26 Letters and 99 Cents: A Classic Wordless Book About the Alphabet and Counting Coins for Kids

by Tana Hoban

Acclaimed and bestselling photographer Tana Hoban’s
timeless 26 Letters and 99 Cents is two
books in one! Both an alphabet book and
a counting book, this wordless classic uses colorful photographs to teach
important concepts. Perfect for visual learners! 

Simple, clear, practical, 26 Letters and 99 Cents teaches the most basic building blocks of life skills. Sit together with a child at home or in a preschool classroom and use coins and an alphabet sheet alongside this book to enjoyably teach ABCs and counting.

In a starred review, School Library Journal said, “Children will enjoy manipulating money, numbers, and letters to correspond to the photographs in this book.”

Readers can start from either
side of the book. “Hoban’s crisp photo-essay presents images of upper- and
lower-case letters beside objects beginning with that letter; reverse the book,
and numerals are shown alongside coins that total that amount,” explained Publishers Weekly. 

Genres: Picture Books, Mathematics, Counting, Childrens, Money, Nonfiction, School

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Morgan Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very simple book. The first half of the book counts to 99, it shows the number with the appropriate coin(s) next to it. Then you flip the book and the other half goes through the alphabet. This time with each letter there is some sort of object that represents the letter. The pictures, letters, and numbers are very clear.

I gave this book 4 stars because it would be a very good book for children to read independently. They would be able to develope number and letter recognition skills. For a simple informational book the author did a very good job keeping it simple.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

“26 Letters and 99 Cents” by Tana Hoban is a good book for teaching young children the basics. As the title suggest the book covers the twenty-six letters of the English alphabet and number and the amounts of coins from one to ninety nine cents. This book does not simply list letters and numbers but makes them interesting to children. The letters of the alphabet are organized so each letter is paired with and image of an objects that children know well and see often in the everyday life. A few examples include pairing “A” with airplane, “I” with ice cream, and “Y” with a yo-yo. This helps children relate letters and their sounds to everyday things. The letters and numbers are also made interesting since they are all patterned to have different colors, such as a red “A” fallowed by a green letter “B”. or a green “1” followed by a red “2” and then a yellow “3”. When it comes to the coins on the “99 Cents” half of the book, because it can be flip over to be either a part of the book focusing on numbers and coins or a part focusing on letters of the alphabet, the coins that are paired alongside the numbers start out as pennies but soon become coins of a larger amount, including nickels, dimes, and quarters.

[Daniel Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does not have an actual plot; rather it is simply a set of pictures displaying 26 letters and 99 cents. The book is “two books,” in that one book has all 26 letters of the and different objects that begin with that number, i.e. mushroom for “m” and “wagon” for “w.” The other half is 99 Cents. The first 10 cents show each method to create 10 cents (i.e. 2 nickels, 10 pennies, 1 dime for 10 cents). After that, it is the quickest method to create that particular number (i.e. one dime, one nickel, and 3 pennies for 18 cents).
I think both books are great for students who really need something concrete to understand concepts such as addition and simple counting. The numbers half displays the numbers very prominently on the page, and, obviously, displays the numbers in sequential order. This can be very helpful for students who are having trouble connecting, say, the number 22 said out loud to the written number.
The letters half shows objects for children that begin with that particular letter. This will help them connect that letter sound to something in the real world. On top of this, they also see the upper and lower case versions of the letter. This will help them in determining which sound is made by that particular letter when they see it.

[Gce123 Culbertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title/Author: 26 Letters and 99 Cents, by Tana Hoban

Where’s the Math: This book is a simple book that teaches children how to count money, but also teaches them that there are several different ways to make a certain amount of money; for example, 10 cents could be made with 1 dime, 2 nickels, 10 pennies, a nickel and 5 pennies, etc.

Genre: Informational picture book; concept book

Theme/Keywords: Algebraic thinking; money; number sense

Features of print: Realistic photographs allow children to make the connections to real-life

Text density and Features of print: Not much print, as it is an alphabet book and counting book. It’s more so a book for children to explore than one that is to be read aloud.

Language considerations: Coins used are real coins and the letters in the book are paired with real objects, so those ELL’s, although may not know the alphabet, can look at the picture for meaning.

Open Ended Question to invite mathematical thinking: How can using money help with counting?
Extension Activity: Have children go home and explore with money from their house. Have them come up with different ways to represent 50 cents, 75 cents, 1 dollar, etc.

[Michael Lausche · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a good purpose of connecting the alphabet with certain objects. This way, children can connect letters of the alphabet with the pictures in the book. For example, Aa had a picture next to it that was an airplane, and Ff had a fish. I thought that it was very helpful to have the upper and lower case of the letter(s) as well. The only problem that I had with this book were some of the chosen pictures that tagged along with the letters. A couple of them could be misinterpreted, or not as clear as they should have been. An example would be the letter Vv, and the picture had a red heart with white trim around it, and also had the words "Be my Valentine" on the heart. Now, I understand where the author wants to connect these two together, forming the idea of "Valentine" for Vv. But, The heart could be deceiving to people who do not look at it correctly. There were other letters like this with not very concise pictures that should have represented the letter clearer. Overall, it was a good "ABC" picture book. I recommend this book for pre-K-Kindergarten.

[Shanshad Whelan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've overlooked this one of Hoban's for a bit too long. Mostly because it makes a terrible group read aloud. This is a very workmanlike concept book, partnering two concepts in reverse halves of the picture book. One side features counting, with numbers and then the coinage that equals that number (one=one penny, 5=5 pennies or one nickel etc). The coins are all real photographed coins, so that children can have a practical representation of US currency.

The reverse side has the alphabet, featuring four letters for each 2-page layout. On one side is a basic bright color depiction of the capital letter, on the other side is a photographed object that begins with the letter. (the only stumbling block is the heart for V--I know it mean Valentine, but my son can't quite make sense of that, a violin might have been a better pick. )

[Anthony Minieri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alphabet Books
Awards: N/A
Appropriate Grade Levels: K-2
Summary: Tana Hoban's 26 Letters and 99 Cents is a fantastic two-in-one book that is useful for children who know how to count and know their ABC's, and for children just learning these concepts. This books is fun, interactive, and is sure to keep young learners entertained.
Review: 26 Letters and 99 cents is more so a concept book therefore, it does not have any words. What I like about this book is that it has some interesting pictures that I believe would really interest students. I also appreciate the fact that this book serves two purposes, which is always good.
In-Class Uses:
-Learning the alphabet
-Understanding the concepts of money/counting

[jacky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting a book more like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, where the letters and numbers tell some kind of story. Instead, this was an alphabet book. I was a little disappionted by this because the whole reason I purchased this book was because it was on a "100 best children books" list, under books for baby, published in The Boston Globe. But, not all books need a plot. I did like how big the letters and pictures were, though. I feel like the look of the book will help make learning the alphabet easier. I really liked the money side, especially how it showed the muliple ways to make the amounts. Also, the photographs of the coins was great, rather than illustrations.

[Ashley Stone]

This one is a book for teaching young children how to count money and do their ABCs. It’s divided in half so that way you can use it for either one. The money part is good because it shows different ways to make certain amounts such as a nickel and a penny makes six cents while at the same time, six pennies make six cents too. I think this book would go great in a preschool-aged classroom because they should be learning how to count and how to identify objects that start with letters of the alphabet.

[Sue Pak · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be used to teach children basic money. This book tells you different ways of getting a certain amount of money. Pretty cute and easy book to read because the fonts are pretty big. I would recommend using this book to the children who are just getting introduced to the topic of money.

It also is about the letters of the alphabet with a plus as well!

This will make learning easier for the children because the text is minimal and big. It also ties in with the illustrations so the children can make meaning out of the pictures and the texts.

[Courtney Dromazos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awards: none

Grades: PreK-K

Summary: This very simple book goes through each of the letters of the alphabet and with each letter there is a picture of an item that begins with that letter sound. In addition to letters, the book introduces the topic of money.

Review: If students are practicing letter recognition or letter sounds this book provides an independent way to do so. Students can "read" the book to themselves and go through each letter, sound and example the letter in a word.

Uses:
1. Letter and sound recognition
2. Money in math

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would be a great tool to use when teaching young children to count money. The book shows several ways and different coins that could be used to create twenty-five cents or thirty-three cents. This book is a little out dated and the illustrations/pictures are not too engaging, but it does the job. I do not recommend it for teaching letters and sounds, would be a great tool for counting coins. I will hang on to this one just in case!

[Kathryn Hogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a great book fro children learning basic letters and numbers. This is also great for students that are leaning coin value and how to count. Great to use in a lesson plan working with money and math. I read this book several times to my daughter and used it in a lesson plan. I know that this book is great for the students to look along and count with. The pictures help the students to relate letters to pictures. The only thing I did not like is that there are no words, simply just images.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Math - counting, coins, trading up, and different ways to make the same number with coins.
Useful introduction to an activity involving counting coins and trading in for different coins. The teacher would be the banker so as to check their math as they trade up and assess understanding of coin values.
There is also the alphabetic principle - letters go in alphabetic order, as they do in the book.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that is read from 2 directions. In one direction, you see uppercase letter, lowercase letter, and an object that starts with that letter.

In the other direction, you see a number and then (US) coins to make that number of cents. In several cases, the number is shown different ways (so, 25 is 5 nickels or 2 dimes and 1 nickel or 1 quarter). It shows 1-30, then 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 99.

There are no words in the book at all.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has the alphabet and numbers. The alphabet is accompanied by great photographs. The numbers are shown with change. The layout and design of this book is fantastic.
Themes -- numbers, letters, money
This would be a great book for going over the alphabet, numbers, or for reviewing counting money.

[Hatka Kecalovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book 26 Letters and 99 Cents by Tana Hoban address the concept of money and the alphabet. The book shoes both upper- and lower- case letters. The objects used in the book correlate with specific letters from the alphabet. The book can be used as a resource for lessons on money. The book also focuses on by monetary equivalency grouping. This book can be used in Pre-K to 5 grade classrooms.

[Alexis Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

26 Letters and 99 Cents by Tana Hoban is a good book for teaching young children the basics of math and letters. This book would be wonderful for children in grades k-3rd in helping them learn the alphabet and about cents. It is really good for children with exceptionalities as well because each letter is matched with a picture of an object to help the kids learn the letters.

[Melinda Garman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be good for Kindergarten or 1st grade to just to begin to introduce money them. This book is a simple book that teaches children how to count money, but also teaches them that there are several different ways to make a certain amount of money; for example, 10 cents could be made with 1 dime, 2 nickels, 10 pennies, a nickel and 5 pennies, etc.

[James Vickery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very beneficial to share with students when first learning money. This book has large illustrations that could be very engaging to young students. The book also shares multiple ways to come up with the same amount of money. The book drives the fact that the larger denomination is the easiest to count.

[Whole And · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit disappointed in this book given the great the recommendation it came with from early years educators. However, I can appreciate the books usefullness for very very young children that are first being taught letters and numbers. The pictures are bright and well organized, the layout is uncluttered and visually stimulating.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Informational
Recommended Grade Level: Early Primary

A book without words, this would be easy for younger students to read. I like that this book covers all the important concepts for younger students in one place. This book teaches letters, showing objects that begin with each letter and then you flip it over, and it teaches you numbers and the value of different coins.

[Emily Carson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a conceptual alphabet book that teachers both the alphabet and how change can look from one cent to 99 cents. The book flips back and forth on one side showing the change right side up and on the other showing the letters right side up making it a style of book I wouldn't use, but the content of the books itself was good.

[Helen Kumpel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for: PreK-3
Activity: Learning value of money; Have kids use fake coins to count along while you read
Reflection:
This book has HUGE font and colorful photographs. Great for discussing ABC's, money and numbers! I would use this book for my younger grades and ESOL students.

[T.]

Color photographs of letters, numbers, coins, & common objects introduce the alphabet, coinage, & the counting system.

If U know the 26 letters of the alphabet & can count to 99 -- or are just learning -- U'll love Tana Hoban's brilliant creation. This innovative concept book is 2 books in 1!

[Jacob]

This book takes you through that alphabet as well as counting to 99. The book is great because it also teaches students about money. The book uses coins as a source to help students learn to count to 99.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two books in one: the first half shows capital letters, lower case letters and an item starting with that letter. The other half shows a number and then the combination of coins that add up to that number.

[CML OSU]

jE
HOB

[Edna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The letters of the alphabet and pictures are no great shakes, but the book is a bit innovative using coin amount to "add up" and display numerals.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clever