Today, I’ve chosen Tomorrow’s Alphabet for Perfect Picture Book Fridays.
Tomorrow’s Alphabet
Written by George Shannon
Pictures by Donald Crews
Greenwillow Books, 1996
Suitable for: Ages 3 and up
Theme/Topic: Alphabet, Cause and Effect
Opening:
A is for seed —
tomorrow’s APPLE.
Brief Synopsis: Each two-page spread gives children an object in it’s today form and then shows what it will be tomorrow. From George Shannon’s website — “This unusual alphabet book is really a different sort of concept book. The letters are used to demonstrate where things come from. A fun and inventive offering for today’s kids and tomorrow’s visionaries.” Starred review SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
Link to Resources: George Shannon has suggested activities here. Click the box of Suggested Activities.
Hotchalk Lesson Plans Page has an alphabet game to try.
White Is for Blueberry, another book by George Shannon, could be read as an activity too. It was featured on Perfect Picture Book Fridays here.
Why I chose this book: I found some copies of George Shannon’s books at the library after he was featured on Julie Hedlund’s Write Up My Life. It’s a unique alphabet book which adds two vocabulary words for each letter. The first word mentioned with the letter, often does not match. For example, C is for milk — tomorrow’s cheese.
To find more picture books and resources, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’sblog and look for the Perfect Picture Books page.
There’s still time to leave a comment on this Thankful Thursday post for a chance to win a $10 gift card. Leave your comment by midnight MST Saturday, March 24.
catherinemjohnson.wordpress.com
Oh that’s a fabulous idea. I wonder if it gets confusing with the first word they say not fitting with the letter. A fabulous tool for associations though. I guess it does state 3 and up though. Definitely one to test on my 3 yr old before school starts. Thanks!
Stacy S. Jensen
Catherine, the illustrations really connect the letters and new words.
thiskidreviewsbooks.com
What a cool idea! I’d like to see what “X” today and tomorrow is 😉
Stacy S. Jensen
Well, Erik, you’ll have to get the book!
Karen S. Elliott
Shared, tweeted!
Stacy S. Jensen
Thanks Karen.
Cathy Mealey
Such a great idea to follow up with a Shannon book!
As soon as I see “Donald Crews” I think of Freight Train. Oh how many times I have read that book!! And there is a wonderful iPad/iTouch app that goes with it.
Nice choice Stacy!
Stacy S. Jensen
Cathy, My budget for iPad apps keeps expanding.
Penny Klostermann
Great idea for an alphabet book! I do love alphabet books…so I will be checking our library for this one.
Stacy S. Jensen
Penny, It’s a fun one.
Joanna
This is very, very clever. I learn so much from George Shannon, but have yet to read one of his books, so am very happy to see this review!
Stacy S. Jensen
Joanna, Yes as you said it’s “very, very clever.” I like the way George Shannon writes and thinks!
Beth K. Vogt
There’s just something about alphabet books … I dunno what it is. Maybe it’s the writer in me who is drawn to the a-b-c aspect.
This sounds like a one-of-a-kind alphabet book, Stacy. Thanks for sharing!
Stacy S. Jensen
Beth, It’s a unique one Beth.
Nessa Morris
Sounds like an interesting book! I love Donald Crews illustrations.
Stacy S. Jensen
Nessa, I’m going to search for more of Donald Crews work after this book.
Amy D
Wow, I love finding books that are different. This one looks fun. And I’m with Erik, I would love to see what he does with the letter, “X.”
Stacy S. Jensen
Amy, Take a look at the book. It’s full of some surprises.
Patricia T.
This is a very creative and clever apprach to teaching the alphabet but also teaching where things come from. Actually it is a brilliant idea. Thanks for sharing this as I really enjoyed your review. Want to look up the author. I like how he things!
Stacy S. Jensen
Patricia, It was a fun one to read and holds lots of teachable moments.
Susanna Leonard Hill
What a great idea for an alphabet book! People are so creative, aren’t they? how fun is it that we have several alphabet books on our list now and they’re all so different and fun? That way there’s something perfect for everyone! Thanks for sharing this one, Stacy!
Stacy S. Jensen
Susanna, I wish I were this creative!
Beth Stilborn
What a unique and creative way to do an alphabet book! Thanks for sharing!
Stacy S. Jensen
Beth, This is definitely one of those “I wish I’d thought of that” moments.
Christie Wright Wild
Oh, this book is so cool! I’ve seen a few other inventive alphabet books that are very similar to this one, such as White is for Blueberry.
Stacy S. Jensen
Yes. Same author Christie and both very inventive.
Loni Edwards
What a cool concept for a book! The illustration style looks fun too. Thanks for adding it to the list!
Stacy S. Jensen
Loni, The illustration style is very nice.
Kirsten Larson
That is really cool! And Donald Crews is one of my favorite illustrators. Uh oh, at this rate I’m going to have another 20+ books on hold at the library.
Stacy S. Jensen
My list is growing again too Kirsten.
Lara Schiffbauer
That looks like such a fun book. I was just realizing my children have outgrown the really early picture books, and I’m sad. I think I loved them more than they did.
Stacy S. Jensen
Lara, You can still check them out.
Vivian Kirkfield
What a clever alphabet book, Stacy! I love it. I wonder if the Colorado Springs library has it. I’ll have to check.
Great resources and activities. 🙂
Stacy S. Jensen
Vivian, They do. That’s where I found it when I cleaned the shelf of all the George Shannon books one day.
Myra Garces-Bacsal from GatheringBooks
Hello there Stacy, I like books that make children think. This does appear like one of those. I especially like innovative alphabet books. Thank you for sharing.
Stacy S. Jensen
Myra, Yes. It’s a thinking book and innovative.
Susanne Drazic
What a cool idea for a book. Sounds like kids will have fun reading this one.
Stacy S. Jensen
Susanne, It is a fun one.
Tracy Bermeo
Stacy, this is great. I love the concept and the different way to showcase the alphabet. I need to pick up this book from the library. Great choice for this week!A2ZMommy and What’s In Between
Stacy S. Jensen
Tracy, I do love unique alphabet books.
Robyn Campbell
What an awesome way to show the alphabet. This book has got to be loads of fun to read again and again! Wonderful choice, Stacy! I’ll check it out. 🙂
Stacy S. Jensen
Thanks Robyn.
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