Kids' Corner

Alphabet Books

Everyone knows the alphabet . . . .but you might be surprised by how many different kinds of alphabet books there are.  Some of them are clever, some of them are based on a theme such as superheroes or construction equipment, and many have wonderful illustrations.  We have a display of them next to the children’s magazines.  Here are some recently published ones:

A Farmer’s Alphabet   by Mary Azarian
The 26 charming woodcuts showing scenes of rural Vermont include cow, icicles, quilt and underwear. Preschool – grade 3

Alpha Bravo Charlie: The Military Alphabet by Chris Demarest
Colorful and energetic illustrations introduce the International Communications Alphabet. K – grade 4

Alpha Oops!  The Day Z Went First  by Alethea Kontis
When Z complains that it’s not fair to always be last, the alphabet agrees to rearrange itself . . . but each letter has a different idea of where they should be!  (If you like this, you’ll want to read The Scrambled States of America.)
K – grade 3

Superhero A B C  by Bob McLeod
From Astro-Man, who is always alert for an alien attack, to The Zinger, who zanily zigzags through the Zero Zone! K – grade 4

The Construction Alphabet Book  by Jerry Pallotta
This features all kinds of construction equipment, including a cement mixer, a jackhammer, and a wrecking ball.
Preschool – grade 2

3-D  A B C :  A Sculptural Alphabet  by Bob Raczka
Fascinating color photographs of 20th Century sculptures, made from a variety of materials  and found around the world. Preschool – grade 5

Aa is for Aardvark  by Mark Shulman
Meet a happy hippo, a pretty kitten, and a gorilla who thinks vanilla ice cream is yummy! Preschool – grade 3

Max’s A B C  by Rosemary Wells
Starring bunnies Max and Ruby, this is the alphabetical tale of what happens after Max’s ants escape from their ant farm. Preschool – grade 1

Alphabet Rescue  by Audrey Wood
When Charley’s alphabet travels to their hometown of Alphabet City, they find an old fire engine that they use for letter rescues. Preschool – grade 1

In May the Storyline (334-6670) will feature alphabet stories.
Happy A B C-ing!

The 3 Apples Book Award

Each year children in grades 3-6 (ages 8-12) nominate their favorite book, creating a statewide ballot of fifteen of the most popular titles. After reading or listening to at least three of the nominated books, the children vote to select one as their favorite. That book and its author are honored with the presentation of the 3 Apples Book Award, and celebrations take place across the state in school and public libraries. Your child can nominate a favorite book now.

Ellen Xydias
Children’s Librarian
March 2007