Admirable Animal Alphabet Books

This summer, I am focusing attention largely on alphabet books. There are a multitude of abc books out there, and many are mediocre. The ones I am highlighting I have found to be particularly good in one way or another. Animal alphabet books are everywhere, but here are a few really delightful ones.


A Is for Angry: An Animal and Adjective Alphabet
by Sandra Boynton
I think Sandra Boynton's books are hilarious, and my children have loved them all as well. I am delighted to find that she has now created an alphabet book that is also cute, funny and well-designed. The possibilities for vocabulary development as well as letter knowledge abound, because a descriptive word starting with the appropriate letter, naturally, accompanies the animal illustration. Each animal's expression and the often surprising attending adjective give it an appealing personality.

Gone Wild (Caldecott Honor Book)
by by David McLimans
Each page in this Caldecott Honor book beautifully portrays an endangered or vulnerable animal whose name begins with the featured letter. The pictures are silhouette-like in black and white, using the shape of the letter as the body of the animal. Pertinent facts as well as a smaller but complete print of the animal are in a box at the bottom of each page, and more information about each animal are at the back of the book. The pictures, though simple, are so arresting that closer examination is encouraged.

Creature ABC


by Andrew Zuckerman
There are many animal alphabet books, but the photographs in this one are distinctive. The animal representing the alphabet letter is shown in amazing detail against a white background. Each animal is captured in a position or with an expression that makes it seem almost human. The tigers for T romp like kittens and the hippo for H wears a smug-looking smile. This talented photographer also has produced floor puzzles for children using similarly beautiful photos of "creatures".



Story Props for Animal Alphabet Books