Although most children won’t master their ABCs until preschool or kindergarten, you can take an active role in your own baby, toddler or preschooler’s early education by introducing stories and books that focus on the alphabet. You’ll love reading these books to your children, and your children will love spending time casually learning while seated in the lap of their favorite teacher. Look for them at your local library or bookstore.
Alan Baker’s Black and White Rabbit’s ABC is a charming introduction to the alphabet for young children. The reader watches as the rabbit prepares to paint a picture of an apple, and then goes through the steps of actually doing so. The illustrations, though mostly just of the rabbit along with whatever item represents the letter mentioned, are beautifully drawn. I like that this alphabet book, unlike many others, actually has a storyline instead of just stringing together unrelated words on its pages. My daughter loves this book so much that she’s managed to rip off both the front and back covers of our paperback copy. Even without the cover, she recognizes this book and wants to read it over and over again. This is a tape-it-back-together-so-we-can-read-it-again kind of book.
Alphabears: An ABC Book by Kathleen Hague is a cute way to introduce young children to the alphabet. Each page features a teddy bear whose name begins with a different letter of the alphabet. Each bear has its own unique personality and look, along with a little write-up of his or her primary characteristic or activity. My daughter likes to hear about each teddy bear and what he or she does or enjoys, and I love that it gently introduces the concept of diversity to such young children. There are hundreds of alphabet books out there for young children, but this one is different from a lot of the others and worth a read.
A You’re Adorable by Martha Alexander, with words taken from the famous song by Buddy Kaye, Fred Wise, and Sidney Lippman, is a cute board book that you can use to introduce the ABCs and build your toddler or preschooler’s self-esteem! Each page uses a letter from the alphabet and a corresponding flattering phrase; for example, E you’re exciting and of course, A you’re Adorable. All of the words used are designed to make the listener feel good about him or herself. The illustrations are cute and colorful, and feature little children, which I know my daughter appreciates. This is a great book, but be sure to learn the music to the original song so you can sing it instead of reading it! – It sounds so much better when sung.
Dr. Seuss’s ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book! is a fun, whimsical introduction to letters for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Although some may prefer the original extended version, the shortened board book is ideal for little ones whose patience isn’t as well-developed as that of their older compatriots. Each page features one letter and its accompanying illustrations and verse. In true Dr. Seuss form, a variety of real and make-believe creatures are profiled on the pages – from an Alligator to Mice in the Moonlight to a Tuttle Tuttle tree – and the rhymes are funny, even to little ears. My little girl has adored this book since she was 6 months old; in fact, the very first time we left her with a sitter, the only time she DIDN’T cry was when this book was being read to her! And of course, as with all board books, the pages are sturdy and withstand even the fiercest toddler punishment! I absolutely recommend this book and encourage you to pick up a copy of your own.
My last recommendation is a bit unusual in that it’s a holiday-themed offering in the Christian tradition, but it still provides a solid introduction to the ABCs so I’d consider myself remiss if I failed to mention it. B is for Bethlehem: A Christmas Alphabet, written by Isabel Wilner with illustrations by Elisa Kleven, tells the Christmas story by way of an adventure through the alphabet. Each page features a different letter and corresponding word, along with a snippet of the story in rhyming verse. For example, B is for Bethlehem, where Joseph must go. There he takes Mary, a long way and slow. The pictures are colorful and eye-catching; my children enjoy pausing on each page to examine the illustrations, and frequently take note of some new element that they hadn’t previously noticed. This book is a winner for teaching the ABCs, so if you’re not opposed to the storyline, check it out.
Regardless of whether you care for my recommendations, sit down with your child and share an ABC book today!
