• Age: 4 to 8
• Grade: p to 3

From baseball to fireworks, delis to a real live castle, the city of Toronto is full of surprises and delights. Artist Allan Moak explores the city he loves, recording the sights that appeal to children and to the child in him. In this lively book, children crawl through the Henry Moore sculpture in front of the art gallery, shop in the market neighborhood, take a ride on the island ferry, and paint murals at the zoo. Best of all, Moak encourages youngsters to appreciate the places they call home.

Allan Moak's profile page

Allan Moak is a self-taught artist who learned his craft as a teenager, practicing on scraps of canvas in a sail-maker’s shop. He has lived and worked in Toronto for more than 35 years. His paintings have been exhibited in galleries across North America and are in a number of public and private collections.

“A series of blazingly bright impressions of a big, modern city at work and play.”
–School Library Journal
“Moak’s cheerful, brightly coloured paintings have a naïve quality that is most appealing… non-Torontonians will find much to please them.”
–The Globe and Mail
“…Moak’s book has inspired many children…to look at the world around them and see magically hidden letters. Moak shows readers the alphabet magic he finds in his world…Updated with five new paintings, the 2002 edition of Big City promises to start a new generation of alphabet success stories!”
–The Standard
“…a letter-perfect book to help young children learn the alphabet.”
–Etcetera
“Moak’s bright and cheery illustrations dominate the text and treat readers to tantalizing images…”
–Ruminator Review
“…the book’s colourful illustrations feature things most young readers can relate to and identify with.”
–Register-Parjonian
“This book of beautiful paintings about children and for children is a pleasure and a great celebration of [Ontario’s] capital.”
–The Sunday Republican