123 versus ABC


Mike Boldt - 2013
    Their debate escalates when funny animals and props arrive—starting with 1 alligator, 2 bears, and 3 cars. Who is this book really about? In the end, the answer is clear. This fresh and funny picture book plays with both numbers and letters in the most imaginative way.

Flower Garden


Eve Bunting - 1994
    Rhyming verse carries the brief story, while wonderful, warm, full-color illustrations present scenes from novel angles, and depict a loving family with a sense of intimacy, sincerity, and joy.”—School Library Journal

Sidewalk Flowers


JonArno Lawson - 2015
    Each flower becomes a gift, and whether the gift is noticed or ignored, both giver and recipient are transformed by their encounter. "Written" by award-winning poet JonArno Lawson and brought to life by illustrator Sydney Smith, Sidewalk Flowers is an ode to the importance of small things, small people, and small gestures.

J Is for Jack-O'-Lantern: A Halloween Alphabet


Denise Brennan-Nelson - 2009
    Atmospheric artwork blends just enough fun with fright to provide the perfect backdrop.

Animal ABC


Marcus Pfister - 2013
    Pfister’s bold, colorful illustrations capture each critter in all of their glory and name the animal in bold letters so children can see if their guesses were correct—a ferociously fun way to learn about the alphabet and animals.  • A basic concept book with Pfister’s identifiable style. • Read-aloud rhymes that make learning your letters fun! • Pfister is the bestselling author of the Rainbow Fish series.

Weeds Find a Way


Cindy Jenson-Elliott - 2013
    With lovely language and a sly sense of humor, this beautiful picture book celebrates the tenacious temperaments of these pesky plants and is sure to have little ones chanting, “Way to go, weeds!”

Today I Feel...: An Alphabet of Feelings


Madalena Moniz - 2014
    . . follows a child through a whole range of emotions, from adored to curious to strong. Not all of the emotions are positive and not all of them are simple, but they are all honest and worthy of discussion with a young child.

Backseat A-B-See


Maria van Lieshout - 2012
    Using familiar road signs, this striking book introduces little ones not just to the alphabet but also to the world around them. Equally perfect for transportation-obsessed children and those just learning to read, this fresh and dynamic picture book will entertain and educate at home, in the classroom, and on the go.

Alphabeasties and Other Amazing Types


Sharon Werner - 2009
    It's a dazzling package of language arts, design smarts, humor, and fascinating nonfiction content. It's alpha-mazing!

Clifford's Family


Norman Bridwell - 1982
    They may all live apart, but they will always love each other. And they all make their owners very, very happy! This title is one of eight Clifford classics being reformatted for Summer 2005!

G Is for One Gzonk!: An Alpha-number-bet Book


Tony DiTerlizzi - 2006
    Welcome to my silly dilly take on ABC It's lots of fun and really odd, as you will quickly see For they're no "leaping lizards" here No "bears that bounce a ball" In fact, these zany critters have never been seen at all! So turn the page and cast a gaze on this menagerie, but don't forget the beasts within were all made up by me! -- Tiny DiTerlooney

A Call for a New Alphabet


Jef Czekaj - 2011
    Every other letter in the alphabet has so much to do and plays such important roles in making words. X expects more. He calls for a vote on a new alphabet (gasp!). According to the Alphabet Constitution, X has every right to question the status quo. But the night before the vote, X is plagued by dreams of what could happen if he were to take on another letter’s job. S has to run around a lot making singular words plural, except sometimes he isn’t needed at all, and sometimes he needs to bring along another letter . . . it was all very confusing. Then X thought he’d like to be E. E was very important and very useful. E agreed. But E was exhausted. He was in thousands of words and constantly busy. X didn’t think E’s job was a good idea after all.

The Three Bears ABC


Grace Maccarone - 2013
    While their porridge cooled, the bears walked in the forest, where they sniffed fragrant flowers." The classic tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears meets the alphabet in this fairy-tale-meets-concept-book story. Grace Maccarone cleverly alliterates Goldilocks' tale from A to Z.

Mouse's First Spring


Lauren Thompson - 2005
    The wind blows in something feathery and plump -- a bird, and something wiggly and pink -- a worm, and something green, who hops and leaps -- a frog. But before it's time to go back inside, Mouse finds something that's soft and new with petals... the prettiest flower he's ever seen! Could it mean spring is finally here?

Tap Tap Boom Boom


Elizabeth Bluemle - 2014
    With quirky wordplay and infectious rhymes, Elizabeth Bluemle crystallizes an unexpected moment of community, while G. Brian Karas’s warm illustrations show the smiles to be had when a storm brings strangers together as friends.