22 Alphabet Books Helpful for Toddlers Learning Their ABCs
Learning letters and the alphabet is so important yet it can be so difficult for little ones. As a parent, reading the same alphabet books over and over can get slightly repetitive (to put it lightly). so, each book in our list has something unique and fun that will make the repetition enjoyable for everyone.
Alphabet books should be included in your child’s library to promote reading readiness. We have an entire blog series dedicated to the building blocks your child needs to master in order to be ready to read. From phonological awareness to early reader books, you might want to check out our series on reading readiness and the importance of reading.
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How do I teach my child to recognize the alphabet?
Repetition is key when you try and teach your child to recognize the alphabet. And don’t forget, recognizing the letters is not the same as knowing which sound the letters make. If you want more information on this, you can check out our reading readiness post.
Why are alphabet books important?
Alphabet books are important because letters are the building blocks of reading. Even though not every letter makes only one sound, these are the foundation for reading.
Best Alphabet Books for Babies
TouchThinkLearn: ABC by Xavier Deneux
I love when books have texture. That added tactile element can make the difference when it comes to engagement for some kids. This book is tactile and a feast for the eyes.
Alphablock by Christopher Franceschelli
Each page in this book is cut into the shape of a letter with chunky pages that are easy to turn. This huge board book is amazing to hold and a definite favorite.
It’s also the first in a series featuring countablock, dinoblock, and 12 more!
Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert
Getting kids to eat new foods can be challenging. These great pictures have fruit and vegetables from A-Z. And who knows, it might encourage your little one to try something new too.
Why We Love This Book: The illustrations of the food are delightful and the end of the book provides a glossary of all the gorgeous illustrations
Appropriate for Ages: 1-3
Find this book in Best Books for a 1-Year-Old / Alphabet Books / Kids Food Books
A to Z by Sandra Boyton
Who doesn’t love Sandra Boyton? With her signature illustrations, this book goes through a list of animals on A to Z adventures.
Best ABC Books for Babies
ABCs of Kindness by Samantha Berger
I love this adorable story that shares an act of kindness for each letter of the alphabet. From Joining hands to Making a heart, your toddler can practice each act even at a young age.
GayBCs by M. L. Webb
It’s important to teach your children to be inclusive from an early age. This book is wonderful for teaching the appropriate LGBTQ+ terminology to everyone, young and old.
ABC Animals!: A Scanimation Picture Book
Each page of this book has incredible “moving” animals to go along with the alphabet theme. If you have never seen these amazing books, they are perfect alphabet books for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
ABC of Physics ( Baby University) by Chris Ferrie
From Atom to Zero Point energy, this book is the perfect introduction to physics for the youngest babies. Don’t forget the ABC’s of Science, ABC’s of Mathematics and ABC’s of space as well.
Dr. Seuss’s ABC’s by Dr. Seuss
This book is a classic. It is hilarious enough to read over and over!!! Told with his signature illustrations and wacky words, Dr. Suess’s take on the ABCs is sure to delight toddlers everywhere.
This is a perfect pick in alliteration books for preschool kids. It is just silly enough to keep even the littlest readers engaged.
The Best Books for a 1-Year-Old Your Baby will Love
If you love these alphabet books and want more, check out this post of books your one-year-old will love.
Alphabet Books for Toddlers
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.
Rhyming? check. Letters? check. This classic book checks so many boxes with the added bonus that it is fun to read with your kids.
Even the name itself is a perfect example of alliteration in books. If you have not picked up this alphabet book, it is a must-read for any preschool child and a perfect book to help with reading readiness as well.
Alphabet by Matthew Van Fleet
This amazing book has everything- plants and animals that begin with each letter, moving parts, and textures. Each page is totally interactive with flaps and pull tabs. There is even a scratch and sniff.
LMNO Peas by Keith Baker
This delightful book showcases each letter of the alphabet in a story about peas and all the jobs they can have. Told through rhyme, your little one will eagerly hunt for the peas matching the described jobs.
There are so many clever illustrations that this book is one you will want to explore over and over again.
Why We Love This Book: We love any book that has a great rhyming scheme but this one is hilarious with adorable illustrations to match.
Appropriate for Ages: 2-5
Find this book in Alphabet Books / Gender Neutral Baby Books / Food Books for Children
Superhero ABC by Bob McLeod
I have never met any child who didn’t think this book was hilarious. The funny superhero names on each page have kids laughing in this alphabet book.
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If you love these alphabet books, check out these wonderful books that will inspire imagination.
Best Alphabet Books for Preschoolers
Fraidy Zoo by Thyra Heder
This is one of the cutest alphabet books in my collection. A little girl is afraid of something at the zoo, but can’t remember what. So her family dresses up as different animals in A-to-Z order to help her overcome her fear.
Why We Love This Book: With vivid images depicting homemade animals of every letter, there is so much to see in this fun tale.
Appropriate for ages 4-8
Find this book in Zoo Books, Alphabet Books, Books for 4-year-olds
Once Upon an Alphabet by Oliver Jeffers
Oliver Jeffers is just the most brilliant writer and illustrator. This collection of short stories for each letter is a lovely item for any library and is one of our favorite alphabet books.
ABC Dream by Kim Krans
The cover had me hooked on this beautifully illustrated ABC book. The drawings mixed with watercolors are gorgeous. Can you find everything on the page for each letter?
Alphamals: A-Z by Big Picture Press
Another animal ABC book that has great illustrations. From aardvark to zebra, your animal-loving preschooler will love the gorgeous illustrations throughout. The text is delightful and is sure to engage readers of all ages.
Best Alphabet Books for Kindergarten
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
Using the letters of the alphabet, we meet each kid in the class as they get ready for school.
We see Miss Bindergarten get ready for school by cleaning, organizing, and decorating her classroom. If you are looking for first day of school books for kindergarten, this is a really cute choice.
Animalia by Graeme Base
In 10 years, I don’t think I have ever found everything on ANY page in this book. The illustrations are completely amazing, creative, and mesmerizing as well. This is the alphabet book that I can read with all my kids (including my 16-year-old).
Why I Love This Book: This is one of the best alliteration books I have ever read and the fact that it is also a mystery makes it a wonderful pick for the whole family.
Appriporate For Ages: 4+
Find this Book In: Alliteration Books / Alphabet Books / Animals Books /
Big Words for Little Geniuses by Susan and James Patterson
When I came across this book I thought it was, well, genius. It is also fun to read with its huge vocabulary words inside from A-Z. There is also a list of other big words in the back listed alphabetically. I love the pictures but, it’s also pretty hilarious to hear a 4-year-old use the word loquacious correctly in a sentence.
Alligators All Around Board Book by Maurice Sendek
This sweet little book comes with three other books in the Nutshell Library. One book teaches counting, one teaches months of the year and one story teaches about caring. This sweet book teaches the alphabet and even has a song to go with it.
The Importance of Reading and 7 Helpful Reading Readiness Tips
For more books like these, head over to our reading readiness posts to get you and your little one on the path to successful learning
What alphabet books are we missing? Did you find a cute one to add to your home library?
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