Talk to Me About the Alphabet

by Chris Raschka

A fabulous and funky alphabet book from Caldecott Honor artist Chris Raschka

"Good morning.
How are you?
Talk to me about the alphabet.
Don’t give me numbers.
Don’t give me 1, 2, 3.
Give me letters!
Give me ABC!"

Sound it out, listen, maybe even shout . . .

This isn’t just any old conversation.

We’re talking about the alphabet!

Chris Raschka brings his rhythm and street-smart style to an alphabet book, where A is for Attitude and W is for Way-cool Wheels. Raschka’s artistic energy will make everyone, big and small, look at the alphabet in a new way.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2003

About the author

Chris Raschka is the illustrator of The Hello, Goodbye Window, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal. He is also the illustrator of the Caldecott Honor Book Yo! Yes?; Charlie Parker Played Be Bop; Mysterious Thelonious; John Coltrane’s Giant Steps; Can’t Sleep; and The Magic Flute. He lives with his wife and son in New York City.

Reviews

[Melissa Namba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fun and basic book introducing children to the letters and the sounds they make. The illustrations are fun. Short and basic enough to start a toddler with.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talk to Me About the Alphabet by Chris Raschka is a zany, quirky rhyming conversation about the alphabet. A man on a scooter, who may be European, is featured along with his cat.

Raschka's illustrations are unique and range from energetic to restful, as the man talks about every letter of the alphabet. My favorite images include letters!, attitude, Lion, Ow!, Time to get up and the last two pictures.

Two French phrases and one German phrase are used. Raschka's energy, playful style and off-beat viewpoint are evident. I wasn't that fond of the cat being swung for Ding Dong, the man putting jam on the cat, or not wanting to share his milk. This is one of those books that adults may really like or not really care for. 3.5 stars.

For ages 5 and up, alphabet, language, and fans of Chris Raschka.

[Paul Hankins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before "Daisy had a ball," Raschka gave us this alphabet book. What fun! An older seemingly-German man for his message upon departure at the end, his scooter, and a frisky cat romp through a conversation regarding the alphabet rendered in playful verse. Raschka's style is evident here and this alphabet book should be part of any collection.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not your average alphabet story. A conversation is going on between the main character and the reader in which both are sharing their enthusiasm for the alphabet.

This was just eh for me, maybe I'm wrecked for life after Shout, Shout It Out by Fleming which includes the alphabet and sooooo much more (I love it!)

Ink and watercolor illustrations. PreK-2.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

(ABC Book) I feel like this is book is about a crazy hobo, his cat, and his scooter. I didn't like the illustration style, and the text didn't really follow a consistent pattern. I'm not really sure what this ABC book was supposed to be about.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think younger readers will get the off-beat (or is it edgy?) whimsey of this book. Playful, not taking itself seriously, and clever blending of dialog, illustrations and our favorite twenty-six letters.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a zany alphabet story to share with children.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funky, spunky look at the alphabet. Great opportunities for expressive reading out loud, and the illustrations are really fun.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like it. It's obviously about the alphabet, but there's no rhyme or reason to the story. And the illustrations are kind of creepy.

[Michelle Farella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how this one sounds out the letters. I wish it was more consistent though, not all letters are and it was off to a great start.