Kids' Corner

New Alphabet Books

Among these recently published alphabet books are one about baseball, one about wild animals , and even one about compost! Check them out.

Alphab’art:  Find the Letters Hidden in the Paintings  by Anne Guery
A wide variety of artists (including Picasso, Manet, and Hopper) have letters in their works of art!  The “answers”, as well as interesting information about the paintings, are at the end of the book.
For grades 3 – 6

When Royals Wore Ruffles:  A Funny and Fashionable Alphabet
by Chesley McLaren
Starting with A is for Attitude (the most important accessory), this takes a look at clothing and fashion through history.  Fans of Fancy Nancy will love it!    For grades 1 – 4

A Paddling of Ducks:  Animals in Groups from A to Z  by Marjorie Parker
Colorful, lively illustrations accompany the text . . . did you know that the correct terms are  a band of gorillas, a knot of toads,  a labor of moles, and a crash of rhinos ??    For ages 4 – 8

D is For Drinking Gourd:  an African American Alphabet by Nancy Sanders
Each letter gets a double page spread, with a poem, a striking painting by E.B. Lewis, and a few paragraphs of background information.
For ages 4 – 12

City Alphabet  by  Joanne Schwartz
All of the photographs were taken by Matt Beam in downtown Toronto, and show that words can be found everywhere in a busy city.
For ages 4 and up

Compost Stew:  An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary Siddals
This is a very clever alphabetic rhyming recipe for compost, with vibrant illustrations (created with recycled material) by Ashley Wolff.
For ages 4 – 8

Baseball from A to Z   by Michael Spradlin
The energetic pictures (by Macky Pamintuan) are the stars in this informative introduction to baseball words and phrases.  For ages 4 – 8

Creature A B C    by Andrew Zuckerman
The wildlife creatures from alligator to zebra include a hippo, lion, and kangaroo. There are amazing photographs of each animal. 
For ages 4 – 8

Happy A B C-ing!
Ellen Xydias, Children’s Librarian
May 2010