The A B C’s of Alphabet Books
A to Z Blog Challenge Theme Reveal
Alphabet books have been a part of children’s reading experiences for hundreds of years. They began as horn books and have transformed through the years. They are intended to teach children to recognize letters and sounds in an entertaining way. Over the years, authors and illustrators have elevated these simple concept books into works of art.
Alphabet books have been a part of children’s reading experiences for hundreds of years. They began as horn books and transformed over time with the purpose of teaching children to recognize letters and sounds in an entertaining way. Over the years, authors and illustrators have elevated these simple concept books into works of art. As a teacher and children’s librarian, I have read scores of alphabet books. I am always intrigued to see how creative authors and illustrators can be with the alphabet. I also love to see how “difficult letters like Q, X, and Y are portrayed. So, this year as I participate in the 10th anniversary April A to Z Blog Challenge, I hope you will join me on an alphabetical journey as I share interesting, clever, and sometimes odd alphabet books. It’s not too late – you can join the challenge, too. Just click on this link to learn more.
Many scholars consider British illustrator Walter Crane to be the “Father of the illustrated children’s book.” He was a keen observer of young children and believed that bright illustrations and accompanying verses would encourage young children as they learned to read. He wrote and illustrated the Absurd A.B.C in 1874 and set a high standard for future alphabet books.
Have you ever tried to write and illustrate an alphabet book?
Hi Claire Annette – enjoy the A-Z … a great theme you’ve chosen – I’ll enjoy keeping an eye out – though am not participating … clever idea – cheers Hilary
I’ll miss your posts!
What a fantastic theme! And if I may go by the semple you’ve posted here, it will be a great journey.
I’m going to keep my posts short and sweet since I’ll be traveling most of April.
I’m not doing the A-Z challenge, but I find your theme very interesting!
Hi Eva, I know I’m crazy for doing it again – especially since I’ll be in Nicaragua for the first half of the month and am not sure about the internet situation. I’m going to keep it very simple!
Really looking forward to it!
I hope you will take a look at Animalia by Graeme Base
Oh – that’s a good one!
I have put together photo alphabet book on specific themesfor my students, but I have taken on a big project for the A-Z challenge this April!
A photo alphabet book for you students is a good idea. Good luck with the A_Z Challenge!
Oooh, I love alphabet books! I collect ABC books illustrated with block prints and have written a number of blog posts on them myself over the years I’ve also written and published an ABC of animals (http://nydamprints.com/bookABC.html), and my A-Z challenge theme this year is the book I’m working on right now, an alphabet of fantasy creatures. So I am super excited about your theme and will definitely be looking forward to learning about lots of ABC treasures!
Black and White: A is for Amphiptere
Oooh, I love alphabet books! I’ve written and illustrated one on animals, Amazing, Beguiling, Curiousand my own A-Z theme this year is fantasy creatures for a book I’m working on now! I look forward to seeing what treasures you share during April!
Black and White: A is for Amphiptere