Once Upon an Alphabet: Short Stories for All the Letters
on Goodreads (3,618)
What’s inside...
Once Upon an Alphabet by Oliver Jeffers is a creative and beautifully illustrated alphabet book that weaves together interconnected stories for each of the 26 letters. It combines elements of a storybook, alphabet book, and art book, providing a unique and engaging experience that challenges readers' imagination and vocabulary. With its clever and slightly surreal text, the book has received high praise and starred reviews from Kirkus Review and School Library Journal for being delightful, stimulating, and satisfying.
Age
3-6
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which letter's story did you find most interesting and why?
How did the characters in the story for the letter 'S' solve their problem?
Can you think of another word that starts with the same letter as your favorite story?
What would you do if you were a character in the story for the letter 'M'?
How do you think the story for the letter 'Z' should continue?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring each letter's story to life, varying your tone and pace to match the narrative.
Pause after each story to ask your child what they think will happen next or to predict outcomes for the characters.
Connect the stories to your child’s daily life by relating characters or events to familiar experiences or people.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from one of the stories, helping them engage creatively as well as verbally.
Have fun with the alphabet by creating a game where you and your child come up with new stories for each letter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Each letter of the alphabet in 'Once Upon an Alphabet: Short Stories for All the Letters' introduces a unique story, encouraging children to think creatively and imagine different scenarios.
Real-World Application: Children can apply creative thinking in their daily play or while solving problems, enhancing their ability to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions.
Example Lesson: Learning the Alphabet
Explanation: The book offers a story for each letter, helping children recognize and understand the alphabet in a fun and engaging way.
Real-World Application: Recognizing letters is fundamental in reading and writing. Children can use this knowledge to start reading simple words and gradually progress to more complex texts.
Example Lesson: Vocabulary Development
Explanation: Each story introduces new words associated with the letters, enriching children's vocabulary and language skills.
Real-World Application: An expanded vocabulary helps children express themselves better and understand others, facilitating better communication and comprehension in social and academic settings.
Example Lesson: Moral Lessons
Explanation: Several stories in the book have underlying moral lessons about kindness, perseverance, and curiosity.
Real-World Application: Children can reflect on these morals and incorporate them into their behavior, helping them navigate social interactions and personal challenges more effectively.