Our Favourite Alphabet Books

     There are so many great alphabet books for all interests and age groups, these are our favourites! Reading alphabet books have tons of benefits for your little ones. They are a great way to introduce letters to small children, to teach them that each letter has a unique sound, to introduce them to (and sometimes even me, especially with some of the vehicle alphabet books)  new vocabulary, and last but not least reading books of any kind helps you to spend quality time together.  Even the smallest child can enjoy looking at the pictures and hearing the vocabulary that goes along with each letter.

1. A to Z

As with all Sandra Boynton books, this alphabet book does not disappoint in silliness and whimsy. It features animals and actions that correspond to each letter (Mr. Jeej especially loves "cats cleaning", its lead us to many conversations about why our cat doesn't have his own broom). Also, its available in board book form, which makes it a perfect first alphabet book for little hands  (it was a lovely baby gift from a friend when Mr. Jeej arrived).

2.Alphabet Trucks

This book was an all time favourite find at our local library. By the end of the lending period, this had become a staple in our bedtime and my (then) almost 3 year old had the entire book memorized. It was amazing, we would be out and see one of the trucks from the book and he would recite the entire page. With peppy rhyming text, cute illustrations, and 26 unique trucks, it would be hard for any 3 year old not to love this book.   

3.Eating the Alphabet

I love the colourful illustrations in this book! It introduces children to a plethora of new and favourite fruits and vegetables that go along with each letter. There are literally hundreds of follow up activities you could try with this book. You could have a handful of fruit on hand that are mentioned in the book and taste while reading about them.  We like to read this book in the summer before heading to the farmer's market and then I have my preschooler try and find the fruit and vegetables from the book. You may even inspire your little ones to try a new veggie or fruit!

 4. ABC

You absolutely cannot go wrong with Dr. Suess. This book features classic and zany Suessical characters, including our favourite Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz, and tons of hilarious alliteration. Also, this is on of the few alphabet books I have come across that includes both uppercase and lowercase letters.  It is so fun to read aloud with preschoolers and is sure to make even the crankiest 3 year old burst into laughter. 

5. 123 versus ABC

We were thrilled to come upon this alphabet book by chance at our local library. Not only is the author Canadian (a huge plus for us), but its quite funny. It's a double whammy concept book exploring each letter and a number through the competitive banter between the two bickering teams (i.e 1 alligator, 2 bears, 3 cars). This is a great find for preschoolers who are going through the "I'm bigger, I'm faster stage". You know? The stage in which you remind your preschooler that everything isn't about winning 10 times a day. Ahem.. Mr. Jeej

6. LMNO Peas

I cannot get enough of the adorable and intricate illustrations in this book. Even if your child is a little young to grasp the concept of letters they will definitely enjoy discovering what the peas are up to on each page. This book moves through the alphabet with a variety of hobbies and professions being carried out by peas (Acrobats all the way through to Zoologists). This book makes a great baby shower present as its available in board book form.

7. The Yucky Reptile Book

We came upon this gem on a bargain book sale table when we visited the reptile exhibit at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington.  This book is best suited to older preschoolers or kindergarteners as it includes great info about each reptile (who knew that a chameleon's tongue can grow up to two times the length of it's body?! or that some reptiles can squirt blood from their eyes?!). If your headed to the zoo, this could be a great book to read beforehand.

8. Alphabet Trains

Both of my little one's LOVE trains, making this alphabet book an easy favourite. I particularly enjoy this book as it includes trains from all over the world, which naturally leads to discussion about other places around the globe. It also includes a glossary at the end which gives the reader more information about the trains featured in the book.

9. ABC of Canada

Bright illustrations and very simple text make this alphabet book perfect for even the youngest letter enthusiast. My little ones love the illustrations featuring cute animal characters enjoying uniquely Canadian places and pastimes (i.e. the Calgary Stampede and Niagara Falls). This book would make a great gift for international friends as an intro to Canada or to help foster a sense of Canuck pride in our local friends.

10. BANG! BOOM! ROAR!

This book features dinosaurs and construction equipment, the perfect yet unlikely combo that every preschool aged child is sure to appreciate! There is tons of fun rhyming text and alliteration that tells the story of a hard hat wearing crew of dinos while they move through the alphabet to create an adventure playground. 

Don't forget to share you favourites in the comments below!