Three Alphabet Books that Rock

When it comes to "types of books" that are popular among the younger crowd, alphabet books are definitely up there. Without trying we have amassed a large collection of alphabet books. One of the trends I love right now is turning the basic alphabet book into something new and creative. Here are three that renewed my enthusiasm for the alphabet book.

Lady Legends Alphabet by Beck Feiner

My sister Jessie got this book for Oscar when he was very tiny. We have read, and reread, the book and it is fun to see what he gets out of it and how that changes at every age. I really love how each letter takes the shape of the iconic woman it represents. Take some time to review the alphabet and these powerful women throughout history.

The Invisible Alphabet by Joshua David Stein, illustrated by Ron Barrett

What do you see when nothing is there? Well, that's exactly what this book asks, and answers with the alphabet. Thinking of the "negative space" of the world around us is a new and fun way to imagine the alphabet book. One common theme throughout the book is a bus...that isn't there. On one page it is "D"elayed, on another it is "Z"ero. Do the sketches look familiar to you? That might be because Ron Barrett, the illustrator, also illustrated Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, written by his wife Judi Barrett. 

 

It may have been too soon for Oscar.

Once Upon an Alphabet: Short stories for all the letters written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

I've written a lot about Oliver Jeffers. I will continue to do so for as long as he writes books and probably long after. This alphabet book came out a few years ago and I blogged about it then. It is worth reposting because some of you may have missed it the first time. In classic Jeffers style, he creates funny, clever stories that prove adults still do have more than an ounce of creativity and there are new stories to tell. This is a thick, heavy book - something you don't always find in an alphabet book. It makes a great story to read before bed over a series of nights, or any time you need a giggle.