What do you think?
Rate this book
Peanut Butter And Jellyfishes: A Very Silly Alphabet Book
Introduces young readers to the alphabet by presenting a short verse of rhyming words for each letter.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published December 22, 2006
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 18, 2017
Text: 3 stars
Illustrations: 3 stars
This rhyming alphabet book offers more than one word for each letter. The featured letter appears in upper and lower case, and is also hidden somewhere in the picture. Colorful collage type art. The front and back endpapers display a list of items to find on the alphabet pages, but many of those objects are just listed and not shown as they appear on the pages. Some of those words are confusing. (Examples: What exactly are "oodles"? Are readers looking for the word "seven" as listed, or the number 7, or 7 of something on the page? Three of the Q words seem to refer to the same object.) So the search-and-find component of the book is weaker than the alphabet presentation.
Illustrations: 3 stars
This rhyming alphabet book offers more than one word for each letter. The featured letter appears in upper and lower case, and is also hidden somewhere in the picture. Colorful collage type art. The front and back endpapers display a list of items to find on the alphabet pages, but many of those objects are just listed and not shown as they appear on the pages. Some of those words are confusing. (Examples: What exactly are "oodles"? Are readers looking for the word "seven" as listed, or the number 7, or 7 of something on the page? Three of the Q words seem to refer to the same object.) So the search-and-find component of the book is weaker than the alphabet presentation.
March 4, 2013
ages 3-5 . This ABC book seems more suited for a preschooler than a toddler. I enjoyed that each letter of the alphabet is represented in upper and lower case. On each page, the letter featured is printed in red instead of black ink, making the letter easily identifiable for toddlers. While the tongue twisting rhymes sound good, they could be confusing for toddlers but enjoyable for preschoolers. The text feature words that can build a child's vocabulary. The illustrations are colorful and busy (in a good way). Each page contains multiple items starting with the letter being discussed, so there is also an "I spy" element also that toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy.
March 3, 2018
Peanut Butter and Jellyfishes by author Brian P. Cleary and illustrator Betsy E. Snyder is a colorful book that its to teach children their alphabet in a variety of ways. The illustrations take up the entire page with the text in areas off the illustration that have open space. The illustrations haver a textured feel and seem to almost be made of construction paper, fur, and various other materials. The colors range from a neutral tan to a neon pink with the overall hues leaning more towards the bright and garish. The text will begun with a letter and list between 1 (F is for flamingo) and 6 words (K is for karate and kangaroos kissing and kilt-wearing kittens whose kickstands are missing) that begin with that letter. Overtime the letter appears in the text it is in the same color as the larger representation at the beginning. On top of that the letter appears hidden within the illustration, and the illustration includes examples of thing starting with the letter that are not mentioned in the text. A young reader could spend a long amount of time combing through each picture to try and find every example of the letter. A nice touch is the list on the back flap of how many items are hidden for each letter which will give parents and teachers the ability to give an enthusiastic child a goal to reach. As other reviews have mentioned there is one moment in the book that makes for a difficult read. The transition between G and H (G begins Gary, the gerbil that H helps us say is quite hairy) lacks the same lily ease of read that the rest of the book has. Outside of that this fun quirky book is sure to make any child excited to learn their ABC's.
January 22, 2019
An excellent alphabet book that uses non stereotypical words that each letter starts with. I enjoyed the multiple uses of some of the letters and how all of the stanzas rhymed. This was a silly way to read about the alphabet. This book would be a great addition to the classroom of preschools and early learning centers or a great book to read with a younger child. I enjoyed reading this book, really easy to read.
January 26, 2022
Cute and beautifully illustrated book that for my 6-year-old grandson was a review of his ABCs. For each letter, 2-4 items are highlighted that begin with the letter of the alphabet (from A-Z). A few big words are in it so beginning readers may need assistance in reading. But the majority of the book, young readers will be able to handle it on their own.
October 23, 2018
A fun alphabet book that rhymes and is full of animals, with multiple words and illustrations per letter.
October 24, 2020
This super silly alphabet book boasts phrases like "B begins birch trees with bubblegum bark." Kids will love how goofy it is, and the bright and colorful illustrations.
March 2, 2022
Super cute artwork, just the right amount of busy. The mixed media style has always been a favorite of mine. The art reminds me of Lauren Child + Eric Carle + Richard Scarry.
May 24, 2022
Fantastic illustrations, however the text didn't work for me at all.
February 16, 2024
On the hunt for something related to National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day (in April) and this completely missed the mark. However, it IS a fun, silly, colorful and unique alphabet book.
October 28, 2024
I appreciate that this uses the final X sound.
May 17, 2022
My favorite part about this book: they list the different sounds each letter can have. I wish Cleary had done that for every letter with different sounds, if they did this would have been a 4.
Read
October 12, 2015Title: Peanut Butter and Jellyfishes
Author: Brian P. Cleary
Illustrator: Betsy E. Snyder
Genre: Alphabet (ABC) Book
Theme(s): Letters, animals, nouns, colors
Opening line/sentence:
A is for antelopes
Forming an arc.
Brief Book Summary: This book teaches about the letters of the alphabet. It does so in a friendly, inviting way with lots of interesting images and chosen words. They used the letter they were discussing multiple times throughout the sentence and bolded it so the reader can point it out. There is not much of a sequence to this story, just goes through the different letters in the alphabet.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Children's Literature - Heidi Hauser Green
Brian Cleary has built his writing career with books that celebrate language and learning. From synonyms to pronouns, verbs to nouns, adverbs to adjectives, Cleary has covered it all—and covered it through a series of books engaged in fun and clever whimsies. In all of these books, he looks at the building blocks of language—the words that form sentences. Here, in his latest book, Cleary gets down to the basics: the letters of the alphabet, the basis for words. In a work as silly and thrilling as his other books and accompanied by the dynamic, vivid illustrations of Betsy E. Snyder, we get brief alliterative passages that engage the imagination and encourage language exploration. Children will love the book's interactive element: searching for each letter hidden in its accompanying pictures. Adult readers will appreciate the complexity of the illustrations, which keeps a basic, oft-covered topic from seeming mundane.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Kirkus Reviews
Billing itself as "very silly" isn't an exaggeration for this zany alphabet book as it pairs letters with corresponding offbeat combinations like Elvis with evergreens and newts with necklaces. Written in a rhythmic rhyme that conjures the verse of Edward Lear, this text reads like a tongue twister and would work best aloud, except when transitioning from the letter G to H, where the rhyme breaks down completely, potentially leaving even an experienced reader tongue-tied. Bright, digital collage illustrations, which experiment with textual patterns and bold colors, can be seen from a distance and sync up well with the text. A short introduction invites readers to pick out slightly hidden elements that reflect the corresponding letter on each page. Busy endpapers provide answers for this challenge, potentially building vocabulary and reinforcing letters. Playful and fun. (Picture book. 4-6)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: These reviews touch upon the fact that the book is fun and exciting for readers. The images are bright and engaging, and students will enjoy looking for the letters within the pictures. However one of the reviews states that there is a section in the book where the rhyme breaks down completely. I noticed this in the book as well.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This story includes many “silly” words and pictures that appeal to the reader. There is no real plot to this story, as it mainly just goes through the alphabet. The tone is a type of rhythmic rhyme, which adds an interesting factor into the book. The theme of this book is the alphabet, and learning the letters.
Consideration of Instructional Application: With this story there is many things a teacher can do in the classroom. I think it would be interesting to do something similar to the book, and go through the alphabet with my children. We can make a list of words that begin with the letter, and create a silly story to go along with it! This will help the kids remember the alphabet and different words that start with it.
Author: Brian P. Cleary
Illustrator: Betsy E. Snyder
Genre: Alphabet (ABC) Book
Theme(s): Letters, animals, nouns, colors
Opening line/sentence:
A is for antelopes
Forming an arc.
Brief Book Summary: This book teaches about the letters of the alphabet. It does so in a friendly, inviting way with lots of interesting images and chosen words. They used the letter they were discussing multiple times throughout the sentence and bolded it so the reader can point it out. There is not much of a sequence to this story, just goes through the different letters in the alphabet.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Children's Literature - Heidi Hauser Green
Brian Cleary has built his writing career with books that celebrate language and learning. From synonyms to pronouns, verbs to nouns, adverbs to adjectives, Cleary has covered it all—and covered it through a series of books engaged in fun and clever whimsies. In all of these books, he looks at the building blocks of language—the words that form sentences. Here, in his latest book, Cleary gets down to the basics: the letters of the alphabet, the basis for words. In a work as silly and thrilling as his other books and accompanied by the dynamic, vivid illustrations of Betsy E. Snyder, we get brief alliterative passages that engage the imagination and encourage language exploration. Children will love the book's interactive element: searching for each letter hidden in its accompanying pictures. Adult readers will appreciate the complexity of the illustrations, which keeps a basic, oft-covered topic from seeming mundane.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Kirkus Reviews
Billing itself as "very silly" isn't an exaggeration for this zany alphabet book as it pairs letters with corresponding offbeat combinations like Elvis with evergreens and newts with necklaces. Written in a rhythmic rhyme that conjures the verse of Edward Lear, this text reads like a tongue twister and would work best aloud, except when transitioning from the letter G to H, where the rhyme breaks down completely, potentially leaving even an experienced reader tongue-tied. Bright, digital collage illustrations, which experiment with textual patterns and bold colors, can be seen from a distance and sync up well with the text. A short introduction invites readers to pick out slightly hidden elements that reflect the corresponding letter on each page. Busy endpapers provide answers for this challenge, potentially building vocabulary and reinforcing letters. Playful and fun. (Picture book. 4-6)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: These reviews touch upon the fact that the book is fun and exciting for readers. The images are bright and engaging, and students will enjoy looking for the letters within the pictures. However one of the reviews states that there is a section in the book where the rhyme breaks down completely. I noticed this in the book as well.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This story includes many “silly” words and pictures that appeal to the reader. There is no real plot to this story, as it mainly just goes through the alphabet. The tone is a type of rhythmic rhyme, which adds an interesting factor into the book. The theme of this book is the alphabet, and learning the letters.
Consideration of Instructional Application: With this story there is many things a teacher can do in the classroom. I think it would be interesting to do something similar to the book, and go through the alphabet with my children. We can make a list of words that begin with the letter, and create a silly story to go along with it! This will help the kids remember the alphabet and different words that start with it.
February 18, 2017
Peanut Butter and Jellyfishes is really a silly alphabet book where each of the 26 letters is accompanied by rhymes and fun verses that everyone will giggle at. Every letter is hidden within images of object that start with that letter.
Peanut Butter and Jellyfishes: A Very Silly Alphabet Book is a great ABC book for early readers. It helps them learn their ABC’s with fun rhymes and examples of words that begin with the letters. There is not too much text on each page making for a fairly fast paced page turner that will keep the younger ones interested and engaged. The images are full spread with lots of bright and bold colors that make the feel of the book even better.
Peanut Butter and Jellyfishes: A Very Silly Alphabet Book is a great ABC book for early readers. It helps them learn their ABC’s with fun rhymes and examples of words that begin with the letters. There is not too much text on each page making for a fairly fast paced page turner that will keep the younger ones interested and engaged. The images are full spread with lots of bright and bold colors that make the feel of the book even better.
Read
November 24, 2015Title: Peanut Butter and Jellyfishes: A Very Silly Alphabet Book
Author: Brian P. Cleary
Publisher and Date: Millbrook Press, 2006
This ambitious book provides colorful collages, hidden letters, word pictures, and alphabet sentences presented in rhyme while avoiding many of the pitfalls of the genre. By melding together nonsensical sentences that are as wacky as the illustrations, Cleary opens up the field to using verbs and adjectives as well as nouns. E is for each evergreen Elvis potted. K starts karate and kangaroos kissing, and kilt-wearing kittens whose kickstands are missing. Both upper- and lowercase are highlighted. The pre-title page invites readers to play along. Every letter of the alphabet is hidden in the pictures of this book. So are many things that start with each letter.
Activity: I would have the student draw a picture of animals that start with the letter that we are currently going over or discussing in a Pre-K classroom.
Author: Brian P. Cleary
Publisher and Date: Millbrook Press, 2006
This ambitious book provides colorful collages, hidden letters, word pictures, and alphabet sentences presented in rhyme while avoiding many of the pitfalls of the genre. By melding together nonsensical sentences that are as wacky as the illustrations, Cleary opens up the field to using verbs and adjectives as well as nouns. E is for each evergreen Elvis potted. K starts karate and kangaroos kissing, and kilt-wearing kittens whose kickstands are missing. Both upper- and lowercase are highlighted. The pre-title page invites readers to play along. Every letter of the alphabet is hidden in the pictures of this book. So are many things that start with each letter.
Activity: I would have the student draw a picture of animals that start with the letter that we are currently going over or discussing in a Pre-K classroom.
March 30, 2015
I was surprised by how much I liked this alphabet book. It told a sentence using multiple examples of that letter on the page. My one and two -year-olds loved it. As I was reading they pointed at items on the page and asked "what's that" excitedly. (This is a game that we play, I accidentally started it as I began to teach them simple words and they decided that it was a good game to play. I love my daycare kids, they keep life interesting.) There are enough pictures of items that begin with the special letter on each page to keep a child entertained for a while. I loved the illustrations. It highlighted the special letter and even had it in the middle of words sometimes. This book would be great for a phonics lesson read aloud.
April 28, 2009
Such a unique and silly alphabet book with fantastic, colorful, and detailed illustrations. My favorite part is searching the pictures on each page to find all the other items they've snuck in that start with that page's letter. For example on the "X" page there is a bird holding an X-ray of itself and an X chopped in the stump by the Axe. They even incorporate drawings of action words like "yell" on the "Y" page.
March 22, 2011
Peanut Butter and Jellyfishes by Brian P. Clearly Illustrated by Betsy E. Snyder – 2007
This is a very colorful and quirky alphabet book. The artwork has an almost patchwork quality. I like that the letters are used several times on the page. “N is for Newt with a necklace of noodles.” I also like that it doesn’t focus on the traditional “A” words, “B” words, etc. I would recommend it to any child learning their alphabet. Recommended.
This is a very colorful and quirky alphabet book. The artwork has an almost patchwork quality. I like that the letters are used several times on the page. “N is for Newt with a necklace of noodles.” I also like that it doesn’t focus on the traditional “A” words, “B” words, etc. I would recommend it to any child learning their alphabet. Recommended.
October 15, 2011
The cover definitely caught my attention and as I flipped through the pages, I liked it more and more. The vivid colors and fun drawings give the alphabet a nice twist. I also like that the author used various words for each letter--compared to other alphabet books that simply use one or two words for each letter. Children will enjoy listening to the silly words and also the book offers a lot of images that students can count.
March 3, 2011
A silly fun time for all! This brightly illustrated nonsensical rhyming alphabet book has hidden letters in each page inviting the audience to search them out.
Early Literacy Skills:
Letter Knowledge
Phonological Awareness
Print Awareness
Print Motivation
Vocabulary
Early Literacy Skills:
Letter Knowledge
Phonological Awareness
Print Awareness
Print Motivation
Vocabulary
October 10, 2011
This would be a great book for not only learning the ABC's but also introducing alliterations. It is not a typical ABC book in that it doesn't use the typical words for the letters like "A is for apple"... The illustrations are fun and encourage the young learner to search for the letters within the pictures.
August 9, 2013
I enjoyed the silly rhymes in this book very much. I think it helps to get a kids imagination going when they read about kilt-wearing kittens, or the cat with a calico coat who camps by a castle and cooks by a moat. The illustrations remind me of a cross between Eric Carle and the books I used to read as a kid, before lots of things were computer generated.
November 21, 2015
This book teaches about the letters of the alphabet. It does so in a friendly, inviting way with lots of interesting images and chosen words. They used the letter they were discussing multiple times throughout the sentence and bolded it so the reader can point it out. There is not much of a sequence to this story, just goes through the different letters in the alphabet.
July 6, 2008
I thought the title and cover looked so cute, but was disappointed after reading the book. It had a fun premise, but overall I was not impressed. Silly twist on teaching ABC's but definitely not a favorite.
March 13, 2010
I just loved this one! We could spend hours reading this and looking at the illustrations. I love how there are lots of other items on the pages that match the letter but are not stated in the text. I can't wait until baby is older to read this one again.
October 9, 2010
The title was definitely the most catchy part of the book. The rest of it was forced rhymes, trying too hard. Colorful illustrations would catch a youngsters eye but there was too much on each page; it got distracting.
March 3, 2011
Literacy skills:
Letter knowledge-Children can find letters in the illustrations.
Phonological awareness-Alliterations are used throughout this book which encourages phonological sensitivity.
Letter knowledge-Children can find letters in the illustrations.
Phonological awareness-Alliterations are used throughout this book which encourages phonological sensitivity.
May 4, 2011
This book was a cute book for little children to learn their alphabet. I enjoyed that it made it interesting as you read it. I liked that it used alliteration for each letter to help you learn the sounds. It is a fun book for little children to learn from!
September 24, 2009
Fun alphabet book with unusual topics--good alliteration and pleasing illustrations.
June 9, 2010
a favorite of my little grandson.......we have read it over and over
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews