Children's picture books about the alphabet abound in every library and bookstore. While many of them look the same and have similar styles, there are some interesting alphabet books that go through the alphabet and, at the same time, offer an additional education about other topics.
The Flower Alphabet Book Read Aloud
Jerry Pallotta and Leslie Evans have collaborated to create The Flower Alphabet Book [Charlesbridge, 1988, ISBN 978-0-88106-453-7]. This cheerfully illustrated volume features a different flower for every letter of the alphabet as well as additional text that offers little insights into the flowers and their histories or meanings. The end of the book also features the Artist's Notes that offer even more information about the flowers.
From Amaryllis to Kangaroo Paw to Zinnia, every flower is illustrated in vibrant pen and watercolors. Around the border of each page are additional illustrations that tie into the meaning or history of the flower, adding additional visual interest.
Antler, Bear, Canoe Picture Book
Antler, Bear, Canoe: A Northwoods Alphabet Year by Betsy Bowen [Little, Brown and Company, 1991, ISBN 0-316-10315-2] offers not only a trip through the alphabet, but also through the year. Set in the northwoods of Minnesota on the edge of Lake Superior, Bowen shares a glimpse into the life of her family starting with A in the winter and following through the year to end at Z with the winter again.
The book is illustrated with woodblock prints. As described in the book, the design and letters were carved backwards into white pine and then printed on a letterpress at the Historic Grand Marais Art Colony. The colors were then painted onto each print. The result is a book that fully captures the homey, woodsy northwoods atmosphere.
The Folks in the Valley ABC Book
Jim Aylesworth and Stefano Vitale take children on a trip through Pennsylvania Dutch life in their charming book The Folks in the Valley: A Pennsylvania Dutch ABC [Harper Collins, 1992, ISBN 0-06-021672-7]. Told in a simple rhyming style, each letter introduces the reader to an aspect of life amongst the people known collectively as Pennsylvania Dutch. These include the Amish, Mennonites, Moravians and others who have settled into the valleys of Pennsylvania.
Vitale's illustrations are done in a folk style with vibrant colors. Each illustration looks as though it were painted on a piece of wood, adding to the charm of the folksy book. The simple illustrations and rhymes will make this book especially appealing to younger children.
Introducing children to the alphabet and learning the ABC's offers many opportunities to explore good books. These three books offer children the opportunity to interact with other interesting topics such as flowers, the Minnesota northwoods and the Pennsylvania Dutch while still learning about the alphabet. Children may also enjoy unique picture books about perseverance and work, the warmth of home, and courage.
Sallie Schaaf Borrink - Sallie Borrink is a professional writer with extensive experience with business clients, the consumer market, and online destinations.
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