The Z Was Zapped


Chris Van Allsburg - 1987
    A dramatic black-and-white presentation of the alphabet in which the two-time Caldecott Medalist depicts a mysterious transformation of each letter.

Let's Go ABC!: Things That Go, from A to Z


Rhonda Gowler Greene - 2018
    A fun and thrilling range of planes, trains, automobiles, and more take readers on a ride through this charming early-learning book.Beloved picture book author Rhonda Gowler Greene and illustrator Daniel Kirk join forces for another classic rhyming story for every fan of things that go!

A Squiggly Story


Andrew Larsen - 2016
    But there's a problem, he tells her. Though he knows his letters, he doesn't know many words. “Every story starts with a single word and every word starts with a single letter,” his sister explains patiently. “Why don't you start there, with a letter?” So the boy tries. He writes a letter. An easy letter. The letter I. And from that one skinny letter, the story grows, and the little boy discovers that all of us, including him, have what we need to write our own perfect story.This picture book from award-winning author Andrew Larsen playfully and imaginatively explores a young child's process of learning to express himself. It promotes the idea that stories are available for everyone to tell, whatever way we can, and will inspire pre-readers to try writing stories of their own. The lively, fun illustrations by Mike Lowery incorporate story panels with dialogue bubbles, adding visual texture. Also helpful, the boy's story is shown both as he actually writes it --- with just a few letters, some punctuation marks and typographical symbols --- and as he imagines it. Celebrating self-expression, self-discovery and imagination, this book would enhance an early language arts lesson on writing, particularly on the parts of a story. It beautifully highlights the exciting worlds that are opened up when children begin to read and write. In a sweet touch, the boy and his sister model a close and supportive sibling relationship.

Q Is for Duck: An Alphabet Guessing Game


Mary Elting - 1980
    Why is “Q” for “Duck”?Because a duck quacks, of course. Even the youngest readers will delight in the riddle-like text and lively, humorous illustrations.Now in vivid full color for the first time, this interactive treat is sure to be enjoyed by a whole new generation of readers.

SuperHero ABC


Bob McLeod - 2006
    Learn the alphabet from A-Z with mighty superheroes! Silly and zany, and armed with the most unusual skills, the cast of superheroes that fill these pages will make learning ABCs an out-of-this-world experience.Meet Bubble-Man, who blows big bubbles at bullies; Laughing Lass, who laughs loudly at lawbreakers; and many more hilarious and irresistible characters from renowned comic-book illustrator Bob McLeod.Drawn in comic-book style, this picture book is perfect for fans of DC Super Heroes ABC 123 by David Bar Katz.

Al Pha's Bet


Amy Krouse Rosenthal - 2011
    Al makes a bet with himself that he's the man for the job. Through a series of funny events, he eventually finds the perfect order for the letters, and the king rewards him by naming his creation the "Alphabet." Sure to entertain and engage young readers, this book turns the ABC's inside out. Kids will laugh at the quirky illustrations and clever wordplay, while wondering where the alphabet really did get its order.

Follow Me, Mittens


Lola M. Schaefer - 2007
    But what happens when the butterfly flies where a kitten cannot follow?The adorable kitten's adventure is certain to delight young children eager to begin reading on their own!

Max's Words


Kate Banks - 2006
    Benjamin collects stamps and Karl collects coins, and neither one will share with their little brother. So Max decides to start a collection of his own. He’s going to collect words. He starts with small words that he cuts out of newspapers and magazines, but soon his collection has spilled out into the hall. All the while, his brothers are watching. Benjamin brags that he has one thousand stamps. Karl is just a few coins short of five hundred. But a thousand stamps is really just a bunch of stamps, and a lot of coins is only a heap of money. A pile of words, however, can make a story.  Bright, bold pictures incorporating clever wordplay accompany this highly original tale about a younger brother’s ingenuity. Max's Words is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

A Apple Pie


Gennady Spirin - 2005
    Find the fox on the page where F fought for it. Discover hundreds of delightful details in these enchanting pictures each time the book is shared. A timeless celebration of the alphabet, and an incredible work of art by the great artist Gennady Spirin.

A is for Another Rabbit


Hannah Batsel - 2020
    Every entry is about bunnies, from "delightful, dynamic, daredevil rabbits" to "xylophone rabbits and rabbits on drums!" Readers will pore over scenes of bunnies at the circus, in a tiny town, at the museum, even in a motorcycle gang. Author-illustrator Hannah Batsel takes readers on a delightful romp through the alphabet and keeps them laughing all the way to the ridiculously fun conclusion.

A Pig, a Fox, and a Box


Jonathan Fenske - 2015
    With comic art and simple language, this Level 2 reader is sure to have kids rolling with laughter.

Pete the Cat: Pete's Big Lunch


James Dean - 2013
    Pete the Cat: Pete's Big Lunch is a My First I Can Read book, which means it's perfect for shared reading with a child.Don't miss Pete's other adventures, including Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes, Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, Pete the Cat Saves Christmas, and Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses.Supports the Common Core State Standards

Mouse Moves House


Phil Roxbee Cox - 2002
    Children who have just learned to read can enjoy the lively stories with very little guidance from an adult, gaining the experience and enthusiasm they need to become fully confident readers. Stephen Cartwrights delightful illustrations complement the text and are designed to stimulate further interest. Fold-out pages add to the enjoyment.

The Invisible Alphabet


Joshua David Stein - 2020
    The 26 alphabetical scenarios are conceptual, mysterious, and meticulous, deliberately hinting at a story that has happened off the page. Readers are encouraged to explore each letter and soak in the wonder and curiosity of the alphabet unseen. Cleverly illustrated by the beloved Ron Barrett of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, this hardcover picture book is less about the letters you see, and more about the story you don't.

Biscuit and the Lost Teddy Bear


Alyssa Satin Capucilli - 2011
    Can Biscuit find the teddy bear's owner? The youngest of readers will enjoy following Biscuit's search to return the bear to its rightful home in this charming, easy-to-read My First I Can Read adventure.