Title: Al Pha’s Bet
Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Illustrator: Delphine Durand
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2011
Book Type: Fiction
Ages: 3-6
Themes: Alphabet, Humor
Excerpt:
“Because Al loved rhyming, he wanted to make sure some letters rhymed. So he grabbed three letters that rhymed with B. C. D. E.”
Synopsis (from Amazon website):
Wonderful things are being invented every day in Al Pha’s world-fire, the wheel, even shadows! His big chance to be part of history comes when the King announces that the twenty-six recently invented letters need to be put in order. Al makes a bet with himself that he’s the man for the job. Through a series of funny events, he eventually finds the perfect order for the letters, and the king rewards him by naming his creation the “Alphabet.”
Activities:
Why singing the ABC’s of course!
There is quite a bit of wordplay in this book. Letters that sounds like words. Here is a lesson plan on homophones. Good for K-2.
Why I Like This Book:
This is a hilarious read. I love the concept, as illogical as it is, of creating a story about how the alphabet came to be. A novel approach to the standard ABC books. I would recommend this book for kids who already know the alphabet and its sounds. I love the wordplay “B” and bee, “T” and tea, “P” and … okay, you get the point. Did you know there are two actual words in the alphabet. I was shocked I never even realized it.
I would recommend this book for storytime or reading at home. I read this book to my girls, my 6-year old appreciated the clever text and humor. My 4-year old well she just kept singing the ABC song while I was trying to read.
After reading this book, you will see the ALPHABET in a whole new light.
This review is part of Susana Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book series. Visit her site to see the other books recommended.
Flowering Minds 