In The Z was Zapped, Van Allsburg presents an alphabetical play in 26 Acts.    Each letter is portrayed alone on stage with curious events or circumstances encompassing them.  For example, smoke is seen rising from the letter E, with the text that follows reading "E was slowly Evaporating."  The action that ensues is captivating and supremely clever:  K is kidnapped, M melts, Q is quartered, V vanishes, and Y is yanked away.

The letters are rendered with a feeling of nobility upon a simple theatre stage with side curtains and a backdrop.  Each illustration is done only in pencil; the lack of color being used to create a sense of drama and mystery.   The text for each corresponding illustration appears on the following page, allowing the reader to either guess or anticipate what has happened to each noble letter of the alphabet. 

Each letter looks sculptured and heavy, as if it has a presence of its own while on stage.  The mysterious incidents appear with no explanation, as though there is a secret alphabet assault going on backstage.  The tone is more playful and curious than worrisome, however.  This is an alphabet book aimed at older readers who can revel in the mystery and surreal illustrations.