123 VS ABC by Mike Boldt

The numbers and letters all show up for this book, but they can't decide if it's a counting book (1 alligator) or an alphabet book (1 alligator).

This was a lot of fun to read! I chose this as my first read of the year and my older students got a kick out of it. (I did notice that it went over the heads of my kindergarteners.) This could be a good one for later in the year when we talk about alphabetizing in the library.

4 out of 5 stars
No AR reading level

PICTURE BOOK: A is for Airplane by Mary Ann McCabe Riehle

The third (and final) alphabet book I picked up in Washington DC was this one, which we found at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

I picked this up for two reasons. First, as I have already stated, I love this line of picture books. Second, I have a student at school who is fascinated by airplanes and flight. He is one of only two students to ever fill out a materials request form for our school library. His request? More books about airplanes. I hope he enjoys this one!

I was pleasantly surprised that the book wasn't just about airplanes. After 3 hours touring Air and Space, I had my fill of machines that fly, frankly. But this includes a page on birds, Amelia Earhart, President Kennedy and the Tuskegee Airmen. I think this is a great book for home, classroom or library!

4 out of 5 stars
AR rating of 7.1

PICTURE BOOKS: S Is for Smithsonian by Marie and Roland Smith

The Smithsonian museums were such a large part of our time in DC this summer, I had to pick up this book as well, also published by Sleeping Bear Press.

The format is the same as the other alphabet books in the line - a short poem and a longer descriptive piece for every letter of the alphabet. S Is for Smithsonian includes a page on the Smithsonian Castle (in my opinion, it is more interesting to read about than to visit), the elephant in the entry of the Natural History Museum, the dresses of the First Ladies (probably my favorite part of the American History Museum), Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz (another exhibit in the American History Museum), and the National Zoo (something we didn't get to visit on our trip).

This is another good memento for families that have visited DC, but it can be an even better introduction to the Smithsonian museums for those planning a future trip.

4 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 7.2

PICTURE BOOK: N Is for Our Nation's Capital by Marie Smith

While our family was in Washington DC I came across some books I wanted to add to our school library.

This line of books from Sleeping Bear Press is one of my favorite non-fiction series available. The books are beautifully done. The content works for both young readers (with a poem for each letter of the alphabet) and older readers (with detailed content for each letter).

N Is for Our Nation's Capital includes discussion of the cherry blossoms, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech which was delivered at the Lincoln Memorial, the White House and the Library of Congress.

If you are planning a trip to DC, or you want to have a souvenir to help you remember a trip, check this book out. If you are a history teacher, there's plenty here for you as well.

4 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 6.8

MONDAY: E-mergency by Tom Lichtenheld

Summary
The letter E has taken a tumble and needs to rest. The other letters decide O should fill in until E feels better.


Review
Such a fun, clever idea! Tons of great puns for the parents/teachers sharing this book with young children, but it is also tricky to read out loud when the text and the pictures have Os in place of Es.

You can view a book trailer here. It gives an idea of the non-E portions of the book.


4 out of 5 stars


Recommended for: classroom, school and home libraries, alphabet story collections


Cautions: none.

TIGER TALES: A Is for Apple and 123 Count with Me

I am so excited about the design of the two board books we will look at today.


Want to buy a beautiful and educational book? Buy these! Each book is done in layers so little fingers can trace the letters or numbers.

There are also flaps to open on each page.

ABC goes through all 26 letters in this format. 

123 covers numbers 1 through 20 plus introduces a number line and some simple addition.

 

I give both of these books 5 out of 5 stars. They are very well done. 


Recommended for: children ages 6 and under.

MONDAY: ABC Animal Jamboree

I love alphabet books! The alphabet is a great framework for a "story" or information you want to share. I received this one as a review copy from the publisher, Tiger Tales, and found it to be a delightful addition to any ABC book collection.

The theme is animals, obviously - a favorite topic for children. The text is rhyming, which makes it fun to read aloud. The book has fabulous personality, too - predators grin about gobbling and pretty animals show off their pride. The pages are rich in color. It is also a fantastic example for students creating their own writing projects.

We loved ABC Animal Jamboree at our house!

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MONDAY: Alphabet Books, part 2

I love the line of alphabet books from Sleeping Bear Press.  There is something for everyone in this line.

Each letter ties to a term in the the theme of the book. The term is used in a short poem, and then the sidebar includes additional facts and/or terms that relate to that letter or the term for the letter.

Some other titles in the series include:
G Is for Grand Canyon : An Arizona Alphabet (Alphabet Series) 
R is for Rhyme: A Poetry Alphabet 
M Is for Majestic: A National Parks Alphabet (Alphabet Books) 
S is for Smithsonian: America's Museum Alphabet (Sleeping Bear Alphabets) 
K is for Kick: A Soccer Alphabet (Alphabet Books) 
R is for Race: A Stock Car Alphabet (Alphabet Books) 
and A is for Axel: An Ice Skating Alphabet (Sports) among others.

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MONDAY: Alphabet Books, Part 1

Back in the spring I decided to talk with my writing club students about alphabet books. I think they are a great way to get kids writing because they can be done in SOOO many ways. This week I want to show some of the books we talked about in class.


In Alpha Oops, the letters from the latter part of the alphabet decide they are tired of always being in the same spot, so they shake things up. 


AA is for Aardvark used words or phrases with double letters.


A Dictionary of Dance included dance terms for each letter of the alphabet.

My students liked the different ways to use the general framework of the alphabet for different writing options.

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THURSDAY: S is for Story

I picked this book up for Writing Club as (1) an example of an alphabet book and (2) because it is all about writing. It is fantastic. Each letter of the alphabet stands for a writing term that is set in a small paragraph of verse. The sidebars of each page explain the concept a little more. The illustration style is not my personal preference for style, but they work together well with the content. I am even thinking I could use the 26 letters as the structure of of next year's Writing Club Curriculum. 

Great alphabet book. Great writing resource for kids. Check it out! 

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