A-B-C-D. E-F-G.
H-I. J-K.
L-M-N-O-P.
Q-R-S. T-U-V.
W-X-Y and Z.
Now I know my ABCs; next time won't you sing with me!

You have likely sung or heard this song countless times. Have you ever stopped to think about the importance of those twenty-six characters?

Help your children make a connection between the sounds in the song and the printed letters. When you read to them, point out individual letters and show how they combine to create words. Explain that words form sentences, which in turn make up the story. Make learning fun; look for alphabet shapes in nature and around the community. Encourage your child to point out letters as they go through their day. See if they can find "hidden" letters in everyday objects. After a while, you will start to see letters everywhere!

It is never too early to read with your child. In fact, earlier this year the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Council on Early Childhood formally recognized the importance of consistent and early exposure to the printed word. They encourage parents and caregivers to read with babies and children on a daily basis. These "nuturing relationships [result in improved] cognitive, language and social-emotional development...which promote early brain development, early literacy, language development and school readiness” (from the AAP News). The library offers several opportunities for parents and caregivers to share in early literacy experiences, including but not limited to baby and toddler story times.

This past summer, the pre-schoolers of the Muhlenberg Library concluded an alphabet based craft series. Each week the craft was based on a consecutive letter of the alphabet. Some letters were more difficult than others to match with a craft, but a little imagination goes a long way. Our ocean-themed summer series just ended, and our theme this fall is "read". Join us on Mondays at 4pm for Pre-School Story Time and Craft.

Here are a few of my favorite alphabet picture books:

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin
In this beloved classic, all of the letters of the alphabet try to squeeze into the coconut tree. You'll find yourself chanting along to the catchy refrain of "Chicka, chicka. Boom, boom. Will there be enough room?"

Eating the Alphabet by Lois Elhert
The author delivers a beautiful variety of illustrated fruits and vegetables with a bonus glossary filled with yummy tidbits.

The Alphabet Tree by Leo Lionni
Oh no, the letters are being blown out of the alphabet tree! With a little help from two friendly bugs, the letters learn that they are more powerful when they work together. This book is a nice introduction for young children to the relationships between letters, words, and sentences.

ABC by Bruno Munari
This bothersome fly is all over the place! Follow him through the alaphabet in this silly, alliteration filled book.

Dr. Seuss's ABC by Dr. Seuss
Who can resist this toungue twister filled with that familiar Seuss whimsy? "BIG Z, little z, What begins with Z? I do.I am a Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz. As you can plainly see." This book introduces capital and lower case letters, while encouraging and stimulating imagination.

ABC NYC: A Book about Seeing NYC by Joann Dugan
An alphabet seek-and-find set in New York City. Discover hidden letters throughout the city.

Animalia by Graeme Base
One of my childhood treasures; I still have the copy from my third birthday. This is an alphabet book that grows with you; every time I open this book, I discover something new. The majority of the letters are given a two-page spread. Alliteration and densely illustrated pages accompany each letter. In addition, there is a young man cleverly hidden throughout the book.

The Hidden Alphabet by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Simple illustrations transform into their corresponding letters with the turn of each page. Great fun for little hands.

The Artful Alphabet by Martina Jirankova-Limbrick
This is an alphabet book for older kids (and kids at heart). Enjoy the imaginative, hand-inked words and illustrations throughout.

Online Resources

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Reach Out and Read
• More alphabet picture books