• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Blog
  • Podcast
  • Course
    • Teaching Every Reader
  • Subscriber Freebies
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • Member Login

The Measured Mom

Education resources for parents and teachers

  • Alphabet
  • Reading
    • Structured literacy
    • Printable Books
    • Pre-Reading
    • Phonics
    • Sight Words
    • Comprehension
    • Fluency
    • Vocabulary
  • Writing
    • Grammar
    • Handwriting
    • Spelling
    • Writing in Pre-K
    • Writing in K-3
  • Math
    • Counting
    • Number Recognition
    • Addition & Subtraction
    • Colors, Shapes & Patterns
    • Visual Discrimination
    • Time, Money & Measurement
    • Place Value
    • Graphs
    • Multiplication & Division
    • Fractions
    • Problem Solving
  • Book Lists
    • Letter of the Week
    • Early Childhood Themes
    • Pre-Reading Skills
    • Math Concepts
    • Writing Mentor Texts
    • Versions of Familiar Tales
    • Holidays and Seasonal
    • History
    • Leveled Book Lists
  • Join Membership
Home
  • Shop
  • Blog
    • Alphabet
    • Reading
    • Writing
    • Math
    • Book Lists
  • Podcast
  • Courses
    • Teaching Every Reader
    • Teaching Every Writer
  • Subscriber Freebies
  • About
  • Membership
  • Contact

PSPKK12317 Comments

Best ABC books

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Looking for ABC books to read alongside your alphabet activities?

50 fabulous alphabet books

Today I’ve compiled a list of the 50 best alphabet books for kids.

Have fun!

abcbook1

Apple Pie ABC, by Alison Murray

When a dog sees an apple pie sitting on the table, he does everything he can to get a slice.  This is a traditional verse brought to life with beautiful illustrations.  The book is a great vocabulary builder, too!

abcbook2

A Was Once an Apple Pie, by Edward Lear & illustrated by Suse MacDonald

Here’s another classic verse with new illustrations.  Rhythmic, silly word play and beautiful cut-paper illustrations make this book a true delight.  It’s so much fun to read!  “H was once a little hen.  Henny, chenny, tenny, henny, eggsy-any, little hen?”

abcbook4

Alphablock, by Christopher Franceschelli

Thick pages are cut into the shape of each block letter.  Peek through to find out what each letter stands for.  This is a lovely book with vintage-style illustrations.

abcbook3

The ABC Bunny, by Wanda Gag

The small town where I went to college boasts that it’s the birthplace of this book’s author, Wanda Gag.  Back when I began college I questioned whether this was just an attempt by a small town to gain some fame, but it turns out it’s well-deserved.  Gag was truly ahead of her time as a children’s book author and illustrator.  In fact, this story of a bunny’s adventures was a Newbery Honor recipient in 1934.

abcbook5

Alphabet City, by Stephen T. Johnson

On each page, children find a letter by looking at architecture or sights in the city.  This is a great book for children who already recognize their alphabet.  They’ll love the challenge of finding each letter!

We Mix Up Our ABC’s, by Aaron Wills

I’m updating this post in 2022 so I can be sure to add this new alphabet book from Aaron Wills, a school principal. This book is perfect for kids who already know the alphabet song by rote but struggle with letter identification. On each page, kids sing the letters in a different order. The large block letters make it easy for kids to follow along as the teacher points. It’s a fun rhyming book that’s sure to delight little listeners!

abcbook6

Firefighters A to Z, by Chris L. Demarest

This firefighter-themed alphabet book is an action-filled story with bright letters to begin each page.

 

abcbook7

Farm Alphabet Book, by Jane Miller

We like this simple, photo-illustrated book perfect for teaching young children about the farm.  It has lovely, authentic photographs with text that is just the right length.

abcbook8

G is for Goat, by Patricia Polacco

This delightful, goat-themed alphabet has terrific illustrations with a  simple but entertaining story.  Recommended!

abcbook9

I Stink! by Kate and Jim McMullan

A rowdy, raucous garbage truck takes us through the alphabet.  This is a favorite at our house, but be warned that the book is a little abrasive for some parents.

abcbook10

The Hidden Alphabet, by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

This is a truly unique lift-the-flap book!  Each cut out shows the object represented by a letter.  When you lift the flap, you see the entire letter.

abcbook11

The Handmade Alphabet, by Laura Rankin

This is a beautifully illustrated book with a hand holding an object that begins with each letter while also forming that letter with American Sign Language.

abcbook12

I Spy an Alphabet in Art, by Lucy Micklethwait

On each page, children hunt for an object in famous artwork that begins with a particular letter.  The book is breathtaking and a wonderful introduction to famous art, but many of the I Spy puzzles are too hard for preschoolers.  (M is for magpie!)

abcbook13

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten, by Joseph Slate

This book takes us through the first day of kindergarten, with Miss Bindergarten (a collie) filling and decorating the empty classroom as students get ready to arrive.  An alphabet book and animal book in one, this book has it all.

abcbook15

Museum ABC, by the Metropolitan Museum of Art

This is a truly stunning book with simple objects for each letter (N is for nose) in accompanying artwork.  Definitely one to own!

abcbook16

Fancy Nancy’s Favorite Fancy Words, by Jane O’Connor

Nancy loves fancy words, and she shares her favorites from A-Z in this fun book for building vocabulary.

abcbook17

AlphaOops! The Day Z Went First, by Alethea Kontis

This hilarious book had us laughing out loud!  When Z declares that it’s not fair that A always goes first, pandemonium breaks loose.  The other letters want to go first, too.  Soon it’s a free for all!   You might enjoy this one even more than your preschooler.

abcbook18

Old Black Fly, by Jim Aylesworth

We love the wacky pictures and sing-song text of a pesky fly who’s bothering everyone in the house.  We own this one and read it often.

abcbook19

Olivia’s ABC, by Ian Falconer

This is a simple alphabet board book featuring objects from the popular Olivia books.  It’s a beautiful book, but it might be better suited for toddlers.

abcbook20

LMNO Peas, by Keith Baker

We love the cute and busy peas on each page.  Such a fun way to highlight the world’s interests, hobbies, and careers!

 

abcbook21

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

Here’s a favorite that deserves a place on every list of alphabet books!  The lowercase letters are climbing the coconut tree, but it can’t hold them all.  Chicka chicka boom boom!  Uppercase letters rush to comfort their injured children.

abcbook22

Q is for Duck, by Mary Elting & Michael Folsom

Can your child guess why Q is for duck?  Because a duck quacks.  K is for mule because a mule kicks.  U is for prairie dog because they live underground.  What a great book for getting kids to think!

abcbook23

If Rocks Could Sing, by Leslie McGuirk

This is a brilliant and beautiful book with found rocks representing objects for each letter.  Who knew that so many interesting rocks were waiting to be found?

abcbook24

The Sleepy Little Alphabet, by Judy Sierra

This is a funny alphabet story in which the lowercase letters are pulling out all their tricks to avoid getting ready for bed.  We love the rhymes and the hilarious pictures.

abcbook25

Tomorrow’s Alphabet, by George Shannon

I really like this clever alphabet book with each page listing an object that doesn’t begin with each letter… because tomorrow it will!  For example, B is for eggs because tomorrow they will be birds.  My only complaint is I wish they’d waited until the next page to reveal tomorrow’s object is so that children could guess before seeing it.

abcbook26

Puddle’s ABC, by Holly Hobbie

The Toot and Puddle books are darling, and this one is no exception.  Otto the turtle wants to write his name, but doesn’t know his letters.  Puddle teaches him, using his own delightful illustrations.
abcbook27

ABC USA, by Martin Jarrie

This is a simple book with a folk-art style and a collection of American objects, events, and activities.  The text and pictures are right at a preschool level.

abcbook28

The Turn-Around, Upside-Down Alphabet Book, by Lisa Campbell Ernst

This is a truly unique alphabet book which you turn on its side, upside down, and to the other side as you read.  What new picture does the letter make?  For example, J is an elphant’s trunk, a candy cane, and a monkey’s tail.

abcbook29

Eating the Alphabet, by Lois Ehlert

Some of the illustrations in Ehlert’s books are a little abstract for my kids, but they’ve always loved this collection of fruits and vegetables from A to Z.

abcbook31

Max’s ABC, by Rosemary Wells

This is a creative book featuring the popular bunny pair, Max and Ruby.  The story begins with ants escaping from Max’s ant farm.  A new letter on every page highlights the next event in this fun story.

WorkABC_PLC_Square_KELLEN

Work: An Occupational ABC, by Kellen Hatanaka

For each letter we see a new occupation in this clever book with retro-style illustrations.  Be ready to teach your child some new vocabulary, with occupations like horticulturist, jockey, and oceanographer in the mix.

abcbook32

ABC T-Rex, by Bernard Most

My kids really enjoyed this book about a hungry T-Rex who finds that C is chewy, D is delicous, and K tastes great with ketchup!

abcbook33

Into the A, B, Sea, by Deborah Lee Rose

This book with stunning collage illustrations and lovely, rhythmic rhyme features animals who live in the ocean.

abcbook34

ABC for You and Me, by Meg Girnis

I was delighted to discover this beautiful book of photographs!  Each page has a picture of a child with Down’s Syndrome, and each child holds an object that begins with a particular letter.

abcbook35

Z is for Moose, by Kelly Bingham

This is a hilarious book about a moose who is determined to get to his place in the alphabet show.  He impatiently pushes his way onto every page until he finally gets to letter M. But M is for mouse!  Thankfully, his friend Zebra lets him join in on the last page.

 

abcbook36

Dr. Seuss’ ABC, by Dr. Seuss

Some books never get old, and this classic alphabet book is one of them.

 

abcbook37 Animalia, by Graeme Base

This is a positively breathtaking book that is more like a coffee table book than a book you will read aloud to your preschooler. I remember growing up with this one and paging through it many times, even as a kid in elementary school.  It’s a great one to own because the older your child gets, the more he’ll be able to identify in the pictures. abcbook38

On Market Street, by Arnold Lobel

This a brilliantly illustrated book of unusual shopkeepers on Market Street. Each one is created from his wares! You’ll find a man made from toys, another dressed entirely in playing cards, and a woman in a lollipop dress.  Even older children will enjoy this unique alphabet book.

abcbook39

Alphabeep, by Debora Pearson

Truthfully, this isn’t one of my favorites, but my vehicle-loving preschooler enjoys finding and naming the letters while studying all the interesting transportation.

abcbook40

I Spy Letters, by Jean Morzollo

This board book was a favorite of my children as toddlers, probably because I created my own tune for it.  They also loved the rhymes and bold photographs.

abcbook41

ABCs, by Charley Harper

This breathtaking board book features incredible illustrations by the modern artist Charley Harper.

abc carle

Eric Carle’s ABC, by Eric Carle

This is a very simple alphabet book with the letter, a picture, and a single word on each page.  My only complaint is that it’s a lift the flap book.  Those never do well at our house (at least not for long!).

harold's abc

Harold’s ABC, by Crockett Johnson

Harold returns in this journey from A to Z, where he turns each letter he finds into a new part of the story using his purple crayon.  While not nearly as compelling as the original story, this book is still a good one.

abcbook43

Alligators All Around, by Maurice Sendak

I’ll admit that some of Sendak’s books seem a bit weird to me, but we like this vintage book with alligators taking us through the alphabet.  Whether “bursting balloons” or “throwing tantrums,” it’s full of things kids can relate to.  (Beware, however, that letter I’s verse, “Imitating Indians,” isn’t exactly politically correct.)

 

bad kitty1

Bad Kitty, by Nick Bruel

A naughty cat (who is angry because his owners only have fruits and vegetables left in the house) destroys the house from A-Z.  He makes amends at the end, but some will dislike this book because of the cat’s behavior.  I’m very careful about the books we read, but we like this one.

abcbook45

A to Z, by Sandra Boynton

You simply can’t go wrong with a Boynton book, and this collection of her silly animals doesn’t disappoint.

 

alphabet book eastman

The Alphabet Book, by P.D. Eastman

I’ve always loved P.D. Eastman’s illustrations, so this simple alphabet book is another winner for us.

animal alphabet

Animal Alphabet, by by Alex Lluch

I make it a general rule not to allow interactive picture books in our house if they are from the library.  Inevitably a toddler will have his or her way with it. But this durable board book was a fun surprise!  Slide each animal’s backside to reveal the entire animal after reading the letter’s name.  A creative concept in a toddler-proof book.  Love it!

paul thurlby's alphabet

Paul Thurlby’s Alphabet, by Paul Thurlby

I adore the vintage style of this unique alphabet book, and my kids and I had fun seeing how Thurlby incorporates the shapes of the letters into into objects.  Highly recommended!

cars and trucks a to z

Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks from A to Z, by Richard Scarry

We’re fans of nearly every Richard Scarry book, so we enjoyed this board book featuring Scarry’s loveable cast of characters and unique modes of transportation.

abcbook46

Alphabeasties and Other Amazing Types, by Sharon Werner

Just when you think there can’t possibly be a new type of alphabet book, you find this one – where the illustrator has designed each animal using the letter it begins with.   Not only is this a gorgeous and unique book, but it also introduces kids to typography.

abcbook44

A is for Salad, by Mike Lester

Here’s another alphabet book that will get kids to think.  Of course A isn’t for salad, but it’s for the alligator eating it!  Is a B for viking? No, but it is for the beaver who’s wearing the Viking helmet. We appreciate the sophisticated humor for young listeners.  And the pictures are great!

 

Looking for a done-for-you alphabet curriculum?

Alphabet Curriculum for Preschool

$29.00

Our curriculum includes lessons for teaching both upper and lowercase letter names and sounds. You’ll get three lessons per letter, built-in review, simple handwriting practice, rhyming, syllable counting, phonemic awareness, and a whole lot more!

Buy Now

Free Reading Printables for Pre-K-3rd Grade

Join our email list and get this sample pack of time-saving resources from our membership site! You'll get phonemic awareness, phonics, and reading comprehension resources ... all free!

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Book Lists, Alphabet, Pre-reading skills Tagged With: preschool, kindergarten, Pre-K

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

Low prep fine motor activities 10 Playful alphabet activities Sensory play ideas from A to Z
Games for bossy r words
All About Me books

Reader Interactions

17 Comments

  1. Wendee

    September 15, 2021 at 2:01 pm

    Hi, can you tell me: what are your reviews on the following books:

    “The Accidental Zucchini” by Max Grover
    “Alligator Arrived with Apples: A Potluck Alphabet Feast” by Crescent Dragonwagon
    “The Wacky Wedding” by Pamela Duncan Edwards

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      September 15, 2021 at 3:48 pm

      I’m sorry, Wendee – I haven’t read those three!

      Reply to this comment
      • Wendee

        September 16, 2021 at 5:16 pm

        Well, can you at least give me some replacement books for the books “I Stink!”, “Fancy Nancy’s Favorite Fancy Words”, and “Old Black Fly”?

        Reply to this comment
        • Anna Geiger

          September 16, 2021 at 5:55 pm

          Yes – there are 47 others in the post! 🙂 I really did review as many books as I could, and these were my top picks.

          Reply to this comment
  2. Michele

    July 5, 2020 at 8:51 am

    I have subscribed and received a password; I wanted a printable list of the ABC but I can’t find it. Please help. Thanks,
    Michele

    Reply to this comment
    • Kate Dowling

      July 7, 2020 at 2:16 pm

      Hi Michele!

      This is Kate, Anna’s assistant. You’ll find the list for all the Letter of the Week books at the bottom of the Subscriber Library in the “Other” section. It’s currently the very last free printable in the Library. Here’s the link: https://www.themeasuredmom.com/top-ten-secrets-great-teaching/#other

      We hope you enjoy the books!

      Reply to this comment
  3. Debbie Jones

    September 8, 2019 at 9:24 am

    I thoroughly enjoyed your list of creative ABC books. I love collecting these literary gems for my grandchildren and found a number of “new” titles among your list that I will be adding to our library. Thank you!

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna G

      September 17, 2019 at 6:37 pm

      I’m glad you liked this, Debbie!

      Reply to this comment
  4. Tanasia

    May 23, 2019 at 10:21 pm

    You left our favorite, “Kids A to Z” by Hannah Corona

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna G

      May 26, 2019 at 8:36 am

      Thanks for the recommendation!

      Reply to this comment
  5. Christa Jimenez

    September 23, 2017 at 8:35 pm

    This is a great post- I found so many fun books that I can use with my kids. Thanks so much!

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna G

      September 27, 2017 at 12:40 pm

      You’re welcome, Christa ! 🙂

      Reply to this comment
  6. Beth

    December 23, 2015 at 12:47 pm

    What a lovely and useful list. I work for a literacy organisation and also collect Alphabet books (just because I love them)! I have found so many wonderful and exciting looking books here, that I didn’t know about. Thank you.

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      January 1, 2016 at 6:02 pm

      I’m glad you discovered some new titles here, Beth! That’s my favorite part of putting these lists together – finding new books to love. 🙂

      Reply to this comment
  7. Betty Ellzy

    November 22, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    Thank You, for literacy this list of books if beyond perfect, it is my right hand for reading the alphabet to our Head Start Class.

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      November 24, 2015 at 8:42 pm

      You’re very welcome, Betty – I’m so glad this post is useful for you!

      Reply to this comment

Trackbacks

  1. How To Find the Best Alphabet Activities | 3 Dinosaurs says:
    February 6, 2017 at 4:00 am

    […] every week. Whether you have your child match alphabet cards, do an alphabet puzzle, or read an alphabet book, be sure to bring your learning back to the whole […]

    Reply to this comment

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Grade Level Key

  • PS Preschool (ages 2-3 years)
  • PK Pre-K (ages 4-5 years)
  • K Kindergarten
  • 1 1st grade
  • 2 2nd grade
  • 3 3rd grade

Hello, I’m Anna!

Welcome to The Measured Mom. I’m so glad you’re here!

Meet Our Team

Free Reading Printables for Pre-K-3rd Grade

Join our email list and get this sample pack of time-saving resources from our membership site! You'll get phonemic awareness, phonics, and reading comprehension resources ... all free!

Shop our most popular alphabet resources!

Alphabet Curriculum for Preschool

$29.00

Alphabet Games & Activities

$18.00

A-Z Letter Cards & More

$12.00

Shop all resources

Members get more!

The Measured Mom Plus is the perfect online membership for Pre-K to third grade educators.

Learn More

Love Freebies?

Subscribing to our email newsletter is completely free. And when you do, you'll get access to our library of subscriber freebies! Sign up below to get access to a wonderful variety of math and literacy resources.

Join our online course and get the tools you need to teach every learner in K-2!

Confidently teach every reader in your classroom. Still have time to live your life.

Learn More

Listen and subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher

Check out these recent podcast episodes:

  • What is set for variability? A conversation with Dr. Marnie Ginsberg
  • How to help students improve language comprehension – a conversation with Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan
  • What we got wrong (and right) with balanced literacy – a conversation with Dr. Nathaniel Swain
More Episodes

Check out these FREE email courses...

Get strategies and tools to teach a particular topic with a free 5-day email series! Just click an image to sign up. We recommend signing up for just one at a time.

For Pre-K Educators

How to teach phonological & phonemic awareness

How to teach phonological & phonemic awareness

Learn how to develop this important pre-reading skill with a free 5-day email series!

How to teach preschool math

How to teach preschool math

Learn exactly what to teach your preschoolers in this free 5-day series!

For Kinder & 1st Grade Educators

How to teach kids to sound out words

How to teach kids to sound out words

Learn my top strategies for teaching kids to "sound it out"

How to teach sight words

How to teach sight words

Get strategies and tools for teaching sight words to young learners!

Tips for teaching phonics

Tips for teaching phonics

Sign up for our free 5-day email series to learn what phonics skills to teach and how to structure your phonics lessons!

For 2nd & 3rd Grade Educators

How to build reading fluency

How to build reading fluency

Learn smart strategies for helping your learners become fluent readers with this free 5-day series!

How to build reading comprehension

How to build reading comprehension

Discover the essential reading comprehension strategies for 2nd & 3rd grade and how to teach them!

“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” –Matthew 6:33

Copyright © 2023 The Measured Mom •  All rights reserved  •  Privacy & Disclosure Statement  •  Site Design by Emily White Designs