Books in Alphabet series

In the mold of our very popular series of state alphabet books, we offer "Z is for Zamboni" to hockey fans young and old across North America. Matt Napier's "breakaway" rhymes and "hard-checking" expository text team up with the "top-shelf" illustrations of Melanie Rose to elucidate this increasingly popular game for every beginning hockey aficionado. Highlighting rules, players, coaches, teams, and the history of the game, it is both fun and educational.

Consonants and short vowels are featured and highlighted in simple words and children's names-- Large type; ample spacing between words-- Easy-to-follow layout; text appears at same place on every page-- Print separated from photos-- Short words and simple sentences-- Short vowel sounds-- Introduces digraphs, consonant blends-- Common picture words list helps reader decode text-- Word repetition reinforces learning-- Photos assist reader with word recognition and reflect multicultural diversity

Yo Gabba Gabba! meets Yo! MTV Raps in this lively and educational book for young children learning the alphabet—and their hip-hop–loving parents.Take a wondrous alphabetical journey through the glorious history of hip-hop in this kid-friendly introduction to the music that defined a generation. Featuring clever rhymes and graffiti-style drawings by legendary artist Mr. Kaves, Hip-Hop Alphabet uses the twenty-six letters of the alphabet to educate kids about classic icons (LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, and Jay-Z), as well as essential elements of the music and culture (DJs, microphones, and turntables). Learn the ABCs with a beat!

From the first jump ball and its humble beginnings at a YMCA with a couple of peach baskets, to the final buzzer and the glam of an NBA slam, basketball bounces onto your bookshelves with J is For Jump Shot. As with the other Sleeping Bear sports titles (7 titles and over 400,000 in print) it is the perfect introduction to the game. Whether reluctant or voracious, readers will be entertained as they learn the rules, fundamentals, famous players and plays. Young fans and old will find nothing but net with Mark Braught's dynamic illustrations as their many questions are answered -- What was the role of Dr. James Naismith in developing the game? Why do referees sometimes place their palm on their head? And who scored more points than any other NBA player? Mike Ulmer has written several books for Sleeping Bear Press including H is for Horse: An Equestrian Alphabet. He lives in Hamilton, Ontario. Mark Braught illustrated last fall's Sleeping Bear Sport title T is for Touchdown: A Football Alphabet. He lives outside Atlanta, Georgia.

The Christmas story and the origin of many holiday traditions are thoroughly detailed in the text of S is for Star: A Christmas Alphabet. The first Christmas cards were printed and sold in the United States by a German immigrant in 1874. Long ago, eating pie was believed to bring good luck, and during the holidays they were baked in an oblong shape to look like a manger. The message of Christmas is a message to all the world and is beautifully conveyed and illustrated in S is for Star. Our tradition of gift-giving is based on the Wise Men's visit to Baby Jesus. Nearly every country has its own gift-giving traditions. In Great Britain, children eagerly await Father Christmas. In France, he is called Pere Noël. In Italy, Befana brings presents, and German and Austrian children wait for a visit from the Christkindl. Celebrate these and many other traditions of the holiday season with S is for Star: A Christmas Alphabet.

Consonants and short vowels are featured and highlighted in simple words and children's names-- Large type; ample spacing between words-- Easy-to-follow layout; text appears at same place on every page-- Print separated from photos-- Short words and simple sentences-- Short vowel sounds-- Introduces digraphs, consonant blends-- Common picture words list helps reader decode text-- Word repetition reinforces learning-- Photos assist reader with word recognition and reflect multicultural diversity