Alexander Anteater's Amazing Act

Teacher Alpha Betty's class is a veritable alliterative zoo, and all 26 students in her class will have starring roles in this appealing new series. Each book relates a humorous story about one of Alpha Betty's students, and although there is plenty of alliteration, it never becomes cloying or distracting. The illustrations of the cheerful students are delightful, and the supportive, encouraging attitude of the students toward each other is especially refreshing. Each book contains friend 'Fun Facts' about the animal represented by its main character and simple activities that reinforce the highlighted letter. Children will certainly enjoy these entertaining stories, and adults will appreciate their educational value and positive approach. Recommended. --Library Media Connection --Journal Each picture book in the new Animal Antics A to Z series uses plenty of words beginning with one letter of the alphabet. Though their purpose is providing practice in identifying letters and the sounds they make, they also tell simple, pleasant stories about the students in teacher Alpha Betty's class. In the first book, Alexander Anteater despairs of creating a great act for the upcoming talent show. With encouragement from his dad and help from his friends, he practices until he perfects his unusual balancing act. Full of action and humor, Alley's expressive artwork adds considerably to the story's appeal. An appended page offers a few facts about anteaters as well as suggested activities and games for learning. More fun than most books aimed at teaching the sounds of letters, this picture book is a good read-aloud option for anxious parents and a natural for classrooms that celebrate 'A' week. Other picture books available in the series are Bobby Baboon's Banana Be-Bop, Corky Cub's Crazy Caps, and Dilly Dog's Dizzy Dancing. --Booklist --Journal