It is large enough so that Ehlert s evocative and colorful renderings of veggies and fruit, from avocado and asparagus to persimmon, pomegranate, and Swiss chard-and yes, even xigua and zucchini-can be properly seen and admired while propped on a parent or child s lap. This latest-a lap-sized board book-is perhaps one of its best. Lois Ehlert’s much acclaimed picture book has gone through several reincarnations since its original publication. At the end of the book there is an interesting fact about each food. Colorful illustrations of each fruit of vegetable correspond with every word. Opening line/sentence “APRICOT apricot, ARTICHOKE artichoke)īrief Book Summary Ehlert uses uppercase and lowercase letters to introduce different fruit and vegetables. Although vocabulary-based books are usually quite dull for adults to read, the unusual medium, the inclusion of exotic foods, and alphabet format make this an attractive read-aloud with some educational value.Īlthough the book may appeal best to toddlers, I recommend the paperback or hardback version, since the glossary is not included in the board book version.

The text is limited to the names of different foods (given in both capitals and lowercase letters), making it a slower read-aloud than most preschool books. For older readers, a glossary of foods provides a bit more information about the different foods presented. Although toddlers tend to gravitate toward realistic pictures, the bright colors and appealing presentation will endear this book to them. The alphabet format combined with artistic constraints make for some interesting food choices: ugli fruit, jicama, and xigua are some less-familiar choices, presented right along with apples, bananas, and potatoes. Each fruit or vegetable is depicted in watercolor collage that is somewhat reminiscent of Eric Carle's style. Eating the Alphabet is a deliciously simple artistic presentation of many fruits and vegetables, organized by the letters of the alphabet.

Eating the alphabet by lois ehlert