"Are you a logophile (someone who loves words)? If you are, this delightful picture book will be your new favorite alphabet book... In this book, 'A is for Aisle' and 'H is for Heir.' What? Below each letter and illustration is a sentence describing each word. "M is for Mnemonic. // But now Mr. M. can't remember why." Isn't this a delight for readers and writers of all ages? It's my new favorite." - Imagination Soup
"This atypical alphabet book humorously addresses "mischievous words" that ignore the rules of phonetics and spelling... Each letter's sample is illustrated with cartoony, full-color drawings followed by a comically absurd sentence highlighting other examples. "G is for Gnocchi. / The gnome yells, 'Waiter! There's a bright white gnat nibbling on my gnocchi!' ...the concept will help new readers and new English language learners conquer some of the more peculiar aspects of our language." - Kirkus Reviews
""P Is for Pterodactyl" is a word lover's delight and an almost mandatory read-aloud... Amid all the humor, wordplay, and silliness, there's solid, brain-teasing information about words and how they're spelled. It a delight from start to finish, especially for word lovers and their offspring." - Common Sense Media
"A win for word nerd kids and pun-tastic dads everywhere." - The Dad
"The book spotlights words that have silent letters, or weird grammar rules, and invites you to ponder dangerous word traps and oddities. And you might learn something new along the way...While other lessons teach really important principles that, honestly, could change your life and maybe even help you find love." - Funny or Die
"Explore the many quirks and anomalies of English spelling and pronunciation in an A-to-Z tribute to some of the most unconventional words in the lexicon. Learn why Y is not for "why" and U is not for "you," but V is for "five" and C is for "czar." With this book full of puns, alliteration, playful artwork, and plenty of entertaining observations, children of all ages will enjoy celebrating the exceptions to the rules." - Foreword Reviews, STARRED Review
"A raucous trip through the odd corners of our alphabet." - The New York Times
About the Author
Better known by his stage name Lushlife, Raj Haldar is an American rapper, composer, and producer from Philadelphia, PA.
Chris Carpenter is a software developer for a tech startup in New York.
Maria Beddia is a freelance illustrator, muralist, and textile designer based in Philadelphia.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyses reviews to verify trustworthiness.
This was an intense read. As an adult I had to really concentrate on what I was reading. This is a very clever way of teaching children about the confusing state of the English language. About silent letters, words that sound the same but are spelt differently and so on. Worth the money. I’ve read it a few time now and we haven’t had the book long. It’s become a family challenge to see who’s better at reading it. It’s an important part of learning, to learn that not all rules are to be followed.
5.0 out of 5 starsAre they really complaining about the "O" page!?!? *chuckling*
Reviewed in the United States on 1 April 2019
Verified Purchase
First of all, if you want to see every page in a book go to the library, or bookstore to check it out. Perhaps you could even support your local community book seller for a change. Secondly, instead of sitting around thinking of the most ridiculous first world problems you can. Maybe you could try to help with a real issue like hmmm IDK clean drinking water for Flint, gender discrimination for women in the workplace, global warming, the US educational system, etc, etc. Third and my last. I hope nobody that complained about the Ouija Board page celebrates the Pagan Holidays Easter & Christmas (and many more) or even thinks about sending their kids trick or treating! but then again, you're probably THOSE types of Christians...... This book is really hilarious! My friend and I laughed like school children. I had to look up a few of the words for pronunciation which was fun. Also I really like the illustrations.
2.0 out of 5 starsCute idea, but contains Ouija boards
Reviewed in the United States on 27 November 2018
Verified Purchase
Loved the idea. However it uses Ouija boards for "O", with matching illustrations and description. There is no way to have known about this subject matter when I ordered, I was startled to see it in a children's alphabet book. So I wanted to write a review sharing this information for other christian families who avoid such things. I'll be returning the book.
While the book has many words that have unusual spellings or pronunciations, it purports to be talking about the English language, while using words that are not part of the English language to do so. "Oui" and "Ouija" are examples in the photo, with the caption in between them saying "isn't the English language weird?" "Oui" is a French word, and not even one of the many French words borrowed into English, while "Ouija" is a trademark name: a made up word (taking Oui from French and Ja from German. It incorrectly claims that the T in "Tsunami" is silent (it isn't). And again, it is not an English word. It is Japanese. There are many other incorrect/inaccurate words also included. Instead of being a fun and educational book on the quirks of English, it is instead confused and confusing.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Misleading & disappointing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 June 2019
While the book has many words that have unusual spellings or pronunciations, it purports to be talking about the English language, while using words that are not part of the English language to do so. "Oui" and "Ouija" are examples in the photo, with the caption in between them saying "isn't the English language weird?" "Oui" is a French word, and not even one of the many French words borrowed into English, while "Ouija" is a trademark name: a made up word (taking Oui from French and Ja from German. It incorrectly claims that the T in "Tsunami" is silent (it isn't). And again, it is not an English word. It is Japanese. There are many other incorrect/inaccurate words also included. Instead of being a fun and educational book on the quirks of English, it is instead confused and confusing.
4.0 out of 5 starsFun book but has some american pronunciation.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 January 2019
Verified Purchase
Very fun book with lovely illustrations. It is an American book so some of the words are pronounced differently than British English. For example herbalist really is pronounced herbalist starting with H not erbalist starting with E.
2.0 out of 5 starsFunny book - contains Ouija board page
Reviewed in the United States on 2 December 2018
Verified Purchase
The overall idea is hilarious, and I bought three as gifts for my nephews. However, I didn't know it contained "O is for Ouija" before I purchased the book. In my opinion, I don't think that content is appropriate for kids, so I returned all three copies. I would have kept them if that page was on another topic, so if it doesn't bother you, then you'll likely enjoy this book.