Once Upon an Alphabet by Oliver Jeffers

If words make up stories, and letters make up words, then stories are made of letters. In this menagerie we have stories made of words, made for all the letters. 

Our world is filled with letters (although you might think about how different these letters look in China or Russia or Japan or Iran). Working in a school library knowledge of the alphabet is quite essential. Luckily I do enjoy putting things into alphabetical order - perhaps that why I became a Teacher-Librarian. BUT there is so much more to discover in this book. This book takes the concept of the alphabet book to a whole new dimension. 

Blurb: Here you will discover twenty-six short stories introducing a host of new characters (plus the occasional familiar face). From Edmund the astronaut with his awkward fear of heights, via the dynamic new investigative due of the Owl and the Octopus, through to the Zeppelin that just might get Edmund a little bit closer to where he needs to be, this book is packed with funny, thrilling, perilous and above all entertaining tales inspired by every letter of the alphabet.

If you are working with a class as a temporary or casual teacher this book should be added to your repertoire. Every letter in this book has their own story to tell - 26 letters, 26 stories. I think this is a simply perfect book to share with an older group of students - Grades 4-6. You could also visit your school library and borrow all of the books by Oliver Jeffers. You might also borrow all of their alphabet books - head over to the Dewey shelf 421. 

Discussion questions before reading Once upon an Alphabet:

• What do you expect to find in an alphabet book?
• Did you have alphabet books when you were very young? Did they have a theme or topic?
• Watch this video animation of The Hidden Alphabet by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
• Why do you think your parents shared alphabet books with you?
• What are some reasons for writing an alphabet book?
• Which letters might be tricky?
• Do you think there are alphabet books written for older children?
• This book begins with A is for Astronaut. What might come next?
• Take a look at these Burning a bridge; Cup in the cupboard; Danger Delilah - what is happening with the letters?

Now look more closely at the cover:

Is there a hint about the contents of this book in the subtitle - Short stories for all the letters?

Time to read this book: 

Then everyone can grab a letter and you could make a class alphabet book of stories. I would limit the writing to 20-30 words and of course everyone will contribute illustrations!

The silly, spare, slightly surreal text occasionally rhymes and endlessly surprises. Jeffers introduces each letter and story title on a separate, colored page, featuring the letter in childlike lettering. Deceptively naïve pen, ink and watercolor illustrations in subdued blacks and grays on white backgrounds add to the overall whimsy. Reappearing visual elements provide intertextual humor. An utterly delightful alphabet book. Kirkus Star review

One thing that sets Jeffers apart from the pack is his deft wordplay. He has always been as comfortable as a writer as he is an illustrator or artist. SLJ Elizabeth Bird

A delight of an alphabet book, Jeffers has revolutionized the genre with his impressive, surprising and funny work.  Waking Brain Cells

Do make sure you take time to look closely at the end papers of Once upon an Alphabet which provide a resolution to each story. 

I am collecting alphabet books for an IBBY talk I am preparing with Dr Robin Morrow. I have started a Pinterest of Alphabet Books with a Difference.

Here is an interview with Oliver where he talks about this book.