A Cozy Review of Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert
As a mom of two energetic little ones, bedtime can sometimes feel like a race against the clock—rushing through our evening routine while trying to snag a few precious moments of quiet connection. One night, after a chaotic day filled with spilled juice and mismatched socks, I grabbed Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert off our bookshelf. I had hoped the colorful pages would capture my kids’ imaginations and help us wind down before lights out.
This charming book introduces young readers to each letter of the alphabet through delightful pictures of fruits and vegetables from around the world. With vibrant colors and engaging illustrations, Lois Ehlert creates a feast for the eyes that kept both my kids, ages 3 and 5, fully engrossed. The book seamlessly blends language learning with a fun exploration of healthy foods, making it a wonderful tool for preschoolers who are just starting to recognize their letters.
As we turned each page, we couldn’t help but giggle and shout out the names of the displayed fruits and veggies. "Look, that’s a kohlrabi!" I said, to which my inquisitive three-year-old replied, “Can we eat that?!” I absolutely loved that the illustrations sparked such curiosity and conversation about food. The ending glossary provided interesting facts about each item, something I didn’t expect but thoroughly appreciated.
The charm of Eating the Alphabet lies not just in its educational value but also in its whimsical illustrations. Ehlert’s distinct collage style isn’t always highly detailed—which some might find not immediately recognizable—but it adds to the whimsy. My children loved pointing out the familiar fruits and were even amazed to discover some new ones, like quince and huckleberries. “What’s that?” became a frequent refrain as they flipped through the pages, each one eager to learn something new.
One memorable moment was when my daughter, after seeing the vibrant illustration of a Brussels sprout, declared she wanted to try them. To my surprise, we found ourselves preparing them the next day. Though she hesitated initially, her pride in trying something new was worth its weight in gold, and we can thank that cozy reading session for inspiring her adventurous palate.
In these uncertain parenting times, finding a book that combines education with fun is like striking gold. I wholeheartedly recommend Eating the Alphabet for families with children aged 1-5. It’s perfect for little ones eager to learn their ABCs while being introduced to a variety of healthy foods. Whether you read it at bedtime or pull it out during playtime, this book is sure to become a beloved staple in your little one’s reading routine.
We now have a new family favorite that not only brings joy to our household but also encourages healthier eating habits—a win-win in my book! If you’re looking for a colorful, engaging book to share with your children, grab a copy of Eating the Alphabet. You’ll be thanking Lois Ehlert for creating such a delightful experience to share with your little explorers.
Discover the fun of healthy eating with Eating the Alphabet! >>
