ABC Word Play Board book – March 8, 2016

We all know that A is for apple because that’s what we see in most alphabet books. Of course it can work just as well for the words ant, arm, air, and above. This is certainly no ordinary alphabet book because it has a little secret hiding in these pages ... it’s a puzzle alphabet book! Each one of the letters can be removed from the slots on the right-hand side of the page and held in little hands as words are read.“Ear Eye Earth Erase Enter / Face Farm Flower Fish Fly / Green Go Game Good Grow / Hair Hand Hop Hat House.” Words that are printed in Day Glo-like colors on one page are just waiting to be matched by the letters on the next one. This is a book of discovery, a book of learning with many built-in developmental concepts to be learned. “ABC Word Play” is one of those unique, ingenious books that are not only fun, but provide a wealth of possible learning experiences.The book’s artwork pops with brightly patterned letters that double as puzzle pieces. I was able to pop them out easily by pushing on the back each page and lightly pulling each one out. The letters are 1/8” thick and quite sturdy, perfect for little hands that want to explore, perfect for those in the process of learning. In the back of the book we find a section devoted to vowels: Animal Even / Igloo Over Upbeat ... And there are helpful vowels, too. Use them, always. Yes, right now!” A E I O and U puzzle is then followed by the entire alphabet on a two-page spread.The book itself is a heavy board book that can be spread out in ones lap or spread out on the floor or table. It would be a great book for individualized work in the homeschool or classroom setting. Of course as a parent, it can be used to help a preschooler learn about the alphabet as well as learn critical concepts such as spatial skills by putting the puzzle pieces in their places. Marvelously ingenious book that is a hands-on alphabet book with loads of learning opportunities inside its pages!This book courtesy of the publisher.

ABC Word Play is a clever take on the standard alphabet primer that allows youngsters interactive access to pop-out letters. The accompanying text encourages word play by giving a list of words they can make that start with each of the letters. The board book construction features four letters per spread, with the word list on the opposite side. The letters all fit securely in the puzzle slots, and are easy to take in and out thanks to semi-circular slots beside each letter.The neon colors and the bold graphics are sure to grab the attention of young readers, and while the unique design of each letter might prove a bit confusing to those youngsters just now learning their ABC's, those students ready to start forming words will likely consider the designs to be whimsical and fun. An extra set of vowels are included at the end for those looking to make bigger words, and the final two page spread features a nice long line graphic of the entire alphabet.ABC Word Play is an excellent choice for any preschooler ready to take that next step beyond reciting their ABC's. The book is well designed and sturdy with tons of educational opportunities presented in a vibrant and whimsical manner that holds great appeal. As long as you can keep track of all the puzzle pieces, this is an excellent choice for any preschooler.