Best Alphabet Books to Help Kids Learn Their ABC’s
As you prepare your young child to learn the alphabet, these adorable ABC books will entertain children with a wide variety of interests using colorful illustrations and delightful writing.
Before I teach my kids the letters of the alphabet, we spend the first several years of life reading excellent books together. Creating a literate environment is the key to reading readiness.
Often parents are pressured into thinking they should start teaching their children to read long before they are ready. If you wait until they show signs of interest, kids will learn much more quickly. Here are a few signs I watch for in my kids to know when they are ready to start learning their letters.
They will…
- point to letters and ask what they are.
- pretend to read familiar books.
- try writing letters.
- listen attentively when you read simple picture books to them.
- try to read words on the cereal box or road signs or other words around the house.
For more information about teaching a child to read, these resources are a great place to start!
When Is It Best to Start Teaching My Child to Read?
Teach a Child to Read With Two Importannt Habits
Simple Steps for Teaching Reading That Work
Companion Beginner Guide for Teaching Bob Books
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Alphabet Books for Kids
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
In this fascinating book, the letters are racing to the top of the coconut tree. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom uses interesting words to captivate its listeners. This is one of our favorite alphabet books.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Bill Martin Jr. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 08/01/2000 (Publication Date) – Beach Lane Books (Publisher)
My ABC Bible Verses by Susan Hunt
Next to each letter is a Bible verse, with the letter highlighted that corresponds with a word in the verse. Your kids will have so much fun learning Bible verses along with their letters.
- Hardcover Book
- Hunt, Susan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 64 Pages – 07/01/1998 (Publication Date) – Crossway (Publisher)
Alphabet Soup by Kate Banks
A little boy uses his alphabet soup to make words, and as he goes on a wild adventure, each word he makes solves a problem, the book showing the letters of the alphabet along the way.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Banks, Kate (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 08/09/1994 (Publication Date) – Dragonfly Books (Publisher)
Alphabet School by Stephen T. Johnson
Alphabet School, a wordless book, displays everyday objects, such as globes and windows, to make children see the hidden letters on each page. This is a creative way to teach young readers letter recognition in an easy-to-understand way.
- Hardcover Book
- Johnson, Stephen T. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 09/08/2015 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (Publisher)
Dr. Seuss’ ABC Book by Dr. Seuss
This book asks readers what begins with each letter of the alphabet in entertaining, silly illustrations. If you’re looking for ABC books that center on teaching the alphabet in a way that’s just plain fun, this book is a great one to start with.
- With Dr. Seuss as your guide, learning the alphabet is as easy as A, B, C
- Simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning
- Fun characters and bright colors
- Ages 3 to 7
- Hardcover Book
D is for Dump Truck by Michael Shoulders
If your boys love anything to do with cars, this book is sure to entertain them for hours. The creative rhymes and how each letter of the alphabet is used is a great way to introduce your kids to the alphabet.
- Hardcover Book
- Shoulders, Michael (Author) – Ryan, Tamara (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 10/01/2016 (Publication Date) – Sleeping Bear Press (Publisher)
A to Z by Sandra Boynton
As this alphabet book goes through each letter, it shows each animal performing a different action, which is a creative way to show young children how a letter can be used in words. This book is sure to make our book recommendation list.
- Boynton, Sandra (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 16 Pages – 10/11/1984 (Publication Date) – Boynton Bookworks (Publisher)
A is for Apple by Tiger Tales
This is one of my son’s favorite books! The colorful flaps showing what each letter represents is an interesting way to capture a reader’s attention. “‘I’ is for icecream and igloo. ‘J’ is for jet and jam.” It also shows how the letters are written using arrows which show children how to trace letters using their fingers.
- Tiger Tales (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 26 Pages – 09/06/2011 (Publication Date) – Tiger Tales (Publisher)
On Market Street by Arnold Lobel
A little boy goes shopping on Market Street, buying things from each letter of the alphabet. The things he buys look like people with donuts for skirts or apples for arms. This ABC book, written by the acclaimed Arnold Lobel (Frog and Toad stories) and illustrated by Anita Lobel, won a Caldecott Honor award.
- Hardcover Book
- Lobel, Arnold (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 40 Pages – 08/25/2020 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (Publisher)
ABC’s on Wheels by Ramon Olivera
Simple and easy to understand, this picture book goes through the letters one by one, showing how they are used in everyday vehicles. As this board book shows a wide variety of cars and trucks, it is sure to be another one your boys will enjoy.
- Hardcover Book
- Olivera, Ramon (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 40 Pages – 07/05/2016 (Publication Date) – Little Simon (Publisher)
Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert
Each page shows different fruits that start with a certain letter. Included in the back is a guide to all the fruits mentioned earlier. Your little readers will love the colorful pictures and simple prose.
- Ehlert, Lois (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 28 Pages – 04/01/1996 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)
Picture books are a great way for you to start teaching your child the letters of the alphabet. Snuggle up on the sofa and read them together. Keep it relaxed and fun. Make your child’s first association with reading a delightful experience!
