I’ve shared my favourite alphabet picture books, as well as some fun animal-themed ones. Today’s list is an assortment of unusual alphabet books, in order of publication.
Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions by Margaret Musgrove, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon (The Dial Press, 1976)
This large picture book provides an introduction to 26 different African tribes, highlighting one tradition of each. With detailed, realistic illustrations this is not only educational but a pleasure to share with children. Caldecott Medal winner.
A Pioneer ABC by Mary Alice Downie, illustrated by Mary Jane Gerber (Tundra Books, 2005)
Each page illustrates part of the life of a pioneer (specifically the United Empire Loyalists) with a brief description in the page border. Your kids will learn about bandalores and junkets as well as ice-fishing and quilts. In the glossary is a paragraph about each of the twenty-six words. You’ll also find a list of other alphabet words hidden in the illustrations. An author’s note at the beginning of the book gives info about the United Empire Loyalists. Subdued illustrations.
The Dangerous Alphabet by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Gris Grimly (HarperCollins, 2008)
The intro says it best, “A piratical ghost story in thirteen ingenious but potentially disturbing rhyming couplets.. featuring two brave children, their diminutive but no less courageous gazelle, and a large number of dangerous trolls, monsters, bugbears, creatures, and other such nastinesses…” For fans of Edward Gorey.
The Sleepy Little Alphabet by Judy Sierra, illustated by Melissa Sweet (Alfred A. Knopf, 2009)
In this book, featuring cartoonish illustrations of parent and child letters, parents chase their kids around trying to put them to bed. Although it’s not my favourite readaloud, kids will probably love the silly rhyming text.
A Fabulous Fair Alphabet by Debra Frasier (Beach Lane Books, 2010)
This colourful and chaotic book illustrates the exciting features of the fair in collage style illustrations. You’ll encounter a Ferris wheel, ice cream, tractor, zucchini, and more. This is a book of art rather than a story.
A is for All the Things You Are: A Joyful ABC Book by Anna Forgerson Hindley, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo (Smithsonian Books, 2019)
Each letter presents a positive character trait, such as “just” and “persistent,” and even “emotional,” “unique,” and “questioning.” The trait is described in a short paragraph and each page also contains a question to prompt discussion. If you want a straightforward way to talk about a variety of character traits this little book fits the bill.