The Alphabet's Alphabet
illustrations by
on Goodreads (507)
What’s inside...
Here's a totally twisted take on the alphabet that invites readers to look at it in a whole new way: An A is an H that just won't stand up right, a B is a D with its belt on too tight, and a Z is an L in a tug-of-war fight! Twenty-six letters, unique from each other -- and yet, every letter looks just like one another! Kind of like...one big family.
Discussion points
What do you think each letter's personality might be like based on their shapes?
Can you imagine a story where the letters go on an adventure? What would happen?
How do the illustrations help you understand the relationships between the letters?
Why do you think the author chose to create a unique alphabet within the alphabet?
How might we use these new letter combinations in our daily writing or games?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to trace the letters in the book with their fingers, discussing the different shapes and forms each letter can take.
Use the book as a jumping-off point to explore other alphabets or create your own silly or serious new letters.
After reading, ask your child to pick their favorite transformed letter and draw it together, talking about what makes it special.
Initiate a game where you both come up with fun and creative words using the new letter combinations from the book.
Relate the letter transformations to real-life objects or animals, enhancing their connection with the world around them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Similarities and Differences
Explanation: The book creatively explores how each letter of the alphabet resembles another letter but has its unique characteristics. This is illustrated through clever visuals and engaging text.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing and valuing the differences and similarities among their peers, promoting inclusivity and acceptance.
Example Lesson: Creative Thinking
Explanation: Chris Harris challenges conventional perceptions of letters by showing how they can transform into each other, fostering a playful and inventive approach.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and see ordinary things in extraordinary ways, enhancing problem-solving skills in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Understanding Relationships and Connections
Explanation: The book highlights connections between different letters, portraying them in relational and familial roles, which helps in understanding abstract concepts of relation.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to identify and understand various relationships in their lives, reinforcing social and emotional learning.
Example Lesson: Alphabet Knowledge
Explanation: Through its unique presentation of the alphabet, the book reinforces letter recognition and phonetic sounds, which are fundamental in early literacy.
Real-World Application: Enhanced familiarity with the alphabet aids in reading readiness and literacy skills, forming a strong foundation for future educational success.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment of Reading
Explanation: With its playful tone and imaginative illustrations, 'The Alphabet's Alphabet' makes learning about letters fun and engaging.
Real-World Application: Instills a love for reading and learning from an early age, which is crucial for lifelong educational engagement and personal growth.