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You can take any topic and make it into an ABC book. So, how does an author make his alphabet book stand out among the crowded shelves? In this post you’ll learn why these titles fit the bill of “ABC books worth reading.”
The Sleepy Little Alphabet written by Judy Sierra and illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Judy Sierra and Melissa Sweet make the perfect team to bring this alphabet story (affiliate link) to life. In Alphabet Town, the little letters are resisting bedtime, each in their unique way. Preschoolers will find some character they can relate to in the story.
Judy Sierra writes simply, and rhythmically, making it a fun read aloud. Top that off with illustrations from one of my favorite illustrators, and you have a wonderful ABC book. My son loves how each letter is personified with big eyes, mouths, hands, and feet.
Melissa Sweet’s illustrations add detail to the story. I love how she includes the adults, the upper case letters, on some of her pages. If you pay close attention, you’ll find other things that begin with the letter. It may be a favorite stuffed animal or an object that’s part of the room’s decor. Have fun noticing these details, as you read it with your little one.
A Isn’t for Fox: An Isn’t Alphabet written by Wendy Ulmer and illustrated by Laura Knorr
The title of this book is clever. I had to pick it up and read it. As I read the title to my son, he was perplexed. What is this book going to be about? We talked about the fox holding a box and realized that those two words rhymed. We predicted that the A Isn’t for Fox (affiliate link) would be full of rhyming, and we were right!
The story begins with, “A isn’t for box; it isn’t for fox. A is for ants that crawl over your socks.” This book is a good choice for kids who already know something about the alphabet. They have to look at the illustrations and find the one object that actually does represent the letter of the alphabet.
Eric Carle’s ABC
I love anything written by Eric Carle. His alphabet book makes the perfect “first” alphabet book. For example, the design encourages children to lift and turn the pages, so they get more involved in the book. The padded cover and smaller, square shape makes it feel like a board book, great for toddlers and preschoolers alike.
Each page in Eric Carle’s ABC (affiliate link) simply illustrates a large upper case letter, an animal, and the name of the animal written in lower case. You can focus on the upper case letters at first, and, after that, read the book pointing out the lower case letters in the names of the animals.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault
This classic alphabet book is sure to become a household favorite. The rhythm of the text makes it another fun book to read aloud. Who can read “Skit skat skoodle doot. Flip flop flee. Everybody running to the coconut tree” without feeling the excitement?
The illustrations in Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (affiliate link) are simple, bold, and bright, therefore keeping the reader’s attention on the letters themselves.
As the letters make their way up the coconut tree, observant children will notice that the trunk of the tree starts to bend. When w, x, y, and z reach the top, the tree is overcome by the weight of the letters. Therefore, all the letters fall out, landing in a jumbled mess.
The two-page spread that shows the letters mixed up can be a fun test of skill. For instance, ask your child if she can find the letter f which is standing on its head, or the letter n that’s lying on its side.
The inside front and back covers have colorful alphabet charts. My son won’t let me close the book until he’s read through the alphabet chart, pointing to each letter pair as he goes.
A is for Salad by Mike Lester
If preschoolers know the alphabet, there’s no way to fool them with this silly book (affiliate link) by Mike Lester. I recommend reading the title seriously, as you would any book, and wait for a reaction. If your child hasn’t caught on yet ask, “Wait a minute. A is for salad?!” After the lightbulb turns on, your child will know this is going to be an entertaining book!
The illustrations of the animals are simply hilarious. The page, “B is for Viking” shows a beaver with big, front teeth wearing a viking helmet. After getting the giggles out, ask your child, “If B isn’t for viking, what is it for?” It won’t take long to catch on that the animals represent the letters of the alphabet.
Conclusion
Some ABC books are good, some are just okay, and some are worth reading. As a result of reading this article, you are better informed to shop for your home library. You’ll purchase ABC books that you know your kids will really enjoy and benefit from reading.
For information on counting books, read Five Favorite Counting Books for Preschoolers.
Your Turn
What ABC books do you think are worth reading? What makes them great books for kids learning the alphabet?
