Alphathoughts: Alphabet Poems

This handsome book would be a great addition to classroom or library poetry collections because it will inspire young writers to create a similar personal project. Each letter and full-page illustration is amplified by a haiku-like "poem". While there does not seem to be a unified theme that runs from A to Z, as in most alphabet books, this could be a good jumping off place for a teacher to urge kids to write and illustrate one page each. Even those who get "x" and "Q" will be challenged, no matter their age.

Alphathoughts: Alphabet Poems is a joyful alphabet picture book for kids. Each letter is celebrated with a word, a simple verse by Lee Bennett Hopkins, and enhanced with a full-color, full-page illustration artfully drawn by Marla Baggetta to bring dreams to life. A most engaging, original, and colorful picture book, Alphathoughts is appropriate and recommended for both school and library collections. P - Pencils: Magical implements waiting for stories, poems to pop out from head to lead.

My third grade students love this book. Each Alpha thought is a small package of wordsthat surprise or delight. Within each poetic phraseis another word to be found that begins with thesame initial. "P" is for pencil, but the word"poem" can also be found. "L" is for library, andincludes the concept of pondering "lifelong" dreams.The art is bold and fun, and the students are havinga grand time writing their own poetic alpha-thoughts.I'm actually having a hard time making them share.Great book for the classroom.