Alphabet Books

GENERAL

ABC FOR YOU AND ME BY MARGARET GIRNIS JJ GIRNIS Preschool-Kindergarten

A traditional alphabet book with one letter/word and one photograph of a child/object per page. The children in the photos have Down Syndrome.

ABC T-REX BY BERNARD MOST JBIN Preschool- Grade 2, and anyone learning alliteration

Modern T-Rex's (who live in houses and wear t-shirts) literally eat letters of the alphabet, along with other foods that begin with the letter they're eating. However, instead of naming other foods that begin with the letter, the dinosaurs describe how it tasted -- "Q was quite quenching." Every time the targeted letter appears in the text, it's typed in boldface. A list at the end of the book identifies the food items that appear in each illustration.

AGENT A TO AGENT Z BY ANDY RASH JJ RASH Preschool-Grade 3

In this rhyming alphabet story, Agent A must discover which spy is not making use of items that begin with his (or occasionally her) own initial. The spy lingo is authentic. A fun twist for the alphabet genre.

ALLIGATOR ALPHABET BY STELLA BLACKSTONE JJ BLACKSTONE Preschool-Grade 1

This is a traditional alphabet book with brightly painted illustrations. It uses the "Mm is for monkey" format and rhyming text.

ALLIGATOR ARRIVED WITH APPLES: A POTLUCK ALPHABET FEAST BY CRESENT DRAGONWAGON JJ DRAGONWAGON/ JJ D78A Preschool-Grade 3, and anyone learning alliteration

An alliterative alphabet extravaganza! The illustrations are fun and emphasize the action rather than the named objects. Instead, the focus is on the sounds, as in "Goose Gave Gravy, Grapes, and Gingerbread."

ALPHABABIES BY KIM GOLDING JJ GOLDING Preschool

Collage images with superimposed photos of real baby faces fill this rhyming alphabet book. The letters dominate the page and a short rhyming description lies underneath the picture. For example, "I is an igloo made from ice blocks/ J is for Jack who lives in a box."

AMAZING AUNT AGATHA BY SHELIA WHITE SAMTON JJ SAMTON Preschool-Grade 1

Amazing Aunt Agatha (who is African American) "inspects igloos, juggles jellybeans" and much more in this fun-filled romp through the alphabet. An enjoyable portrayal of a brave and competent woman.

APPLEBET: AN ABC BY CLYDE WATSON JJ WATSON Preschool-Grade 1

This rhyming alphabet book includes other beginning sounds, such as "th" and "wh." The story is about going to a harvest festival in the horse and buggy days.

AWAY FROM HOME BY ANITA LOBEL JJ LOBEL Preschool-Grade 3, and anyone learning alliteration

This alliterative alphabet includes a child's name, verb, and a place with each letter -- "Quincy quivered in Quebec."

THE CHILDREN'S BOOK OF ALPHABETS. J 398.8 CHILDREN Preschool-Grade 1

An anthology of five alphabet books: A Was Once an Apple Pie by Edward Lear, The Shaker Abecedarius from the Shaker Manifesto, A Was an Archer from Tom Thumb's Picture Alphabet, An Alphabet of Nursery Rhymes illustrated by Lynne Chapman, and The Christmas Alphabet illustrated by Mary Claire Smith.

THE CIRCUS ALPHABET BY LINDA BRONSON JJ BRONSON Preschool-Kindergarten

This rhyming alphabet book includes both upper and lower case letters followed by a description of the circus item named.

CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM BY BILL MARTIN JJ MARTIN Preschool-Grade 1

Not your traditional alphabet book, kids invariably fall in love with the rhythm of this rhyming text. The lower case letters get into trouble when they overestimate their abilities and climb to the top of the coconut tree. Their upper case moms and dads must come to their rescue when they all tumble out of the tree.

C IS FOR CITY BY NIKKI GRIMES JJ GRIMES Kindergarten-Grade 3

Brightly-colored illustrations are alive with action in this vibrant alliterative story. Readers will enjoy exploring the illustrations, searching for things embedded in the scene.

CLICK CLACK, QUACKITY-QUACK: AN ALPHABETICAL ADVENTURE BY DOREEN CRONIN JJ CRONIN Preschool-Kindergarten, and anyone learning alliteration

The "cows that type" are back and this time they invite all the barnyard animals to a picnic. Follow the illustrations to find out where everyone is going! Short and alliterative, the storyline (as opposed to the actual alphabet) is the focus of this rollicking book: "Animals awake, beneath blue blankets - clickety-clack!"

THE DRAGON ABC HUNT BY LOREEN LEEDY JJ LEEDY Preschool-Kindergarten

When the little dragons get bored, Ma Dragon sends them out on a scavenger hunt. They find everything on the list and at the end of the story, present the items to Ma in alphabetical order. The letters appear in upper and lower case, along with the word for each object the dragons must find.

EATING THE ALPHABET: FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FROM A TO Z BY LOIS ELHERT JJ EHLERT Preschool-Kindergarten

A visual feast! Ehlert introduces lots of fruits and veggies with her distinctive illustrative style. No story here, just the foods with their names written with all capital and then all lowercase letters. A glossary at the end offers a little information about each fruit and vegetable.

AN EDWARD LEAR ALPHABET BY EDWARD LEAR JJ LEAR Preschool-Kindergarten

A newly illustrated version of Edward Lear's 1871 alphabet book, filled with the same fun rhymes -- "F was once a little fish, Fishy, Wishy, Squishy, Fishy, In a dishy, Little fish."

ELLSWORTH'S EXTRAORDINARY ELECTRIC EARS AND OTHER AMAZING ALPHABET ANCEDOTES BY VALORIE FISHER JJ FISHER Preschool-Elementary school, and for anyone learning alliteration

The images in this book easily cross age groups. Did you know that "Dot dreamed of driving a delightfully dainty dump truck?" She did and if you look closely, you'll discover that Dot is a duck and her truck is full of dice. And, could that be a dinosaur behind those roadside daisies? What else might you find? Children of all ages will enjoy these scenes constructed from miniatures.

EVERYTHING TO SPEND THE NIGHT -- FROM A TO Z BY ANN WHITFORD PAUL JJ PAUL Preschool-Grade 2

A little girl fills her bag with A to Z activities to do with her Grandpa when she stays overnight at his house. Written in rhyme, this book focuses on the adventure rather than filling the page with items that begin with each letter.

THE HULLABALOO ABC BY BEVERLY CLEARY. JJ CLEARY Preschool-Grade 1, and for learning onomatopoeia

An old-fashioned illustration style (reminiscent of Dick and Jane) sets this alphabet book apart. Kids race around the farm making noises from "ding-dong to kerchoo to ugh!" in this rhyming romp.

HUNGRY MONSTER ABC BY SUSAN HEYBOER O'KEEFE JJ OKEEFE Preschool-Grade 2

When ten hungry monsters show up at school, a boy must teach them the alphabet -- while keeping them under control! This rhyming story is more plot-driven than alphabet driven.

KINDERGARTEN ABC BY JACQUELINE ROGERS JJ ROGERS Preschool-Kindergarten

Join this exuberant Kindergarten class as they explore the alphabet, one letter at a time. A list on the side of the illustration alerts readers to other same-letter items that can be found in the picture.

MISS BINDERGARTEN TAKES A FIELD TRIP WITH KINDERGARTEN BY JOSEPH SLATE JJ SLATE Preschool-Kindergarten

Miss Bindergarten's class goes on a tour of the town in this rhyming alphabet story. With stops at the bakery, fire station, post office, library, and park, this book could be used as a prelude to your own field trip!

SLEEPY ABC BY MARGARET WISE BROWN JJ BROWN Preschool

Fans of Margaret Wise Brown will enjoy this lyrical bedtime ABC book.

TANGERINES AND TEA, MY GRANDPARENTS AND ME BY ONA GRITZ JJ GRITZ Preschool-Grade 1, and anyone learning internal rhyme

This rhyming story follows the alphabet, but leaves out any presentation of the letters. Offers images such as "Kisses blown through the kitchen phone."

WHAT PETE ATE FROM A TO Z BY MAIRA KALMAN JJ KALMAN Kindergarten-Grade 3

Pete the dog eats everything from an accordion to half of Poppy's homework, to yo-yo's. What won't he eat? Zug Zug Dog Grub, of course!

AMERICA

A IS FOR ABIGAIL: AN ALMANAC OF AMAZING AMERICAN WOMEN BY LYNNE V. CHENEY OVERSZ J 973.099 CHENEY Elementary school+

This alphabet book includes a "main" person for each letter and includes snippets about other women who lived at the same time or who were involved in the same occupation. For example, "M is for Mary Kies and other inventors and entrepreneurs." The page includes a little information about Gertrude Muller, Fannie Farmer, and Olive Ann Beech, among many others. This book is a good resource for building awareness about women who bear further investigation.

AMERICA: A PATRIOTIC PRIMER BY LYNNE V. CHENEY OVERSZ J 973 CHENEY Elementary school+

Each letter presents the name of a leader or a concept that shaped our country. Quotes and snippets of information are sprinkled throughout the page.

CAPITAL! : WASHINGTON D.C. FROM A TO Z BY LAURA KRAUSS MELMED J 975.3 MELMED Elementary school+

Capital! introduces readers to important places in Washington, D.C. Rhyming descriptions of each place accompany full-page paintings. Sidebars further explain the history of each place.

PRAIRIE PRIMER: A TO Z BY CAROLINE STUTSON JJ STUTSON Preschool-Grade 3

This rhyming alphabet story introduces readers to life on the prairie during pioneer times.

THE UNITED STATES ABCs: A BOOK ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND PLACES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY HOLLY SCHROEDER J 973 SCHROEDER Kindergarten-elementary school

This book can be read on a couple of levels, making it accessible for children at a range of age levels. A single, simple sentence accompanies each illustration. Paragraphs on the side offer more information. "Fast facts" are interspersed throughout.

AROUND THE COMMUNITY

ALPHABEEP: A ZIPPING, ZOOMING ABC BY DEBORA PEARSON JBIN Preschool-Grade 2

This is the alphabet book for young truck enthusiasts.Features the upper and lower case letter with descriptions of everything from Ambulances to Newspaper trucks to Yield signs.

ARCHITECTS MAKE ZIGZAGS: LOOKING AT ARCHITECTURE FROM A TO Z BY ROXIE MUNRO J 720 m92A Grades 2-8.

From Columns to Quoins, this alphabet book briefly introduces many aspects of architecture.

B IS FOR BOOKWORM: A LIBRARY ALPHABET BY ANITA C. PRIETO J 027 PRIETO Elementary school+

This alphabet book works on a couple of levels. Rhyming text provides a simpler explanation for each entry; sidebars offer more in-depth information. Topics include Dewey, library cards, storytelling, and the "useful parts of a book."

THE SAILOR'S ALPHABET BY MICHAEL MCCURDY JJ MCCURDY Kindergarten-Grade 5

Ahoy! Aspiring sailors will enjoy this alphabet book. Woodcut images accompany the rhyming text. Definitions of nautical terms are included. Discover the meanings of "ensign," "pennant" and "vangs."

SCHOOL FROM A TO Z BY BOBBIE KALMAN J 372 KALMAN Kindergarten-Grade 3

This modern school-day alphabet is factually written with lots of photographs. Topics include friends, homework, and questions.

AROUND THE WORLD

A TO Z RUSSIA BY JUSTINE AND RON FONTES J 947 FONTES Grade 3+

In this introduction to Russia, the alphabet is used to include broad categories (such as Animals instead of just Reindeer) and includes information and photos on all of the items listed in the category. (“Animals” includes, reindeer, elk, walruses, and lynx.)

A TO ZEN: A BOOK OF JAPANESE CULTURE BY RUTH WELLS J 495.6 WELLS Elementary school+

The topics in this book follow the Japanese language -- the sounds for L, Q, V, X do not exist in the Japanese language, so there aren't pages for these sounds here either. The pages also turn from right to left.

ASHANTI TO ZULU: AFRICAN TRADITIONS BY MARGARET MUSGROVE J 960 MUSGROVE Elementary school+

This alphabet book introduces twenty-six of the hundreds of different African peoples. Each letter is followed by the name (and correct pronunciation) of a tribe and a brief vignette about a tradition of the people.

BRAZIL ABC'S: A BOOK ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND PLACES OF BRAZIL BY DAVID SEIDMAN J 981 SEIDMAN Elementary school+

Introduces some of the places and culture of Brazil, by category. For example, E is for Exports and includes two paragraphs about the exports of Brazil. Photographs throughout.

CANADA ABC'S: A BOOK ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND PLACES OF CANADA BY BRENDA HAUGEN J 971 HAUGEN Elementary school+

Introduces some of the people and places of Canada. This book is simple enough for elementary school students.

CHILDREN FROM AUSTRALIA TO ZIMBABWE: A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD BY MAYA AJMERA J 305.23 AJMERA Upper elementary school

Offering more than the typical alphabet book, readers are offered four to five paragraphs of information on the presented country, along with a map, flag, photographs, a short list of facts, and greeting in the primary language. At the end of each entry is a list of other countries that begin with the same letter.

CHINA ABCs: A BOOK ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND PLACES OF CHINA BY HOLLY SCHROEDER J 951 SCHROEDER Elementary school

Perfect for children just learning about China! This book offers 3-5 sentence descriptions on topics such as acupuncture, the Great Wall, rice, and Tiananmen Square. It includes the Chinese zodiac, a brief list of important facts, about China, a glossary, a few words in Mandarin, and a bibliography.

COSTA RICA ABCs: A BOOK ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND PLACES OF COSTA RICA BY SHARON KATZ COOPER J 972.86 KATZ Elementary school

A simple introduction to Costa Rican culture, this book includes a short description of the item for each letter and a "fast fact" related to that item. Entries include Bribri, gallo pinto, Oscar Arias Sanchez, and yuca. A brief list of statistics, a glossary, and a pronunciation guide are included.

THE FOLKS IN THE VALLEY: A PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH ABC BY JIM AYLESWORTH JJ AYLESWORTH Preschool-Elementary school

This rhyming story takes readers through events in the lives of the Pennsylvania Dutch. "Neighbors help/with summer wheat/oak is split/for the winter's heat."

ISRAEL ABCs: A BOOK ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND PLACES OF ISRAEL BY HOLLY SCHROEDER JJ SCHROEDER Elementary school+

From animals to the land to school and sports, this book introduces readers to life in Israel. Includes a glossary of Hebrew words.

MEXICO FROM A TO Z BY BOBBIE KALMAN J 972 KALMAN Elementary school+

Mexico From A to Z introduces a main item for each letter and sprinkles the rest of the page with photographs and related facts. Readers learn about Mexico's geography, people, animals, and culture.

RUSSIA ABCs: A BOOK ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND PLACES OF RUSSIA BY ANN BERGE J 947 BERGE Kindergarten-Grade 5

This introduction to Russian culture includes a short sentence for each letter, a more detailed description for older readers, and "fast facts" interspersed throughout. (For a more in-depth introduction to Russia, see A to Z Russia by Justine and Ron Fontes.)

VENEZUELA ABCs: A BOOK ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND PLACES OF VENEZUELA BY SHARON KATZ COOPER J 972.85 KATZ Grades 1-5

A nice introduction from Venezuela, this book offers a simple sentence for each entry, along with a slightly longer paragraph that further explains the person, place, or concept named. "Fast facts" are also interspersed among the acrylic paintings.

CRACKING THE CODE

ALPHA, BRAVO, CHARLIE: THE MILITARY ALPHABET BY CHRIS L. DEMAREST JJ DEMAREST Elementary school, and for children with parents in the military

This book presents the military alphabet and the signal flags along with pastel drawings of military scenes. Though soldiers are seen in action, actual battle is not depicted. The author's note at the end explains why the military alphabet is important.

HUMBUG POTION: AN ABC CIPHER BY LORNA BALIAN JJ BALIAN Grade 2+

In order to read this book, children must use the provided code to decipher the ingredient list in the witch's potion.

OX, HOUSE, STICK: THE HISTORY OF OUR ALPHABET BY DON ROBB J 428.13 ROBB Upper elementary school+

After a brief history of the development of writing, readers are introduced to the historical development of each letter, including how it looked written in Sinaitic, Phoenician, early Greek, and classical Greek times -- and why historians think it looked that way. Readers will be fascinated to learn why each letter is shaped the way it is. Readers will also learn which letter was kicked out of the alphabet for a while!

FANTASY

BESTIARY: AN ILLUMINATED ALPHABET OF MEDIEVAL BEASTS BY JONATHAN HUNT J 398.24 HUNT Elementary school+

An alphabetic introduction to medieval beasts, readers will meet such creatures as griffins, manticores, tritons, and wyverns. A bibliography is included.

Z IS FOR ZOMBIE BY MERRILY KUTNER JJ KUTNER Grades 1-4

For children who like to be scared, this is just the book! "Darkness masks the Bogeyman/till you're sleeping -- that's his plan." --an alphabet of scary characters awaits.

HOLIDAYS

B IS FOR BETHLEHEM: A CHRISTMAS ALPHABET BY ISABEL WILNER JJ WILNER. Kindergarten-Elementary school

This alphabet book touches on many aspects of the Christmas story.

CHRISTMAS LONG AGO FROM A TO Z BY BOBBIE KALMAN J 394.2663 KALMAN Kindergarten-Elementary school

Introduces 19 th century Christmas traditions -- from Bethlehem to Holly and Ivy from Martin Luther to wishes. Includes the words to A Visit From Saint Nicholas and a glossary.

 

LEISURE

M IS FOR MUSIC BY KATHLEEN KRULL JJ KRULL Elementary school+

A wonderful introduction to the musical world, this book features one main musical word to match the illustration, but includes other musical words that begin with that letter as well. From the Beatles (and Broadway, Beethoven, bluegrass) to Klezmer (karaoke, kettledrum) to Trumpet, Trombone, and Tuba (tenor, trio), kids will be introduced to a wealth of musical terms.

SPORTS FROM A TO Z BY BOBBIE KALMAN J 796 KALMAN Grade 2+

Introduces a wide range of sports and related topics such as good sportsmanship and stretching.

Z IS FOR ZAMBONI: A HOCKEY ALPHABET BY MATT NAPIER JJ NAPIER Kindergarten-Grade 4

An alphabet book for hockey enthusiasts! Short, rhyming text describes everything from arena to Gretsky to slash and trip. Longer paragraphs on the side offer more in-depth information for older readers.

SCIENCE

THE BUTTERFLY ALPHABET BOOK BY BRIAN CASSIE JJ CASSIE Kindergarten-Grade 5

Descriptions and illustrations of different species of butterflies are presented in this alphabet book.

THE EARTH FROM A TO Z BY BOBBIE KALMAN J 550 KALMAN Grade 3+

Lots of great information about the earth is packed into this alphabet book. From biomass to Jurassic to xerothermic, readers will enjoy a solid introduction to earth science. Photographs accompany the text.

A GARDEN ALPHABET BY ISABEL WILNER JJ WILNER Preschool-Grade 2

This whimsical, rhyming alphabet story introduces readers to various aspects of gardening. "B is for boundary, the edge of the plot. Inside is garden. Outside is not."

G IS FOR GOAT BY PATRICIA POLACCO JJ POLACCO Preschool-elementary school

A rhyming story about a life among goats. "J is for Jump, what kids do with such joy. Kids are goat children like girls and boys." Beautifully illustrated.

THE LIVING RAIN FOREST: AN ANIMAL ALPHABET BY PAUL KRATTER JJ KRATTER Kindergarten+

Beautifully detailed paintings accompany each rain forest animal. Each short description is followed by one word that is specially defined (for the Okapi entry, the defined word is prehensile). The text is simple enough for younger children, but the illustrations are serious enough to appeal to older children.

Q IS FOR QUARK: A SCIENCE ALPHABET BOOK BY DAVID M. SCHWARTZ J 500 SCHWARTZ Upper elementary school-middle school

A hip, kid-friendly introduction to a lot of big concepts -- from atoms to natural selection to a vortex. Each description is two to three pages long and includes cartoon-style diagrams and science humor to help explain the concepts.

THE WONDERS OF ME FROM A TO Z BY BOBBIE KALMAN J 305.235 Grades 1-3

This is an all-about-me book for slightly older children. Paragraphs and photographs talk about everything from dreams to (internal) organs to talents.