Great Alphabet Books

Alphabet books don't have to be just the tired recitation of alliterative animals and the like. Check these out:


Alphabet City, Stephen T. Johnson

This wordless book is a series of photographs shot in New York City. Each image has a letter of the alphabet hidden in it, naturally formed by the architecture and nature. The letters go in order, so observant kids will know which letters to look for next, but in my experience, they still like finding the letters regardless.


Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Bill Martin Jr.

Did you know you can buy a tree that comes with velcro letters to follow their adventures? I just use an alphabet puzzle to point out the letters, and then I dump out the puzzle over when everyone falls out of the tree. Then, I have the kids put them back into place as we finish the book. Another tree idea I really enjoyed was when a teacher bought an inflatable coconut tree for the classroom.