Concept Books

Doran, E. (2004).  A is for Artist an alphabet.  London: Tate Publishing.

ISBN- 1-85437-556-3

      A beautifully photographed picture book about the alphabet.  The pages go from A-Z and have a picture either describing the word or an actual photograph of the word.  The author has taken time in creating this book and making it a mesmerizing piece where children's imaginations run wild and they can get lost within each page.

      This book would be great for 3-5 year olds because not only are children learning about the alphabet, but they are also learning about different words that start with the letter A-Z.  The book shows different ways in which you can express your creativity.  A teacher can take their time while reading this book by having the children really observe each picture.  There are endless opportunities for children to use their imagination and artistic mind.

      The illustrations are made in a multiple of different ways.  The pages range from photographs of people, toys, flowers and objects.  The children would definately be drawn to this book because of the colours and the multitude of photographs.  There is so much happening on each page that for a teacher there are endless possibilites to explore, imagine, and engage in.

Provocations: 

• Print some of the pictures as a larger image and place them around the room.  As each page has so much to observe and talk about, the children can be entertained just by viewing the photographs and talking about what they see.                                

Presenting the book:

• Read the book and stop after each page and really look at the pictures.  Get the children to talk about what they see and sound out each word.
• Use a magnetic board and magnetic plastic letters of the alphabet (usually found at a dollar store) and then with each letter create and add another magnetic object that starts with that letter.
• Use props or objects that start with the letter A and go to Z.

Extensions:

• The children can take one of the pages and turn it into an art project.  For example they can use the picture on page U with the umbrella.  Giving them a plain white umbrella where they can paint whatever they like on it.  
• Have a display of items on a table from the letters A-Z with materials and objects that start with that letter.  For example an apple to a zipper.