Z is for Zapped!

Z!  We are up to letter Z now!  We have completed the entire alphabet - again!

To celebrate the occasion I thought I would share one of my very favorite ABC books.

   Today, we can find many unique and quirky ABC books.  No longer do we have to settle for A is for apple, B is for Boy, Z is for Zebra.  Today there are ABC books featuring insects (with the exception of honeybee, I think they should all be listed under Y for Yuck!)  There are ABC books for each state.  Louisiana's A is for andouille or alligator, B is for beignet.  Virginia's features several of our early presidents.  New York's books feture eveyrthing from S is for subway, E is for Ellis Island - these are just a few that come to mind.  There are ABC books about space, about the ocean, about the rainforest, about ecology, computers, and the lists go on and on. In fact, someone could write an ABC book about ABC books!!!

But, years ago, when my son was a small boy, there were mostly the cute littl Apple, Baby, Cat, Dog, Yak, Zebra books.  They were usually beautifully illustrated and served their purpose well.  Except - when you have a little guy who is past the cute little baby, toddler stage, but not quite read for quantum physics, well there needed to be something in between.  An ABC book that would  keep a 4  year old interested in learning more, new, and interesting words.  Then, one day -


                                          The Z Was Zapped! by Chris Van Allsburg! 

Written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg ( the creator of the perfect Christmas book, Polar Express) - The Z Was Zapped takes us through the alphabet in 26 little vignettes inwhich each little letter meets with a - shall we say - a less than cutsie little ending.

The Z was zapped by lightening.  The P is pecked by a raven.  The C is cut to ribbons! The F, flattened by a foot!  The A is done in by an avalanche! Oh the whole alphabet meets with clever demises!

Well,  for Elliott, this was just the best book! Finally, a little action from the letters.  Of course, each letter received a personal little sound effect and choreographed performance! He adored the book and frankly, I adored reading the book with him. 

If you haven't seen the book, check it out at the library.  In fact, check out other Van Allsburg books. Two Bad Ants, Jumani, Polar Express and on and on.  A collection of books that will entertain, delight and enchant both child and adult.


Participating in the AlphabeThursday project has been a great deal of fun and sometimes a challenge.  If you are looking for a way to get yourself into the habit of blogging, looking for a way to challenge your writing, or just wanting to enjoy reading some of the very creative blogs out there, please, join us as we begin our next round of AlphabeThursday!  You can find it by clicking on the link to the right.