Book Study 1- Alphabet Book

Alpha Oops! The Day Z Went First

Book Study by Kirstin Melaas   8/31/12

Author: Alethea Kontis	Illustrator: Bob Kolar
Awards	Book Type:  picture
Apprx. Reading Lvl.  PreK- K	Age of Content Appropriateness:  Primary
Date Published:	Genre and Topic: humor, alphabet
Personal Rating: 5 – must read	ISBN ISBN-10: 0763627283 ISBN-13: 978-0763627287

Letter Z decides that the letters at the end of the alphabet should have their chance to go first.  Letter A is not very happy about it but the letters begin going in reverse order.  Soon there are many opinions to deal with, some letters are happy about the change, some stick to their traditional order, some take more than one turn and by the end of the book the letters decide to return to normal but letter A leaves the door open for more adventures with the letters.

This book can be used as a launching pad to discuss such issues as

• ·         The importance of order
• ·         Taking turns
• ·         Fair play
• ·         Opinions

• ·         Rhetorical devices like alliteration- see “B” QUOTE “B is for big beautiful balloons blowing briskly in the breeze above  a bevy of bright blue bouncing balls.” page 23

• ·      There is also an image early on of protest- some letters are carrying signs. 

Useful websites to further interest and understanding include

o   Make a new alphabet order activity- http://kidsite.arapahoelibraries.org/go2.cfm?pid=8338

o   Meet the Author and Activity pages- http://aletheakontis.com/alphaoops/index2.htm

Vocabulary you may want to define prior to reading include

·         “damsel in distress”- usually a princess in a fairy tale who is in danger – pg. 22

·         “archer” – a person who uses a bow and arrow – pg. 33

·         “violence” – a display of anger through yelling and physical actions pg. 21

6 + 1 Trait to highlight-

I would highlight the author’s use of voice.  The overall voice is humorous and the author found a way to make some letters stand out with their views and opinions but did so with a consistent humorous voice.  The students would be able to look at some letters and describe their personality such as shy or serious or eager.  

Quote: “Wait, wait! U’s been in the bathroom since P took over. She missed the whole thing!” pg. 28

Concerns:  I don’t have concerns for use in the classroom.  I think the students would find the illustrations and the story quite engaging.  There would be a lot to talk about.