Accidental Alphabet

Mary St. Onge-Davidson is president of the Essential English Centre in
Ottawa.

This novel alphabet book is bound to amuse adults and children alike
with its whimsical characters such as Auntie Augusta, Edna Elway, King
Kablonk, Nelly Newt, Vula Voo, and Yikkity Yak. Dianna Bonder’s funny
verses are well matched with her colorful and delightfully detailed
illustrations. The subject of each verse is both realistic and
appealing; in fact, children who become familiar with this entertaining
book will no doubt enjoy reciting the verses or attempting to create
their own rhymes. The continuous repetition of each letter will help
beginning readers learn alphabet basics. A section at the back of the
book offers hints for finding the hidden letters on each page. An
additional page of questions is bound to send preschoolers back to look
for alphabet clues, providing further reinforcement of the letters; the
answers to the questions are found on the following page. Accidental
Alphabet offers a great introduction to verse, rhyme, and learning
letters. Highly recommended.