Alphabet books are a fun way to introduce kids to the letters, as well as to different themes and topics. I spent some time studying them in grad school, and since then, I have had a lot of interest in them. So I was thrilled when we had the chance to check out these new alphabet books for kids!
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ABC Dance
Written by Sabrina Moyle and illustrated by Eunice Moyle
This brightly colored board book uses alliterative text and hilarious illustrations to introduce kids to the letters of the alphabet, as well as a variety of animals and dance styles. Each page features a rhyming sentence which talks about sets of animals participating in different kinds of dance. While the rhythmic text will encourage kids to get up and dance along, the funny illustrations will surely have them laughing out loud. The introduction to different styles of dance may encourage kids to want to learn more about them.
ABCs of Oceanography
Written by Chris Ferrie and Katherina Petrou
This informational board book is part of Ferrie’s Baby University series of books which introduce young kids to scientific concepts. In this book, each letter of the alphabet is paired with a part of the ocean starting with that letter. The text on each page includes 3 different sections. The first sentence starts with the basics, sharing the letter and the vocabulary word, paired with a simple illustration. Underneath the picture, there is a simple sentence providing a fact about the creature or concept pictured. At the bottom of the page, there is a paragraph explaining the highlighted concept or being in greater detail. These 3 levels encourage kids to continue reading the book as they grow, drawing on their curiosity and helping them to learn about the ocean.
My daughter loves her books from Chris Ferrie. I have been pleasantly surprised that she can repeat some of the concepts that she has learned in his books, and understands some of the theories she has read about.
Related Post: The Best Early Science Books for Kids
Not an Alphabet Book: The Case of the Missing Cake
Written by Eoin McLaughlin and illustrated by Marc Boutavant
This hilarious spin on the alphabet book joins a grouchy bear as he goes through the alphabet looking for the thief who ate his cake. Several of the letters are paired with characters who the bear accuses of stealing his cake. However some of the letters are paired with concepts that are nonsensical and entertaining. No matter what the letter refers to, the bear weaves it into the story of the missing cake. Kids will enjoy following the clues in the book and deciding who the real thief is. The humor in the book is somewhat dark, but the illustrations are entertaining, and Little Bookworm definitely enjoyed the twist ending.
T is for Thor: A Norse Mythology Alphabet
Written by Virginia Loh-Hagan and illustrated by Torstein Nordstrand
This beautifully illustrated introduction to Norse Mythology pairs each letter of the alphabet with a character, place, or word from Scandinavian myths. The book starts with a glossary, broken down into places, character names, beings and creatures, and weapons. Each letter page features a snippet of poetry about the person or place being featured, and beautiful illustrations. The sides of the pages feature more extensive information in paragraph form for those interested in learning more about the topics. This layout allows for many ages to enjoy the same book. The back of the book also includes more information on Norse mythology and it’s connection to our world, as well as a note from the author.
H is for Honey Bee: A Beekeeping Alphabet
Written by Robby Smith van Frankenhuyzen and illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen
This informative guide to bees and bee keeping pairs letters of the alphabet with a variety of bee related vocabulary words. Each page features a snippet of poetry about the highlighted topic, as well as detailed and colorful illustrations. The sidebars on each page are bursting with facts and information about the topic, encouraging the reader to explore the concept further. The back of the book includes more information about bees, beekeeping, and how the reader can help bees.
Related Post: 10 Children’s Books about Bees
E is for Everyone! Every Vote and Every Voice
Written by Elissa Grodin and illustrated by Victor Juhasz
This democracy themed alphabet book teaches kids about American government by highlighting a government concept for each letter of the alphabet. Each page features a different letter and theme, with a simple rhyming blurb about the concept, and a detailed illustration. The back of the book includes more information about American government. The illustrations feature famous people throughout American history, historical landmarks, and a diverse cast of children learning about America. This is a great introduction to government for little ones.
V is for Voting
Written by Kate Farrell and illustrated by Caitlin Kuhwald
This brightly colored introduction to elections teaches kids about the reasons we vote. The rhyming text explores social justice, democracy and civil rights in short poetic sentences. The illustrations are fun and colorful, featuring important individuals throughout history, as well as images of a diverse cast of children learning about democracy, and actively participating. Eagle eyed readers will enjoy finding the famous people from American history featured in the illustrations, and little ones will enjoy seeing how they can participate in government. The book ends with a powerful call to action, and includes more information about voting rights, and the important individuals featured throughout the book.
Related Post: Teaching Kids about Voting
Y is for Yoga
Written by Greg Paprocki
This alphabet board book introduces kids to yoga vocabulary, one letter at a time. Each page features a large image of the letter, and a short sentence explaining the concept featured in the artwork. The illustrations on each page are done in a comforting vintage style, featuring a diverse group of kids trying different yoga poses and embodying the quiet zen mindset of yoga and meditation. This is a great introduction to the yoga lifestyle for very young readers.
Related Post: Yoga Books for Kids
T is for Thankful
Written by Greg Paprocki
This fall themed alphabet book celebrates the Thanksgiving season, and the many things that we can be grateful for. Each page in the book features a large image of a letter, as well as a simple sentence about the themed word beginning with that letter. The book can easily be read as a Thanksgiving book, including seasonal and holiday themed concepts. However, it can also be enjoyed by those who don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, as it doesn’t outright mention the typical Thanksgiving story. The illustrations are done in Paprocki’s signature vintage style, highlighting the warm, nostalgic feelings of the Thanksgiving season, and encouraging the reader to think about what they are thankful for.
What are your favorite new alphabet books for kids? Share in the comments. And don’t forget to share this post with other bookworms too!