mkw's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
misspentdays's review against another edition
Leo Lionni was awarded the Caldecott honor several times over his career as a writer and illustrator of books for children. His books often work on multiple levels, with simple illustrations young children enjoy and stories with a depth that make them enjoyable for older children. The Alphabet Tree is no different.
The conceit of the book is simple, a wind comes along and blows the letters off of their tree. This throws the letters into confusion and frightens them, until they learn how to make themselves into words from a caterpillar and a bug. After the letters learn to make words, they learn that words can make sentences and then they set off to deliver their message to the White House.
The text is simple, but packs a punch as you discover the overall message of the book. Originally published during the Vietnam War, this title maintains it's message and impact today, when we consider that these children have always lived in a nation at war.
While many use The Alphabet Tree with young children learning about word and sentence formation, it is also a good cross-curricular title for social studies when read as part of a lesson on civic engagement. Reading the story, then writing to their congress person (or a deployed soldier) makes an excellent family literacy activity for upper elementary children. One of the best aspects of this book is that it does work on several levels, making it essential for public and school libraries.
The conceit of the book is simple, a wind comes along and blows the letters off of their tree. This throws the letters into confusion and frightens them, until they learn how to make themselves into words from a caterpillar and a bug. After the letters learn to make words, they learn that words can make sentences and then they set off to deliver their message to the White House.
The text is simple, but packs a punch as you discover the overall message of the book. Originally published during the Vietnam War, this title maintains it's message and impact today, when we consider that these children have always lived in a nation at war.
While many use The Alphabet Tree with young children learning about word and sentence formation, it is also a good cross-curricular title for social studies when read as part of a lesson on civic engagement. Reading the story, then writing to their congress person (or a deployed soldier) makes an excellent family literacy activity for upper elementary children. One of the best aspects of this book is that it does work on several levels, making it essential for public and school libraries.
thesafehex's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book that teaches the basics of living in this world, while at the same promoting messages essential to growth. It focuses on language and towards the end, peace towards others.
virginiaduan's review against another edition
3.0
My kids love finding all the letters in the trees. I don't think they are quite old enough to understand the story though. But they love the illustrations.
thefabflamingo's review against another edition
4.0
The book encourages literacy and teaches how letters can make words, then words can be used to make sentences. It has a silly ending with cute pictures to follow along with. The drawings show the letters coming together to make words and sentences among the leaves as well.
kesterbird's review against another edition
4.0
This is a sincerely odd book and would be really quite terrible for children, but it is sorta great? But so weird.
aheffernan's review
4.0
Carson really enjoyed this one! He was excited to find the words he recognized and try to learn new ones. Clare liked the challenge of finding letters on the leaves.
More...