The Imaginary Alphabet by Sylvie Daigneault (Pajama Press, September 2023) is a gorgeous addition to an alliterative abecedaria book shelf. Each spread features a letter of the alphabet with an alliterative phrase. The imaginative illustrations, done with colored pencil, bring the silly sentences to life. For example, one favorite of mine is “Quick-tempered Quails Quarrelling

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Z is for Moose by Kelley Bingham, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinksy (Greenwillow, 2012) is a creative alphabet book. Zebra is directing an alphabet of friends (including Apple and Ball and others) in a alphabet pageant, and Moose is really excited for his turn. The problem is that when it comes to the letter M, Zebra

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Although it seems that Native American culture is a topic that is covered in detail in various books that study each individual tribe, there seem to be few books for early readers celebrating the entire existence of Native American Indians. We did find one fantastic book to celebrate Native Americans: Many Nations by Joseph Bruchac

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Leslie McGuirk’s “discovered alphabet” in If Rocks Could Sing (Tricycle Press, 2011) gives life to rocks by discovering everything from birds and dogs to kicking and noses in the rocks themselves. Although my son loves alphabet books, I must admit that I usually find them rather tiresome and redundant. Leslie McGuirk’s alphabet is anything but

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I certainly hope there is not snow in the coming 48 hours, but in honor of one last crazy storm this winter-ish season, here’s one more “snow day” book that Raisin and I enjoyed. It’s one that would be fun any time of year. Zoo Flakes ABC by Will Howell is a fabulous ABC art

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The Graphic Alphabet by David E. Pelletier (Caldecott Honor 1997) illustrates the letters doing various things, all with graphic design. This is not your normal alphabet book of “a is for apple”! The “A” illustrates an avalanche, the “B” is illustrates a “bounce”, and so forth. I think it is a clever alphabet book for other

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LMNO Peas by Keith Baker (Beach Lane Books, 2010) combines two things my son absolutely loves: the alphabet and peas. (I kid you not. With the right amount of salt and pepper and butter, yes must have butter, he will eat a whole bowl). In Baker’s book, each letter of the ABC books stands for

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The Dangerous Alphabet by Neil Gaiman is a clever alphabet book. While it’s clearly a children’s book, it has an element of spookiness to it and somber, spidery illustrations that make it just right for adults too. The illustrations by Gris Grimly are not my normal preference. I tend to like more realistic illustration and

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