Pigs from A to Z

Pigs from A To Z, by Arthur Geisert, is a clever book that uses the alphabet to tell a story about seven pigs who make a treehouse.  What at first seems to be a simple story of the alphabet naming something that goes along with the seven pigs’ work efforts evolves into a puzzle for the reader.  The beginning of the book indicates that sometimes one or more of the pigs may be hiding, but there will always be seven pigs on each page.  Also, the pictures reveal more clues to further challenge the reader.  For the alphabet letter being described, there will be five forms of it hidden in the picture, along with one form of the preceding letter and one form of the following letter.  It’s great fun to search for them!

Arthur Geisert’s imagination makes this such a fun alphabet book.  Have fun reading and searching!  And, we have to tell you, there is an answer key in the back if you need help!

Question Collection:

*Which letter is your favorite in this book?

*Do the hidden pictures make it more fun for you?

*Can you imagine what the pigs are saying to each other?

Read more children's ABC books!

The Construction Alphabet Book

The Construction Alphabet Book, by Jerry Pallotta with illustrations by Rob Bolster, uses common construction items to read through the alphabet.  The narrative makes the story very interesting for children who like to learn about construction equipment.  Much has been written about engaging boys in learning and we think this book is a great example of a high interest book for boys.  Every family member is sure to learn more about construction through this well written and illustrated book.  What’s especially fun is that the author completes the alphabet and then starts over with letters A-C with a challenge for readers to finish the next alphabet by writing their own books!

Question Collection:

*Which pieces of construction equipment have you seen?

*What did you learn about construction equipment?

*Can you think of other pieces of equipment to continue the alphabet?

Read more children's ABC books here!

Easy Street

Do your children like to watch road construction?  As we run errands and travel in the summer, we’ve found our “waiting” time during stops for road construction can be turned into learning opportunities.  Easy Street, by Rita Gray and illustrations by Mary Bono, is a great way to read more about how streets are made.  The sequential three dimensional clay people and construction materials make the book’s rhyming story even more fun.  The diversity of the workers also makes the book more realistic.  After a few readings, children will be able to quote these fun rhymes and understand the street making process. An added page by the author also gives more detailed explanations of how asphalt is used in the street making process.  We hope you enjoy this fun book!

Question Collection:

*Which job would you like to have on Easy Street?

*What kinds of tools are used in making a street?

*Can you tell some rhyming words you heard?