123 Versus ABC

Olive Art's Picture Book Parade introduces...  123 Versus ABC               14                                                              

Published: 2013 Author & Illustrator: Mike Boldt

I couldn't do a children's book list without having at least one number or alphabet book, making this one a happy collision and a perfect read for number 14. 

I loved it! Just loved it! My students crack up when I read books where the characters seem to be having a debate. The debate here is what this book is really about. Reminding me of the 12 days of Christmas, this book is like a parade from 1 alligator to 25 balls of yarn to make 26 sweaters for 27 zebras. I guess the numbers could keep growing but it certainly wouldn't have been such a fun read with the ability to guess just what is coming next.

I have often thought about creating an alphabet book with my students. It comes to my mind every year when I teach letter design. This past year I allowed some numbers! The connections are coming... 

Students could design number, alphabet, color books and more. It could be a team effort or an individual challenge. There are lots of opportunities for writing and utilizing technology as well as reading lots and lots of books similar to 123 Versus ABC. 

*The Picture Book Parade!

This series of posts is designed to meet the needs of graduate class, I am currently enrolled in, titled Teaching Art & Literacy through picture books.

One of my assignments is to read, review, reflect, and be inspired by 20 picture books that are new to me and find a way to share them with my classmates, colleges, & PLN. 

 The Ideas shared will not be ideas I have tried and executed, simply sparks of inspiration derived from a short and colorful read. 

I am hoping that these ideas might develop over time, as I water them in my minds and let what's left of my summer vacation shine and pull out the greatness, that is a totally awesome new lesson for my students. One can hope!

So sit back and enjoy the series of posts I am calling the Picture Book Parade!