"Shiver Me Letters: A Pirate ABC" by June Sobel, Illustrated by Henry Cole

I tried to pick a book this week about the upcoming winter season, but I was pulled in another direction. I just couldn't pass over one of my favorite "seek and find" books. On first glance, this doesn't seem like an ideal story time book. However, considering it's not only "seek and find", but also an alphabet book, Shiver Me Letters: A Pirate ABC written by June Sobel and Illustrated by Henry Cole is too charming to pass up!

Unlike the traditional ABC book (which uses the order of the alphabet, not a plot to drive from page to page), this book follows a motley crew of animal pirates searching to expand their vocabulary beyond the letter "R".  Cute concept, right? Their adorable alligator captain tells them, "We need other letters/ to help make us tough/ Let's sail far away to find ABC's/ Bring back D's, E's, F's, and G's."

Sobel's rhyming text leads the pirates to a treasure island where the letters they seek are highlighted in bold red text and found hidden in clever places: the "A" is an anchor, the "K" is on key, and "O" rolls into the ocean as a life-preserver! Henry Cole's charming and cartoon-like illustrations will amuse your little bookworms as they search for a "T" on a Turtle and the "X" that marks the spot. Best of all is the final location of that pesky "Z" as the tuckered out pirates snore in bed, "zillions of Z's" zoom overhead. A great story, and a great introduction the ABC's!

Bring your little pirate to Bubbles Academy this Thursday at 4 p.m. during Open Play Story Time to hear Miss Becca read Shiver Me Letters: A Pirate ABC by June Sobel, Illustrated by Henry Cole!