now lives in Vancouver.

 

Elisa Gutiérrez's profile page

"An inventive wordless tale ... Gutiérrez lays the story out as if a comic, using panels and pacing everything just right."

Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast

"The book presents many opportunities for readers to discuss what the characters are doing, thinking, and exploring."

Education Library, The University of British Columbia

"Powerful and provocative, Letter Lunch is a clever, visually striking, allegorical quest narrative that is primarily conveyed without words ... sophisticated as it is enjoyable, engaging and definitely designed to have an impact on readers as well as budding and mature artists ... The book is a luscious and delicious fiesta that is open to multiple interpretations."

Canadian Review of Materials

"A visually appealing introduction to how language works, one that cleverly reaches young readers' minds through their stomachs."

Quill & Quire

The delightful paper-cut collage art, arranged in comic-book-style panels, has more than a bit of whimsy and a practical purpose, too... this offers a fun new way to think about words in all their deliciousness."

Booklist

"An inventive boon for language teachers and others ... spells out delicious wordplay and appreciation."

Kirkus Reviews

"The comiclike layout provides emergent readers a clear path to understanding and young readers will quickly become absorbed in the story. Most libraries have numerous alphabet books, but this one takes readers on an exciting adventure while showcasing the letters and has a wide appeal."

School Library Journal

"This wordless narrative offers a clever twist on alphabet books. Letter recognition and language play are key ingredients in a recipe for promoting literacy, so serve up a heaping helping of Letter Lunch."

The National Reading Campaign