Alphabet Books

Often I spend countless hours searching online and browsing books at the library to find the perfect few books on a certain subject matter.

The last year has taken me on many missons, one being the alphabet.  There are probably millions of books out there that focus on the alphabet.

I was looking for a good storyline- a memorable one.  Something that C would enjoy looking at, reading, and remember.  Something he would learn from- while having fun.  Some tell more of a story, and others focus on the letters, while others can tell a great story while focusing on the letters- a fine balance.  I also suppose with the plethora of books out there I can be a little more picky.

Here are a few of my picks:
The Sleepy Little Alphabet by Judy Sierra: Funny storyline.  Illustrations could be better, but the storyline is memorable and funny.  Our favorite part is the the letters at the end- tucked in their beds.

Now I Eat My ABC's by Pam Abrams: Simple for all ages.  Great to trace with your finger and see each letter made with a familiar food.

A is For Autumn by Robert Maass: Excellent photographs with each letter pertaining to Autumn.

Our own About a Boy book.  It is a personalized alphabet I think every child should have.  You'll love it so much you won't want to give it to your child.  They'll love it too.

Chicka, Chicka, Boom Boom  by Bill Martin Jr. is a great book.  Just focuses more on the story for me, but kids everywhere love it because it's catchy.  Still worth your time.


I want to like Alphabet Rescue, but it's just not what I was looking for.  It doesn't teach the alphabet in order and there's a mouthful in each sentence that it's difficult to go back and cover each letter.  This is likely more fitting for a child who is well established in identifying their alphabet or if you just want to read a story, rather than focus on the details of the alphabet.  There are other titles available by these authors: Alphabet Adventure, Alphabet Mystery.

Eating the Alphabet  by Lois Ehlert was an interesting concept, but not quite right.


What are your favorite alphabet books?  Do you agree or disagree with me?

Update: Here are 50 Fantastic Alphabet Books.  I haven't looked at many of them, but thought it would be a great resource.