Alphabet Books on Cassette and Digital
 

This list includes alphabet and counting books for younger readers. To order any of these titles, contact your Talking Book Center by phone, mail, or email or use our online catalog.

RC 23186
CURIOUS GEORGE LEARNS THE ALPHABET by H.A. Rey
The eager little monkey receives a lesson in words and letters. For preschool-grade 2.

RC 30798, DB 30798
THE ABC BUNNY by Wanda Gag
An alphabet book that tells of a little rabbit's adventures. For preschool-grade 2.

RC 34173
THE GUNNYWOLF retold by A. Delaney
A little girl and her father live on the edge of a deep, dark forest. No one ever ventures into the forest because of the dreaded Gunnywolf. One day the little girl can no longer resist the beautiful flowers that grow there, and she goes into the forest to pick some. When the Gunnywolf chases her, she quickly learns a lifesaving trick-that the ABC song puts him to sleep! For preschool-grade 2.

RC 35142
THE CALYPSO ALPHABET by John Agard
Presents in short, lilting phrases each letter of the alphabet in words and maxims indigenous to the Caribbean Islands. For preschool-grade 2 to share with older readers.

RC 41245
THE SWEET AND SOUR ANIMAL BOOK by Langston Hughes
A book of poems about animals whose names start with every letter of the alphabet except x: ape, bumblebee, camel, dog, elephant, fish, goose, horse, ibis, jaybird, kitten, lion, monkey, newt, owl, pigeon, quail, rabbit, squirrel, turtle, unicorn, vixen, white mouse,
yak, and zebra. For preschool-grade 2.

RC 57740, DB 57740
DR. SEUSS'S ABC by Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss adds nonsensical rhymes to the alphabet to make it fun for children to learn letters and their sounds. For preschool-grade 2.

RC 32702
AARDVARKS, DISEMBARK! by Ann Jonas
After the flood, Noah called for all of the animals from aardvarks to zebras to disembark. But the ark was still full. So he called, "Everyone, disembark," and out came zebus, and youyous, and wallabies, and voles, and a whole host of animals from "z" to "a" whose names sound unfamiliar to us today because they are now extinct or endangered. For grades K-3 and older readers.

RC 38270, DB 38270
ALPHA BETA CHOWDER by Jeanne Steig
A collection of twenty-six nonsense verses in alphabetical order! There are verses titled "An Appetizer for Alexander," "Bellicose Brigand vs Belligerent Bear," "Yakety Yak" and "Blizzard Zaps Zelda." For grades 2-4.

RC 44042
ALPHABESTIARY: ANIMAL POEMS FROM A TO Z selected by Jane Yolen
This collection, which includes one or more poems for each letter of the alphabet, features such creatures as an anteater, a bat, a firefly, a groundhog, an iguana, a mosquito, an octopus, a peacock, a unicorn, and a zebra. For grades 2-4 and older readers.

RC 47161
BONE POEMS by Jeff Moss
Presents facts and fantasies about dinosaurs and prehistoric times, mostly in poems but also in two short stories and a math quiz. Moss even provides "A (Mostly) Dinosaur Alphabet." For grades 3-6.

Alphabet Books in Braille

BR 3172
ALL ABOUT ARTHUR (AN ABSOLUTELY ABSURD APE) by Eric Carle
To cure his loneliness, Arthur the ape travels from city to city, from friend to friend, and from A to Z. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 3634
A FOR THE ARK by Roger Duvoisin
An alphabet book based on the story of Noah and the ark. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 4296
THE KITTEN'S ABC by Clare Turlay Newberry
Verses and pictures of cats and kittens accompany each letter of the alphabet. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 5625
BABAR'S ABC by Laurent de Brunhoff
Babar and his friends from Celesteville present the letters of the alphabet accompanied by words and sentences for each letter. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 7141
ALPHABATICS by Suse MacDonald
An alphabet book in which each letter changes step-by-step into a bold illustration representing that letter. The letter "Q" becomes a quail, "M" becomes a mustache, and "T" becomes a tree. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 7520
PUPPY'S ABC by Helen Piers
Easy-reading alphabet book with a single, familiar noun to represent each letter. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 7943
CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault
Alphabet rhyme chant that tells of the day when all of the letters of the alphabet decide to race up the coconut tree. "Chicka chicka boom boom! Will there be enough room?" Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 8953
DR. SEUSS'S ABC by Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss adds nonsense and rhymes to the alphabet to make it fun for children to learn letters and their sounds. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 9909
OLD BLACK FLY by Jim Aylesworth
A mean old fly-who knows every trick in the book-wreaks havoc on a family one hot summer day. He bothers the baby and makes her cry, coughs on the cookies, and drives the dog nearly out of his wits. The fly carries out his mischief rhythmically and in alphabetical order. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 10017
JEREMY KOOLOO by Tim Mahurin
Jeremy Kooloo loves milk, and when he sees four glasses of milk and a milk carton on the table, he can't resist having one. In fact, he has a lot! Discover in ABC order just what happens to Jeremy after that. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 12037
A WORLD OF WORDS: AN ABC OF QUOTATIONS by Tobi Tobiase
From animal to zoo, a word for each letter of the alphabet heads a quotation echoing that word. Quotes from e.e. cummings, J.R.R. Tolkien, Wallace Stevens, Langston Hughes, and Seamus Heaney among others. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 12043
AN EDWARD LEAR ALPHABET by Edward Lear
Nonsense verses introduce the letters of the alphabet. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 15001
KIPPER'S A TO Z by Mick Inkpen
Kipper the dog and his little piglet friend, Arnold, work through the alphabet by collecting animals and other things for each other. A zebra turns up in odd places, but Kipper makes him wait until-guess when! Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 15320
DR. SEUSS'S ABC by Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss adds nonsensical rhymes to the alphabet to make it fun for children to learn letters and their sounds. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 16007
THE RACECAR ALPHABET by Brian Floca
An exciting day at the races highlights the letters of the alphabet as a variety of automobiles speed around the curves of the track. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 16043
THE ABC BUNNY by Wanda Gag
When an apple crashes from a tree, a little bunny dashes for elsewhere, scampering through every letter in the alphabet on his journey. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 16723
DR. SEUSS'S ABC by Dr. Seuss
Rhymes for each letter in the alphabet using rhythm and repetition as learning tools. "BIG C / little c / What begins with C? / Camel on the ceiling / C....c....C." Uncontracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 17001
CLICK, CLACK, QUACKITY-QUACK: AN ALPHABETICAL ADVENTURE by Doreen Cronin
An assortment of farm animals, previously met in Click, Clack, Moo (BR 13089), enjoy a wonderful picnic going through the letters of the alphabet. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 17036
MAX'S ABC by Rosemary
Join sibling bunnies Max and Ruby, who learn about the letters of the alphabet while dealing with the ants that escaped from Max's ant farm. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 5618
I UNPACKED MY GRANDMOTHER'S TRUNK: A PICTURE BOOK GAME by Susan Ramsay Hoguet
An alphabetic adventure and a twist on the familiar childhood word game. The articles that tumble out of grandmother's trunk include an amazing acrobat, a beguiling bear, a high hat, and a peaked pagoda. Print/Braille. For grades K-3.

BR 14027
WHAT PETE ATE FROM A-Z: WHERE WE EXPLORE THE ENGLISH ALPHABET (IN ITS ENTIRETY) IN WHICH A CERTAIN DOG DEVOURS A MYRIAD OF ITEMS WHICH HE SHOULD NOT by Maira Kalman
In this alphabet book, Poppy describes some of the unusual things eaten by her dog, Pete, including all of an accordion, her lucky quarter, and, unhappily, cousin Rocky's underpants. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3.

BR 15005
A IS FOR AMERICA: AN AMERICAN ALPHABET by Devin Scillian
An alphabet book presenting rhymes and facts about the United States and its people, from "A is for America…" through Z, for Zip codes. Print/Braille. For grades K-3.

BR 15036
CAPITAL! WASHINGTON D.C. FROM A TO Z by Laura Krauss Melmed
Rhymes take the reader on an alphabetical tour of the nation's capital that examines the monuments and historic places visitors like to explore. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades 2-4.

BR 8072
MARY POPPINS FROM A TO Z by P.L. Travers
For each letter of the alphabet, there is a brief description of a character or incident from the other Mary Poppins books. The featured letter in each segment begins as many words as possible. For grades 4-7.

Counting Books on Cassette and Digital

RC 26173
SO MANY CATS! by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers
Counting verses explain how a family with "an Only Cat…a sad and lonely cat," end up with a dozen cats. For preschool-grade 2.

RC 28057
OVER IN THE MEADOW: AN OLD NURSERY COUNTING RHYME adapted by Paul Galdone
This well-known counting rhyme introduces the numbers one to ten using familiar animals. For preschool-grade 1.

RC 32555
NOT LIKE THAT, LIKE THIS! by Tony Bradman and Joanna Burroughes
In this humorous counting book, Thomas's dad gets his head stuck in the iron railings that enclose the park! One old lady, two men with dogs, three park keepers, four joggers and a host of others all try to help, with surprising results. For preschool-grade 2.

RC 66919, DB 66919
CHRISTOPHER COUNTING by Valeri Gorbachev
After Christopher Rabbit learns to count to ten in school, he loves the idea of counting so much that he counts everything everywhere. Finally at bedtime he sees something impossible to count, and his mother tucks him into bed with one kiss. For preschool-grade 2.

RC 44940
ROOSTER'S OFF TO SEE THE WORLD by Eric Carle
In this book about counting, Rooster decides to travel, so he sets out to see the world. But before he goes very far, he gets lonely. Then Rooster spies two cats and asks them to join him. Before long, Rooster has fourteen animals with him. For grades K-3.

RC 50435
EMILY'S FIRST 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL by Rosemary Wells
Starting with the number one for the first day of school, Emily Bunny learns the numbers up to one hundred in many different ways. For grades K-3.

RC 44139
THE KING'S COMMISSIONERS by Aileen Friedman
Every time a problem occurs in the royal kingdom, the king appoints a commissioner. There is one for Flat Tires, one for Things That Go Bump in the Night, another for Spilt Milk, and one for Wrong Turns. In fact, there are so many the king decides to count them all, but that presents another problem. For grades 2-4.

Counting Books in Braille

BR 6138
GOODNIGHT, HATTIE, MY DEARIE, MY DOVE by Alice Schertle
Hattie cannot go to sleep alone, knowing her nine friends are unhappy. One by one she gives a reason why each must join her. Finally there are ten in bed. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 7134
THE DOORBELL RANG by Pat Hutchins
Ma has baked a dozen cookies for Victoria and Sam to share, six each. Then the doorbell rings, and Tom and Hannah come in to share the cookies, three each. Then the doorbell rings again, and again, and again… Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 11087
JAMES AND THE RAIN by Karla Kuskin
In this counting book, James puts on his yellow coat that buttons to his chin and a pair of rubber boots to tuck his trousers in, pulls down his bright yellow hat onto his head, opens his big black umbrella, and steps out into the rain. As he strolls along, James meets an ever-increasing number of animals-from one cow to ten cats. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 12046
ONE TIGER GROWLS: A COUNTING BOOK OF ANIMAL SOUNDS by Ginger Wadsworth
Introduces the numbers from one to twenty-the numeral and word-using animals, birds, or insects for counting. Presents some facts about their behavior and the noises they make: kittens meow, coyotes yowl yip-yip-yip, and frogs croak ribbit-ribbit. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 13062
ONE LIGHTHOUSE, ONE MOON by Anita Lobel
In this concept book Nini the cat sees different colored shoes for each day of the week, describes various activities for every month of the year, and counts from one to ten by the seashore. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 14044
AT THE EDGE OF THE WOODS: A COUNTING BOOK by Cynthia Cotten
A counting book-from one to ten and back again-in rhymes about animals and insects found at the edge of the woods. Print/Braille. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 15030
ONE WITCH by Laura Leuck
A counting book follows as a witch visits her friends from two cats to ten werewolves and gathers the gruesome ingredients to make a stew for her party. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 16006
JUST A MINUTE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND COUNTING BOOK by Yuyi Morales
In this version of a traditional tale, Senor Calavera, a skeleton, arrives at Grandma Beetle's door, ready to take her to the next life. But after helping her count in English and Spanish as she makes her birthday preparations, he changes his mind. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. Pura Belpre Award.

BR 16351
MY GRANNY WENT TO MARKET: A ROUND-THE-WORLD COUNTING RHYME by Stella Blackstone
A grandmother travels around the world on a magic carpet buying presents in quantities of one to ten. She surprises her grandchild in Peru with a special gift. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 17037
MOTHER GOOSE: NUMBERS ON THE LOOSE by Leo Dillion
Collection of twenty-four counting rhymes, including "One Potato, Two Potato," "Hickety, Pickety, My Black Hen," and "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe." PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 18007
MAX COUNTS HIS CHICKENS by Rosemary Wells
Max and his sister Ruby hunt all over the house for ten marshmallow chicks hidden by the Easter Bunny. Soon Ruby's basket is full and Max has none, but Max's grandmother saves the day. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 18010
SADIE CAN COUNT: A MULTI-SENSORY BOOK by Ann Cunningham
Sadie explores her world. Inside her house she finds four things. Outdoors she finds more, including her mother's lost keys! When she puts the keys away in a drawer, she finds lots of other things. Now Sadie can count to ten. A tactile book. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2.

BR 11001
ZIN! ZIN! ZIN! A VIOLIN by Lloyd Moss
Musical instruments take their place, one by one, on the stage until there is a chamber group of ten. Print/Braille. For grades K-3.

BR 13069
ONE HUNDRETH DAY WORRIES by Margery Cuyler
Jessica is a worrier, and now her teacher wants each pupil to collect one hundred things to bring to class for the one-hundreth day of school. Jessica can't think of what to bring, and her assignment is due. Print/Braille. For grades K-3.

BR 14005
UNDERWATER COUNTING by Jerry Pallotta
Gives practice counting from zero to fifty by even numbers while learning about ocean creatures. Print/Braille. For grades K-3.

BR 15003
ONE NATION: AMERICA BY THE NUMBERS by Devin Scillian
A counting book presenting rhymes and facts about the United States, from the concept of one nation to the one hundred men and women in the U.S. Senate. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3.

BR 17334
HOW MANY SEEDS IN A PUMPKIN? by Margaret McNamara
When Mr. Tiffin brings in three pumpkins for a class counting project, Charlie, the smallest child in his class, chooses the smallest pumpkin. Counting the seeds by tens, Charlie's group is amazed that their little pumpkin has the most seeds of all. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3.

BR015028
PIZZA COUNTING by Christina Dobson
Decorated pizzas are used to introduce counting and fractions. Includes facts about pizza. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades 2-4.

BR 7923
HOW MUCH IS A MILLION? by David M. Schwartz
Simple, fun-filled text designed to help the reader conceptualize a million, a billion, and a trillion. Print/Braille. For grades 3-6.

BR012540
THE HISTORY OF COUNTING by Denise Schmandt-Besserat
Explains the evolution of counting. Presents examples from past cultures of various systems for numbering and recording quantities. Describes the importance of abstract counting and the advantage of inventing zero. For grades 3-6.

Last Update: 1/14/09