Now You Know Your ABCs (Or Do You?) by Caspar Salmon & Matt Hunt

I honestly cannot remember the last time I laughed so delightedly at a children’s picture book!

Now You Know Your ABCs (Or Do You?) begins how books like these usually do, with an A is for Apple and B is for Ball. The story grows increasingly immersive, however, as we plunge deeper into the alphabet. Soon, readers are pulled into a tale at once adventurous and magical, as a wolf pursues us through the charmingly illustrated pages, traversing the entire alphabet for good measure.

There is definitely a hint of danger here but younger readers will, presumably, be enjoying this with a safe adult who’ll ensure that this wild tale feels more exciting romp than actually scary. Honestly, this book hearkens very much to the kind of fairy tale yarn that more creative storytellers than myself often spin for their children’s bedtime stories. Kids do tend to be weirdly bloodthirsty, and many of them will enjoy this epic journey, if they’re not rooting outright for the wolf to win. I know that my little monsters would have been jumping up and down with excitement had this book come out when they were still read-along picture book enthusiasts.

Older children who can read for themselves will also find this book and its subversive antics captivating. Matt Hunt’s textured illustrations evoke the best of both children’s classic literature and cartoons, while simultaneously making a serious bid to join the canon. Personally, I think this book has a really good shot at joining that rarefied shelf, being clever, humorous and educational in equal parts.

Now You Know Your ABCs (Or Do You?) by Caspar Salmon & Matt Hunt was published yesterday April 7 2026 by Nosy Crow and is available from all good booksellers, including