Have you read a bajillion ABCs books? Me too. But since there are more in our future, we might as well find ones we like. These are the very best alphabet books out there for preschoolers, that are also fun for the grownups!
The links below are mostly to Bookshop, and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Bookshop supports local bookstores, so you can feel good about spending dollars there. But as always, check your local library first!
The Best Alphabet Books for Preschoolers:
Alphabet City by Stephen T. Johnson is a blast for kids who love construction sites, architecture, and finding hidden images (and you’ll love that it’s a Caldecott Honor book).
A is for Activist – listen, I know, you see this everywhere. But that’s because it’s really good. For example, “S” isn’t just for “solar,” it’s, “Silly Selfish Scoundrels Sucking on dinosaur Sludge.” Yes! More of this please! There’s also a great read aloud by author Innosanto Nagara on YouTube.
A is for Awesome!: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World by Eva Chen and illustrated by Derek Desierto is a powerhouse book. Featuring Beyonce, Ursula K. Le Guin, Harriet Tubman, Iris Apfel, Wu Zetian, and a whole book full of incredible women from so many backgrounds and cultures and types of impact. If you’re looking for a gift, this is my recommendation.
LMNO Peas is such fun! Little peas go about their daily lives in adorable ways. I didn’t know how much I needed to see peas on a freeway onramp! Written and illustrated by Keith Baker. The version linked here comes with a read aloud by Stanley Tucci!
I Stink by Kate and Jim McMullan was a favorite over here from 2-4 years old. Have you seen Stinky and Dirty on Amazon? These books started that phenomenon. We love the zucchinis (eeeeew!).
Labyrinth: The ABC Storybook by Luke Flowers is a must for Bowie lovers, Labyrinth fans, and children of the 90s who now love children of their own. “G” is of course for the Goblin King (aka the “owl king” in our house, as goblins are still a bit scary), “D” is for Dance magic, “L” is for Ludo, and “I” is for I know you’ll be tapping your toes along as you read this!
Bonus: Oi Aardvark by Kes Grey Is the silliest book on this list and I just love it. Nits will sit on banana splits! Who knew? Instead of the traditional “A is for Aardvark” cadence, this one reads more like a book. The illustrations by Jim Field are hilarious (the pig!). This has been a tough book for me to find a physical copy of, but here’s the Apple Books version.
Looking for more? See if you can check off all 100 Children’s Books to Read in 2021!