How to lay the foundation for your baby’s or toddler’s literacy skills? When you read a story with an alphabet theme, it’s as simple as ABC. Learning Xi these 26 letters is the key to unlocking new words and ultimately learning Xi reading.
Each cardboard book highlights letters from A to Z in a fun and creative way, making it a pleasure to reread (over and over again).
B is for Bear
Written by Roger Pridy
B for Bear is the perfect first ABC book for babies, and it assigns a familiar item to each letter as well as a sweet rhyme. Bold visuals will catch your baby’s eye, while textures to touch and feel, such as D for fluffy down on a duckling page, make the story delightfully interactive.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambeau, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
In this story about the adventurous alphabet of climbing a coconut tree together, the alphabet comes alive. The musical, rhyming rhythm is fun to read aloud and even has a surprising plot twist!
Dr. Seuss’s ABC
Author: Dr. Seuss
You’ll never get tired of reading this hilarious ABC book that combines real and fictional words (such as Quick Queen Quincy and her quack-quack-gagaru) with eye-pleasing fantasy illustrations.
Eating the Alphabet
Written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert
Highlighting everything from apples to zucchini (and all the fruits and vegetables in between), this bright and cheerful ABC book not only teaches the alphabet but may also encourage healthy eating!
Z is for Moose
Writers: Kelly Bingham; Illustration by Paul S. O. Zelinsky
Moose would very much like to represent the letter M in the alphabet coloring book you are reading. But when it was finally his turn, he found that the rat had taken his place… Let’s just say he can’t handle the disappointment very well. Be prepared to laugh and learn.
The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC’s
Written and illustrated by Patrick MacDonald
It’s an ABC book with no words, just letters and pictures, and tells a compelling story of adventure. (Takeaway: A lost cat teams up with crocodiles, bears, chickens, and dragons to find their way home.) You can tell the story however you want and make it different every time, while still having a firm grasp of the ABC basics.
Once Upon an Alphabet
Written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
Have a toddler who knows the ABCs and is ready to use the letters? Once Upon a Time with the Alphabet tells a short story that features each letter, such as the story of Bernard and Bob fighting on a bridge.
A Busy Creature’s Day Eating
Written and illustrated by Mo Williams
In this super goofy ABC book, young readers eat along with a busy creature (got it?). Their alphabet. (Expect some real toddler giggles when you go to the toilet at P!)
And that’s with
Written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton
This classic children’s book is very simple: each letter is paired with an animal doing alliteration (elephant eating, gopher grinning, etc.), and of course, Boynton’s charming illustrations.