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Review: Aa is for Alpacas
Aa is for Alpacas and, in this informative and enjoyable alphabet book, B, C, D, E and all the other letters are linked to alpacas too.
Experienced speech pathologist Sue Carolane and her herd of nine alpacas teach the alphabet in a way that supports developing reading skills. My favourite letter is ‘N’, as Nosy Petra comes right up to the camera to see what is going on, although it is hard to resist Geisha’s big wide yawn for ‘Y’ or Manuel sucking on the gumboot for ‘G’.
The book is divided into two sections. The first is a detailed account of the mechanics of learning how to read and explanation of why emphasising the sound of each letter as it is learned rather than the name of the letter is so important. Sue offers extensive instructions on how to best use Aa is for Alpacas to support children with their developing reading skills.
Of course, the book also functions simply as an enjoyable and interesting introduction to the alphabet. Most people have little opportunity to interact with or learn about alpacas, and the endearing appearance of the animals creates an appealing collection of photographs to illustrate each letter. Sue has also included some basic information about alpacas and her affection for her own herd comes through clearly.
Aa is for Alpacas is a great resource for parents who want to understand how they can lay the foundations for good literacy skills for their child. It is also a wonderful introduction to a fascinating animal that is sure to appeal to young children.
Title: Aa is for Alpacas
Author: Sue Carolane
Publisher: JoJo Publishing, $16.99 RRP
Publication Date: February 2014
Format: Softcover
ISBN: 9780987463593
For ages: 4-7
Type: Picture Book
2. CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL REVIEW.
Aa is for Alpacas
By Admin on September 20, 2014 · Early Childhood Books, Highly Recommended
CAROLANE, Sue Aa is for Alpacas Jojo Pub, 2014 unpaged $16.99 pbk ISBN 9780987463593 SCIS 1653892
Sue Carolane has had over 30 years as a speech pathologist working in pre-school, primary and secondary education. She has written this book in response to her observations of the high number of children experiencing difficulty in learning to read, write and spell. She is a powerful advocate for the essential pre-reading experience of reading with young children and making them familiar with books and how they work and developing early language skills. She stresses the importance of the relationship between the written letter and its sound and it is essential that children know both name and sound of letters.
Expert directions are given for the adult reader, including tips on how to select excellent alphabet books. In the second part of the book, Carolane uses her own attractive alpaca family to help teach the names and sounds of the alphabet. The pages are enlivened by their appealing photographs, and extra information about alpacas is seamlessly included within the ABC format, adding interest beyond the usual picture/word experience.
An excellent resource for any parent/carer involved with beginning readers, both for the teaching information and the ABC content especially those involved in home schooling or distance education.
reviewed by Joy Steward
3. A REVIEW FROM A LECTURER AT CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY (Note her qualifications).
Aa is for Alpacas by Sue Carolane
Reviewed by Catherine Easton (PhD, M Sp Path)
This is a visually appealing alphabet book that situates children’s learning within the context of a family of alpacas. While learning about the lives of the alpaca family, children explore the common letter/sound correspondences that form the basis for literacy development. The author has chosen items that clearly illustrate each of the letter/sound correspondences, and continues beyond the scope of standard alphabet books by including common letter combinations such as ‘ch’ and ‘th’. By using the single topic of ‘alpacas’ as the basis of the book, children’s memory of the items is supported. The photography that supports the text captures the alpacas in ways that draw you into the action of their lives and in doing so offers the opportunity for further conversation between the child and their carer. These conversations, and consequently the development of the child’s oral language, are further supported by the additional information provided about the alpacas in preface to the book. The impact of the book is enhanced by the information provided for parents and carers in the opening pages. This information offers parents the opportunity to build their understanding of the process of learning to read and how adults can support children in this. Rather than stopping at reinforcing the benefits of reading with children, the author provides an explanation of what is beneficial in this shared activity.
Snuggling up on the couch with your child and this book is an enjoyable way to reinforce the foundations for literacy as you get to know the alpacas April, Geisha and their children.