BOOKS: Alternative ABC's

 At SixSeeds, we believe in the power of a good story.  The books our children are hearing and reading will move, inspire, and sometimes even shape their lives... even young lives. This week, we take a popular kids' book and examine it. Hopefully, the next time you're browsing though a crowded bookstore, our reviews will help you sort through the thousands of titles…  and you can choose wisely!

Title: Alternative ABC’s
Author: 13^th Floor
Illustrator: 13^th Floor14.95
Publisher: Ammo Books
Cost: $14.95
Buy it: here
Rating:  2 seeds out of 6

Are you a super hip mom determined for your wee ones to follow in your oh-so-chic footprints? If you pride yourself in the fact that your kids wear rocker boots rather  than smocked clothing, the Alternative ABC book might be for you.

We all know the drill.  A is for….  Apple?  How quaint of you.  In Alternative ABC, it’s for axe.  B is for Boombox, for that matter, and C  is for Chino. Come on, you know it’s cool.  When’s the last time you found graffiti and Earth Day both highlighted in the same book… an ABC board book for that matter?  The artwork is interesting and distinctly urban. Each page is definitely busy and the illustrations may very well attract a young child’s eye. 

Interestingly if your child wouldn’t be caught dead in rocker boots because of the inherent wrong to the animal who supplied the leather, this book is for you as well. While the combination of ideas are slightly perplexing, the consistency is simple.  It’s alternative, baby…  for your alternative baby.

Fair enough.  There is no rule prohibiting a skull and crossbones from being in the same book with the peace sign. Even if seeing the low rider join forces with the vegan may strike one as a little odd – the writers are on to something. There is no shortage of sweet or cuddly ABC books, and some parents would like to hang onto  their individuality even as they have joined the ranks of parenthood. The writers understand this audience (and their audience, of course, is hip parents).

But there are certain elementary things that an ABC book needs to accomplish as well. Umm… How about starting your toddler or preschooler on the pathway to reading and writing?

And here is where this book falls apart. First, the letters, while graphically ornate, present a problem when you want to read what they actually say. These styles, unique as they are, will not be found in the preschool or kindergarten class. (Though, in some neighborhoods, perhaps this style of writing is found spraypainted on the walls.)  For good reason, your child will not begin their writing with this sort of pizzazz. Secondly, it’s phonetically confusing to introduce the letter I with the word Ink.  Lastly, when you are undergoing the already tedious process of teaching letter sounds, it seems a tad inefficient to add explaining exactly what a tiki, quarter pipe, or off–roading is to the mix.

Bottom Line:

While Alternative ABCs is designed to reach a certain market, ABC books are still a teaching tool. And no matter how cool you package it- reaching an audience is effective only if you can deliver once you actually have their attention.  And hip as it may be, kids are going to have a tough time learning their ABCs here. 

For Parents to Consider:

Do you ever feel sad about parts of yourself that have slowly slipped away as you have become parents? While some of these things are sacrificially healthy for the sake of family, are there aspects of your individuality that would actually be of service to the people around you? Are there ways that you want to encourage your kids to develop their personal creativity in light of the greater good of their callings in life?

To Talk to your Kids About:

Self Expression is healthy. But when does self expression actually hinder productivity?  What is wrong with the status quo? Is pursuing hipness for the sake of itself a worthy goal?

Are you morally opposed to mini-vans, and want to raise kids who are ready to “stick it to the man?”  Please leave a comment below and one lucky winner will win "Alternatice ABC” just by commenting.  (Make sure you also enter your e-mail address.  This will both automatically sign you up for our free weekly e-zine, and allow us to contact you if you are the winner!

On one week from publication at noon (EST), we'll pick a name in a random drawing from all eligible entries received and send you an email notification.

Limit one (1) entry per person; NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington D.C. who are 18 or older as of date of entry.

Comment away!

Congratulations to Anna Quinn for winning. She lives in Columbia, Tennessee with her four children!

This contest is now closed. Thanks for commenting, and come back to SixSeeds for more exciting giveaways!