An ABC of things unseen: from Air to Zero, and Nothing in between.

A is for Air
B is for Bare
C is for Clear

There is nothing to see in this A to Z, other than clues to what was once or may soon be there. The 26 alphabetical scenarios are conceptual, mysterious, and meticulous, deliberately hinting at a story that has happened off the page. Readers are encouraged to explore each letter and soak in the wonder and curiosity of the alphabet unseen. Cleverly illustrated by the beloved Ron Barrett of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, this hardcover picture book is less about the letters you see, and more about the story you don't.
JOSHUA DAVID STEIN is a James Beard Award–winning author, journalist, and editor. His previous books include Notes from a Young Black Chef and My America, both with Kwame Onwuachi; Russ & Daughters: 100 Years of Appetizing, with Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper; Dad, What’s for Dinner? with David Nayfeld; and many others. He has also written many children’s books, including Make New Friends, which was named one of the best children’s books of the year for 2025 by The New York Times. His writing has appeared in Esquire, New York, The New York Times, Financial Times, and elsewhere. He lives in Brooklyn. View titles by Joshua David Stein
Ron Barrett is the illustrator of the classic Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, written by his wife Judi Barrett. They also collaborated on Pickles in Pittsburgh. He lives in New York City. View titles by Ron Barrett
⭐ "Make sure to see this A+ alphabet book." —Kirkus (STARRED REVIEW)

"Everything in this book is unseen." —School Library Journal

About

An ABC of things unseen: from Air to Zero, and Nothing in between.

A is for Air
B is for Bare
C is for Clear

There is nothing to see in this A to Z, other than clues to what was once or may soon be there. The 26 alphabetical scenarios are conceptual, mysterious, and meticulous, deliberately hinting at a story that has happened off the page. Readers are encouraged to explore each letter and soak in the wonder and curiosity of the alphabet unseen. Cleverly illustrated by the beloved Ron Barrett of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, this hardcover picture book is less about the letters you see, and more about the story you don't.

Author

JOSHUA DAVID STEIN is a James Beard Award–winning author, journalist, and editor. His previous books include Notes from a Young Black Chef and My America, both with Kwame Onwuachi; Russ & Daughters: 100 Years of Appetizing, with Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper; Dad, What’s for Dinner? with David Nayfeld; and many others. He has also written many children’s books, including Make New Friends, which was named one of the best children’s books of the year for 2025 by The New York Times. His writing has appeared in Esquire, New York, The New York Times, Financial Times, and elsewhere. He lives in Brooklyn. View titles by Joshua David Stein
Ron Barrett is the illustrator of the classic Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, written by his wife Judi Barrett. They also collaborated on Pickles in Pittsburgh. He lives in New York City. View titles by Ron Barrett

Praise

⭐ "Make sure to see this A+ alphabet book." —Kirkus (STARRED REVIEW)

"Everything in this book is unseen." —School Library Journal

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