]: Creating an AlphabetBook
(Small Group Project)

RATIONALE: Alphabet Books represent an interesting blend of educational content and often elaborate illustration, typical of picture books.  However, each often has at least two underlying goals: to educate and to entertain children (young and old).  But, how do authors do that?  What makes a great Alphabet Book? That's what you will have to grapple with as you and your team create your own Alphabet Book.  Remember to keep the content, illustrations, and audience in mind.  Have a great time.

GOAL:  As a group, create an original Alphabet Book.  For example:

HOW TO

RESEARCH
1.  Each group (2-4 individuals) should assemble an annotated bibliography of twenty (20) published alphabet books. Each annotation should range from 100-150 words.  Give the following information:

Where to look:
  • the SILS Library
  • the Public Library (near University Mall)
  • the Bibliography at the end of the Picture Book chapter in the Riverside.
  • The WWW lists thousands of sites; however, I've included only a few below.  Just type "Alphabet Books" into any search engine to identify titles and topics that have been done. Then, go to the SILS library or a public library to get the books.
  • Alphabet Books
  • Online Alphabet Books
  • Online Alphabet Books (#2)
  • Alphabet Books
  • Selected Bibliography of Alphabet Books
  • ABeCedarium: An Exhibit of Alphabet Books
  • Children's Press: Alphabet Books
  • Learning Tips
  • Orchard Books: Alphabet Books
  • Oceanography ABC Books
  • Jervis Public Library Children's Room presents: ALPHABET BOOKS
  • From A to Z: An Exhibition of ABC Books Selected from the John O.C. McCrillis Collection
  • Mrs. Alphabet
    • AUDIENCE
    Consider your audience.  Toddlers?  Pre-school? First grade or older?
    Audience will and should influence content and style.
    TEXT
    You must write an original own text.
  • Document any information you obtain from your research.
  • Use reliable and scholarly sources from the library. You may use no more than 2 web sites.
  • Illustrate your letters & concepts to the best of your ability (keep copyright laws in mind!).

    • SUBMISSION PROCEDURES

    1.  Submit a print version for me to grade (one per group).

    2.  Post a copy to your web space (after I've graded it and after the group revised it).

  • You will have to scan graphics into your book or use the free graphics available on the web.  If you take graphics from a "non-free" site, please include a caption citing the source.
  • Some places to start:
  • Free Alphabet Graphics
  • SAMPLE VIRTUAL ALPHABET (check this out!)
  • Mrs. Alphabet
  • Consider how you want the web page to work.  Do you want one long text?  Separate pages that link to each other?  Plan a functional page.
  • The easiest way for all group members to post the revised version on their individual web pages: put the book on a new disk and then just "pass it on."

    • EXTRA CREDIT

    1. Find five children's book publisher to which you can submit the text after you have revised based on feedback from me, your peers, and maybe some children. Go to the Davis Reference Desk to obtain addresses and other possible publishers.  For starters check the publishers of the works in your annotated bibliography.
    2. Write a  formal business letter establishing your purpose, your text's originality, the market, etc.  (See my book prospectus.  Yours does not have to be as long.)  Send the letter and post a copy to your web page.
    3. When you receive a letter from the publisher, read it to the class, post a copy to your web page, and give me a copy.

      4. Deborah De Rosa
      2000

    Return to Course Index