Reading Metrics
Description
After a storm blows some of them away, the letters on the alphabet tree learn from a strange bug to be stronger by forming words.
Quick Summary
After a fierce wind scatters the letters from an alphabet tree, the little A, B, C and the rest find themselves lost and frightened until a friendly bug teaches them that joining forces into words makes them strong. Lionni's simple, bold collage illustrations bring the letters to life, giving each one a quirky personality that even the youngest readers will find charming. The story works especially well for early readers who are just learning their ABCs, because the letters' quest to form words feels like a game rather than a lesson. It's gentle enough for a bedtime read, though the storm scene might give a brief moment of tension for very sensitive kids, but overall it's warm and reassuring. If your child loves this, they'll probably enjoy Lionni's other classic, "Frederick," which also celebrates the power of words and imagination in a quiet, cozy setting.