Get Ready for School: Alphabet

Written by · Published Jun 5, 2018

To reserve any of the following books to help children learn the alphabet before starting school to your local library, click on the links to reserve them from our online catalogue, visit any of our libraries, or contact us on 01473 351249 or help@suffolklibraries.co.uk

You can sign up for a library card online for free. You can sign your child up for a library card at any age.

The Usborne Big Book of ABC, by Felicity Brooks & Sophia Touliatou

“Sophia Touliatou’s dynamic and joyous illustrations and some unusual word combinations make this an alphabet book like no other. Through busy, annotated pages children are introduced to upper and lower-case letters, pictures of things they are associated with (from amazing armadillos to zippy zebras) and facts about them.”

The Case of the Missing Cake: not an alphabet book, by Eoin McLaughlin & Marc Boutavant

“This was meant to be a simple alphabet book but something has happened. Something horrible. The most terrible crime! The world’s most completely delicious, tongue-jinglingly, chocolaty cake has been stolen! As Bear travels from A to Z, visiting all sorts of characters, objects, and extraordinary places along the way, can you help him search for the culprit?

“But, wait! Are those crumbs on Bear’s page? And are those Bear-shaped pawprints next to the empty cake stand? It seems our narrator might not be as reliable as we first thought.”

A Little Alphabet, by Oliver Jeffers

“This board book brings the alphabet to life. From Astronaut to Zeppelin, this is no ordinary alphabet.”

N is for Nursery, by Blossom Budney & Vladimir Bobri

“A is for all of us - everyone. Playing, learning, having fun. The letters of the alphabet are brilliantly brought to life in a bright nursery school, where the children learn and play. B is for building blocks - but also for blowing out the candles on a birthday cake! C is for the colourful chairs the children take when the teacher rings a chime.”

“Lively pictures designed around each letter show the children dancing, singing, listening to stories, tickling one another, and even engaging in an exciting game of tug-of-war.”

The Alphabet of Alphabets, by Allan Sanders

“Take a ride through 26 fully-illustrated alphabets, each one an A to Z of things to spot. From an A to Z of Birds (A is for Albatross, B is for Bluebird), to an A to Z of Zoo (A is for Aardvark, B is for Baboon), this is an alphabet of alphabets.

“Jam-packed full of funny things to spot and plenty of Where’s Wally-style humour, this the best way to learn your ABCs and lots of new words as well.”

D is for Duck!, by David Melling

“Duck is a magician. Abracadabra! He can conjure up a bunny, a chicken and even the king of the jungle. But can he make a dragon disappear? “

Lowly Worm’s ABC, by Richard Scarry, Lydia Barram, Nicola Carthy & Huck Scarry

“Join Lowly Worm and learn your ABC with this brand-new, fun-packed book! Richard Scarry’s busy world is brimming with colour and detail, and has been loved by children all over the world for more than 50 years.”

ABC Zoo: a lift-the-flap book, by Rod Campbell

“With this first alphabet book from Rod Campbell, children can learn both their ABC and the names of animals. There are flaps to lift and all sorts of fun to be had.”

Roald Dahl’s ABC, by Quentin Blake & Roald Dahl

“A is for Anteater; B is for Books; C is for Crocodile; D is for Delicious! Learn your ABC in the gloriumptious world of Roald Dahl! This sturdy board book is perfect for little hands.”

My First Mog ABC, by Judith Kerr

“Join everyone’s favourite family pet and learn your ABC with Mog! Mog is the forgetful cat that everybody loves, and you can learn your ABC with her in this book for very young readers.”

Lucy & Tom: from A to Z, by Shirley Hughes

“Lucy and Tom know a lot of words: they have books read to them at bedtime. They know that D is for Dog, like the dogs that live on their street, F is for Friends, and P is for Park and for Playing. Join Lucy and Tom on a journey through their life, in this satisfying alphabet tale from master storyteller, Shirley Hughes.”

Big Digger ABC, by Margaret Mayo & Alex Ayliffe

“Explore the amazing A to Z of vehicles in this ultimate book of things that go. This bright and busy picture book is packed with all the vehicles little ones love, from diggers and fire engines to spaceships and underwater robots.”

An Alphabet of Stories, by Oliver Jeffers

“From an astronaut afraid of heights, to dynamic detectives the Owl and the Octopus, by way of some rusting robots, you will find within this book a short story inspired by every letter of the alphabet. By turns funny, sad, mischievous and surprising, these entertaining mini-tales are accompanied by Jeffers’ witty and inviting illustrations.”

An Animal ABC, by Alice Pattullo

“This is a stunning art and reference book for children, and adults, to pore over. It features the dazzling A is for Armadillo and G is for Grizzly Bear, O is for Okapi and V is for Viper.

“This strange menagerie of animals will delight with its curious selection of creatures in wonderful popping colours. With a lovely rhyme running throughout, this will delight children of all ages.”

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s ABC, by Eric Carle

“Explore the amazing animal alphabet in this delightful board book. The book features Eric Carle’s bright, distinctive artwork and lots of favourite animals, big and small.”

Jonny Lambert’s Animal ABC, by Jonathan Lambert

“Learn the alphabet and meet amazing animals along the way in this beautiful lift-the-flap book. Jonny Lambert’s gorgeous illustrations make letters fun and little ones will love the suprises hiding under the flaps.”

P is for… Peter: an ABC book, by Beatrix Potter

“This whimsical board book takes you gently through the alphabet and is a stylish and gentle introduction to the world of Peter Rabbit.”

ABC - off to sea!, by Virginie Morgand

“This maritime ABC breathes a real blast of fresh air into the genre. From A for anchor and B for buoy, from C for cruise ship to D for dolphins and Zzzz for bedtime, Virginie Morgand’s gloriously illustrated book is a wonderful introduction to all things nautical for young children. Her drawings successfully combine a sixties feel with the intensity of animated cinema, bringing the pictures to life page after page.”

ABC of Kindness, by Patricia Hegarty & Summer Macon

“See all the ways in which we can be kind to one another - from A to Z!”

Look & See ABC, by Zhanna Ovocheva

“Look and see a world of amazing animals in this early learning board book that will help teach the alphabet in no time at all.”

See also:

Sophie Green

Sophie Green

I work for the Suffolk Libraries stock team. I also write children’s fiction, short stories and comedy. Visit my website.