“A is for. . . We are not telling you!” And so goes this creepy cranium alphabet book that requires some detective work and patience to figure out the animals that belong to the skulls on each page. Interesting facts and appropriate scenery help readers discover the animal, but if they are still stumped, all of the answers are actually hidden on a spread near the end of the book. And, for yet another layer of this unusual book, have students look for portraits of the American presidents that are hidden in the illustrations!
ABC Books
ABC books are an exciting way for early readers to explore letters and words. But they are not just for the younger grades. Many authors use the alphabet format as a springboard for teaching about science, geography, and even poetry! The following fiction and nonfiction books will stretch students’ imaginations and vocabularies — all in a format that’s as easy as A-B-C!
The Weighty Word Book
If you like stretching your students’ vocabulary, making up stories, or booing at bad puns, read this refreshing book — it’s one of my favorites! The authors have come up with 27 stories representing challenging words — from abasement to zealot — each ending in a word-defining pun. You and your students may roll your eyes, but you won’t forget the words’ meanings.
Tomorrow’s Alphabet
This alphabet book stretches readers’ imaginations as they think ahead to complete the sentences. “A is for seed — tomorrow’s APPLE. B is for eggs — tomorrow’s BIRDS.” The challenge will keep students thinking and the possibilities will keep them talking. For another variation of alphabet puzzles, read A Is for Salad by Mike Lester (Puffin, 2000).
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