Amazon.com reviews: A -- Attention adults. Announcing a new book-a very personal book, in fact a decidedly quirky book-from Sara Midda, renowned artist of singular talent and author of In and Out of the Garden, Sara Midda's South of France, Sara Midda's Baby Book, and Growing Up and Other Vices. B -- Beguiling and whimsical and enigmatic, A IS FOR ADULTERY is an alphabetical entertainment for grown-ups. Each spread considers a letter, weaving words through dazzling miniatures and vignettes. Some words are obvious; some hidden. (Some naughty.) It is a great pleasure to look, even more so to seek. C is for crayon, crotch, claustrophobia. M for melon, masochist, melancholy, and man. Filled with charming little figures and painted with Midda's exquisite watercolor wash, here is a rare and wonderful marriage of humor and beauty-a treasure of fine things that is both a gift and a game. -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.

Book Description (Publisher): The acclaimed author of the international bestsellers In and Out of the Garden and Sara Midda's South of France turns her genius to the universally shared emotions, charms, and mysteries of childhood. Each page of Growing Up and Other Vices is a book unto itself. Whimsical little figures illustrate Table Manners ("Do not rummage through the dish to find the tastiest morsel for yourself"); Things You Are Supposed to Grow Out Of . . .; A Noise Brought on by Nature and How to Deal with It; and Behaviour Towards Various Creatures. In a work that is both enchanting and revealing, Sara Midda wryly observes our adult imperfections. Not a drawing, not a word is untrue, not a moment untouched by a smile of recognition. 52,000 copies in print. -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.

The text for this sketchbook was completely handwritten by the artist and then typeset. The hand drawn illustrations reflect the French countryside during Midda's year in the French countryside. The British and American editions have slightly different titles although the content is the same, viz., Sketchbook from Southern France and South of France, respectively. -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.