An alphabet book with zany drawings and nonsensical verse provides an entertaining way for small children to learn the letters and their sounds.

Who knew learning the ABCs could be so much fun? Thanks to Dr. Seuss's classically unique set of characters and his patent silly rhymes, kids will be eager to practice their alphabet and sounds. Each letter receives a page or two of undivided attention during which the reader is introduce to the capital and lowercase letter as well as various words starting with the letter. Humorous illustrations that are sure to tickle your young one's funny bone also helps drive home the silly text, such as, "Oscar's only ostrich oiled an orange owl today."

Preschool-age children will undoubtedly giggle their way through the story while learning their ABCs. Kids can easily practice their alphabet thanks to the large font and often-repeated letters. Encourage your kids to tell you which letters are featured on the set of pages and then take a few minutes after reading the story to highlight a specific letter. Perhaps start with the letters in the child's name and practice identifying - or writing if your child is ready for that step - the letter. You can also focus on sounds and help your child recognize other words that begin with a certain letter.

Three-year-old Emily, the girl I babysit, has the alphabet song memorized and is beginning to learn to identify the letters by shape. She already knows "E" as it's the first letter of her name but we're now working on the rest of the letters in her name. This story does a wonderful job of entertaining her, especially with the "C" page and the comical drawing of a camel walking on the ceiling, but also helps her to build a solid foundation for future learning.

--Abby

Dr. Seuss was born Theodor Geisel in Springfield, Massachusetts on March 2, 1904. After attending Dartmouth College and Oxford University, he began a career in advertising. His advertising cartoons, featuring Quick, Henry, the Flit!, appeared in several leading American magazines.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 and three Academy Awards, Seuss was the author and illustrator of 44 children's books, some of which have been made into audiocassettes, animated television specials, and videos for children of all ages. Even after his death in 1991, Dr. Seuss continues to be the best-selling author of children's books in the world.