Alpha, Bravo, Charlie: The Complete Book of Nautical Codes [Hardcover]

A graphically stunning, first-ever volume of nautical codes for children

Towner Award (WA) for Informational Text Nominee

This stunning visual reference is an introduction to maritime communication through nautical flags, along with morse code, the phonetic alphabet, and semaphore signaling.

Today's system of international maritime signal flags was developed in the 19th century, and is still used for communication between ships, or between ship and shore. Each flag, boldly colored for visual distinction at sea, stands for a letter as well as a phrase relevant to seafaring. The resulting code is both beautiful and functional, inviting readers to code and decode messages of their own!

Created for ages 6-8 years

Sara Gillingham is an award-winning art director and designer. She was the Design Director for Children's Publishing at Chronicle Books and taught at UC Berkeley and California College of Arts. She created the In My' series for Chronicle, and the Empowerment Series for Abrams. She lives with her family in British Columbia, Canada. Packs quite a pleasurable wallop... For ship-loving children-and those of any age who revel in cracking codes and learning how symbol systems work-Alpha, Bravo, Charliewill be an absolute treasure. The New York Times

Visually stunning and has that rare combination of education, humour and interest for all. Smallish

Created and illustrated with vintage charm by Sara Gillingham, this elegant book details four means of maritime communications... This is the sort of book that will lead 6-11-year olds straight into imaginative play. The Wall Street Journal

Could easily be used for secret communications between young friends (six to eight years old) determined to keep adults in the dark! Huffpost Parents

A handsomely designed alpha-to-zulu overview of nautical codes... In a lovely addition, the flags themselves are bound blã=