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ABC: The Alphabet from the Sky
Discover the alphabet from a bird's-eye view!
Geographer and designer duo Benedikt Gross and Joey Lee have taken the alphabet to new heights—literally! Using satellite imagery and computer technology, the pair has discovered "accidental letters" all over the in roads, rivers, buildings, lakes, and more. Take a journey around the Earth in 26 letters with this special book.
“A delightful anytime book with hours of entertainment”— Booklist
Geographer and designer duo Benedikt Gross and Joey Lee have taken the alphabet to new heights—literally! Using satellite imagery and computer technology, the pair has discovered "accidental letters" all over the in roads, rivers, buildings, lakes, and more. Take a journey around the Earth in 26 letters with this special book.
“A delightful anytime book with hours of entertainment”— Booklist
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 23, 2016
What a fun book! I had a great time looking for each letter. Letter F was photographed in Plymouth, MI! I was so excited I googled the coordinates that were included with the map and location that comes with each entry and found out it is the Comfort Inn across the freeway from my neighborhood! Wild!
April 5, 2017
What a super fun ABC concept book! Arial photos of US cities reveal letters of the alphabet among their topographies. As a nerd who can spend too much time aimlessly meandering through Google Earth and street views and as a children's librarian who loves concept books, this is right up my alley. I'll admit, finding some of the letters was a challenge, but thankfully there's a key in the back.
March 16, 2017
Hidden letters in topography--my boys loved looking for the letters. Unique, good gift idea for 3-5 yr olds.
October 28, 2019
I have never seen this concept before, and I think it's brilliant. There were some Letters that I preferred over others, but I believe that would be half of the fun of flipping through the book with a child. Finding your favorite Letters in the landscape.
Brilliant, just Brilliant. I think this would be a great book to have available to kids in a bookstore. It gets them thinking about finding Letters in their everyday world.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and to Penguin Workshop for the Digital Advanced Copy.
Brilliant, just Brilliant. I think this would be a great book to have available to kids in a bookstore. It gets them thinking about finding Letters in their everyday world.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and to Penguin Workshop for the Digital Advanced Copy.
October 4, 2016
The images range from super obvious (I found the O before knowing what I was looking for) to terrible (the Z is stretching it). I think the concept is neat, but maybe a better execution is required for next time.
October 13, 2016
Amazing Just amazing Google Earth meets ABC
September 21, 2017
Title: ABC: The Alphabet From the Sky
Author: Benedikt Gross & Joey Lee
Genre: Alphabet Book
Theme(s): Picture book, aerial photography, landscapes, alphabet
Opening line/sentence: Can you spot the A? Where is the B hiding?
Brief Book Summary: This book features each letter of the alphabet shown in an aerial landscape
picture. The letters are formed from the tops of buildings, roads, or even bodies of water.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
• Hornbook Guide Reviews (2017)
• http://www.hornbookguide.com/cgi-bin/...
• “Stunning, at times dizzying, aerial photography offers an unusual perspective on landscapes
with the alphabet as a visual book. On each spread, readers are asked to find a letter (answers
appended) formed by land/building features in images from the United States Geological Survey. The
only information provided is a dot on a map, a town name, and coordinates, leaving room for
observation and imagination.”
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
• Kirkus (2016)
• https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
• “Aerial color photographs from the United States Geologic Survey offer a bird’s-eye view of
various places in the United States from high above, letters of the alphabet “hiding” among the
panoramic scenes.. Some letters jump out more than others, presenting readers with varying
challenges… This alphabet scavenger hunt will intrigue adults perhaps more than kids, but it’s
fascinating and extremely inventive.”
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
• Both reviews mention that the book leaves room for imagination to find out where the letters are,
which I agree with. However, I would not recommend this book to young children, especially those
who are still learning the alphabet. I had trouble finding the letters, and I am 20 years old. I think
that an alphabet book should be an easy read, so the children can learn the alphabet – not struggle
to find letters that they don’t completely know yet.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: (3-4 sentences in your own words):
• ABC: The Alphabet From the Sky features hidden letters from an aerial view. Children must be
creative in their thinking to find the letters that are featured from tops of buildings, and landscapes.
The aerial picture takes up the entire page, and is quite busy looking. While the book can be exciting
because I know many children love to find things hidden on pages, the letters are difficult to find,
and I think that it could lead to a lot of frustration.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
• After a read aloud I could ask them if they saw any letters that are formed from things in the
classroom. I could extend this by hanging up letters around the classroom on another day and have
a mini scavenger hunt. This book can also connect to a geography unit, where they can learn about
map making, directions, etc. I could have them design their own maps and make their own
scavenger hunt.
Author: Benedikt Gross & Joey Lee
Genre: Alphabet Book
Theme(s): Picture book, aerial photography, landscapes, alphabet
Opening line/sentence: Can you spot the A? Where is the B hiding?
Brief Book Summary: This book features each letter of the alphabet shown in an aerial landscape
picture. The letters are formed from the tops of buildings, roads, or even bodies of water.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
• Hornbook Guide Reviews (2017)
• http://www.hornbookguide.com/cgi-bin/...
• “Stunning, at times dizzying, aerial photography offers an unusual perspective on landscapes
with the alphabet as a visual book. On each spread, readers are asked to find a letter (answers
appended) formed by land/building features in images from the United States Geological Survey. The
only information provided is a dot on a map, a town name, and coordinates, leaving room for
observation and imagination.”
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
• Kirkus (2016)
• https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
• “Aerial color photographs from the United States Geologic Survey offer a bird’s-eye view of
various places in the United States from high above, letters of the alphabet “hiding” among the
panoramic scenes.. Some letters jump out more than others, presenting readers with varying
challenges… This alphabet scavenger hunt will intrigue adults perhaps more than kids, but it’s
fascinating and extremely inventive.”
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
• Both reviews mention that the book leaves room for imagination to find out where the letters are,
which I agree with. However, I would not recommend this book to young children, especially those
who are still learning the alphabet. I had trouble finding the letters, and I am 20 years old. I think
that an alphabet book should be an easy read, so the children can learn the alphabet – not struggle
to find letters that they don’t completely know yet.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: (3-4 sentences in your own words):
• ABC: The Alphabet From the Sky features hidden letters from an aerial view. Children must be
creative in their thinking to find the letters that are featured from tops of buildings, and landscapes.
The aerial picture takes up the entire page, and is quite busy looking. While the book can be exciting
because I know many children love to find things hidden on pages, the letters are difficult to find,
and I think that it could lead to a lot of frustration.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
• After a read aloud I could ask them if they saw any letters that are formed from things in the
classroom. I could extend this by hanging up letters around the classroom on another day and have
a mini scavenger hunt. This book can also connect to a geography unit, where they can learn about
map making, directions, etc. I could have them design their own maps and make their own
scavenger hunt.
March 11, 2017
1. Awards: N/A
2. Grade Level: Kindergarten to second grade
3. Summary: Every page of the book has a picture of an aerial view of a different cities in different states with the coordinates. Each page has a question as to where a letter is. The letter is hidden as one of the objects in the photograph.
4. Review: Grob’s idea to use aerial photographs to find a letter of the alphabet is brilliant! It reminds me of a maze and find-it books. I remember doing find-it books all the time when I was a child; even though they were hard, I loved eventually finding it and feeling accomplished.
5. Possible In-Class Use: One in-class use would be for children to gain letter recognition by using the book in their free time like a find-it book. Another activity would be to have a nature walk and collect fallen leaves, sticks, pebbles, etc. The children can choose a letter and then make the letter out of the objects they’ve collected. Another in-class use would be to have the children stand in the shape of the letters and have the teacher take a picture from above. For example, the children can form the shape of “A” and then the teacher would stand on top of the playground set to take the picture. Once they’ve done all of the letters, this can go into a class book or even use this as the alphabet display in the classroom. This teaches letter recognition and creates a community in the classroom.
2. Grade Level: Kindergarten to second grade
3. Summary: Every page of the book has a picture of an aerial view of a different cities in different states with the coordinates. Each page has a question as to where a letter is. The letter is hidden as one of the objects in the photograph.
4. Review: Grob’s idea to use aerial photographs to find a letter of the alphabet is brilliant! It reminds me of a maze and find-it books. I remember doing find-it books all the time when I was a child; even though they were hard, I loved eventually finding it and feeling accomplished.
5. Possible In-Class Use: One in-class use would be for children to gain letter recognition by using the book in their free time like a find-it book. Another activity would be to have a nature walk and collect fallen leaves, sticks, pebbles, etc. The children can choose a letter and then make the letter out of the objects they’ve collected. Another in-class use would be to have the children stand in the shape of the letters and have the teacher take a picture from above. For example, the children can form the shape of “A” and then the teacher would stand on top of the playground set to take the picture. Once they’ve done all of the letters, this can go into a class book or even use this as the alphabet display in the classroom. This teaches letter recognition and creates a community in the classroom.
November 7, 2016
Groß, Benedikt and Joseph Lee ABC: The Alphabet from the Sky. PICTURE BOOK. Price Stern Sloan (Penguin Young Readers), 2016. $18.99.
Groß and Lee use satellite imagery from the United States to illustrate birds-eye views of each letter of the alphabet. The targeted letter is printed on each page for reference. Maps also accompany the photos to provide geographical context. A helpful appendix includes close-ups of each letter for those who need help finding them, as well as letters that didn't quite make the cut. Some letters are easy to find, while others require hunting.
This book was a HUGE hit with my early-elementary kids. They had a great time finding each letter, and it really helped them figure out letter shapes -- so they could match. To solidify letter order for my kinders, I had them predict the next letter before we turned to a new page; they eagerly did so in order to see the next challenge. Even my second- and third-graders had a wonderful time with the book. In a vast world of ABC books, this is easily one of my very favorites. While it may be meant for a younger audience, it could be applicable with older students -- especially in geography or art classes.
EL -- ESSENTIAL. MS, HS -- ADVISABLE. Reviewed by Sydney G., Teacher/Librarian
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
Groß and Lee use satellite imagery from the United States to illustrate birds-eye views of each letter of the alphabet. The targeted letter is printed on each page for reference. Maps also accompany the photos to provide geographical context. A helpful appendix includes close-ups of each letter for those who need help finding them, as well as letters that didn't quite make the cut. Some letters are easy to find, while others require hunting.
This book was a HUGE hit with my early-elementary kids. They had a great time finding each letter, and it really helped them figure out letter shapes -- so they could match. To solidify letter order for my kinders, I had them predict the next letter before we turned to a new page; they eagerly did so in order to see the next challenge. Even my second- and third-graders had a wonderful time with the book. In a vast world of ABC books, this is easily one of my very favorites. While it may be meant for a younger audience, it could be applicable with older students -- especially in geography or art classes.
EL -- ESSENTIAL. MS, HS -- ADVISABLE. Reviewed by Sydney G., Teacher/Librarian
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
September 25, 2019
This is a fun little picture book that features aerial shots of roads, establishments, and naturally occurring landscapes that accidentally (or sneakily...? hmmm ^^) form the letters of the alphabet.
I think it is a neat and unique way to introduce kids to their ABCs while also taking a virtual trip around the United States on the "wings" of a book. The letters are fairly easy to spot and the names of the places where the photos are taken are also provided, so perhaps a family trip may also be in order soon.
If I had half the skills and patience of the geographer and designer duo behind this book, I'd have loved to do something similar featuring places in the Philippines. But I don't and I won't. Any takers, though? ^^
A preview of this board book was provided for review by Penguin Workshop via Edelweiss+.
I think it is a neat and unique way to introduce kids to their ABCs while also taking a virtual trip around the United States on the "wings" of a book. The letters are fairly easy to spot and the names of the places where the photos are taken are also provided, so perhaps a family trip may also be in order soon.
If I had half the skills and patience of the geographer and designer duo behind this book, I'd have loved to do something similar featuring places in the Philippines. But I don't and I won't. Any takers, though? ^^
A preview of this board book was provided for review by Penguin Workshop via Edelweiss+.
February 22, 2019
'The Alphabet from the Sky' is a book appropriate for preschool age children to about 2nd grade. This book is similar to an 'I Spy' book. Each page has an areal photo of a city in the United States and the reader is asked to find a particular letter on each page. The letters can be part of the terrain or buildings that were built in the shape of a letter. This is a very cool book that I think a lot of students would really enjoy. However, this book would not be good to use for a read aloud because there is not really a story to read. This book would be great for students to work independently or in small groups with this book to improve and practice their letter recognition ability.
January 22, 2017
Each page is a real satellite picture featuring a letter of the alphabet. Includes a picture of the map, latitude, and longitude of the location. A great search and find book! Not so good for storytime.
November 26, 2020
Awesome
I think this would be a great lesson plan book to use for preschoolers/kinders to help them find every day letters in the world. I had to do one of these for my infant/toddler course and it was a lot of fun.
I think this would be a great lesson plan book to use for preschoolers/kinders to help them find every day letters in the world. I had to do one of these for my infant/toddler course and it was a lot of fun.
January 13, 2017
Any child is going to enjoy spotting the letters of the alphabet from the sky on the ground with a birds eye view. This is going to be a fun book to share.
March 16, 2017
I struggled to find some of these letters; thank goodness there is an answer key in the back.
June 23, 2017
Cool alphabet seek and find of aerial photos. Most letters were obvious but some were pushing the envelope a bit. Still a fun book to share with kids.
February 16, 2019
Cool collection of aerial photos featuring buildings and natural formations shaped like letters of the alphabet.
April 1, 2019
Had to buy this
It’s great
Perfect for early childhood classrooms
As a gal from Michigan - loved the F page where Plymouth is mentioned
Love it
It’s great
Perfect for early childhood classrooms
As a gal from Michigan - loved the F page where Plymouth is mentioned
Love it
June 7, 2019
very entertaining
March 28, 2022
Not for babies, great for around 3-5 year olds, great to look at pictures in detail
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2022
We enjoyed finding the letters and seeing aerial views of different areas of the country.
Read
January 17, 2023Quite funny
March 13, 2017
1) Awards: none
2) Age Range: 3-5 years
3) Summary: Each page of this book is designated to a letter of the alphabet. Children will have to search for this letter that is artistically outlined with landscape/buildings in that area. Each photo is taken from a bird-eye view.
4) Review: I found this book to be a lot of fun. It represents numerous geographic area, which is listed on each page for the reader's understanding. It was an interesting way to incorporate a fun "I spy!" themed activity into letter recognition. A lot of the letters were easy to find, however, I did have a little difficulty searching for others.
5) In Class Use:
-geography connections
-letter recognition
-A teacher could print out the pages individually and have each child find the letter, and then provide a few words that begin with their letter as a fun activity
2) Age Range: 3-5 years
3) Summary: Each page of this book is designated to a letter of the alphabet. Children will have to search for this letter that is artistically outlined with landscape/buildings in that area. Each photo is taken from a bird-eye view.
4) Review: I found this book to be a lot of fun. It represents numerous geographic area, which is listed on each page for the reader's understanding. It was an interesting way to incorporate a fun "I spy!" themed activity into letter recognition. A lot of the letters were easy to find, however, I did have a little difficulty searching for others.
5) In Class Use:
-geography connections
-letter recognition
-A teacher could print out the pages individually and have each child find the letter, and then provide a few words that begin with their letter as a fun activity
October 9, 2016
4.3 stars
Fun. Find the letters in the alphabet that are part of aerial photographs of places in the U.S.
December 3, 2017
This book can be a really fun book to read for a quick break, but it had no information in it. The pictures were cool, and I liked how they showed were they were from, but it was more like an ISpy book, not something you would use in your classroom.
September 21, 2016
Title: The Alphabet from the Sky
Author: Benedikt Grob and Joey Lee
Genre: Alphabet Book, Picture Book
Themes: The Alphabet
Plot Summary: This alphabet book takes readers through a bird’s eye view of different places around the United States where landscapes create letters. At the end of the book is a key showing where the hidden letters were in case you got stuck. In addition, they have other landmarks that made letters!
Literary Merit: In this book, I think both of the authors’ presentation is a literary merit. For more advanced young readers who are practicing the alphabet, rather than learning it, they would find this book interesting and fun. The authors take a very unique approach to a letter-finding book with incorporating bird’s eye view of landscapes and picking out hidden letters within that landscape. Readers could find themselves gazing at the illustrations for a while just looking at these different snapshots of places in the United States.
Reader Response/Classroom Connections: After reading the book, the teacher can go back through the pages and point out other interesting things that students might see on the maps. This could include buildings, landmarks, or even more letters. In addition, the teacher could also get out a map of the United States, and point out the specific states that are mentioned throughout the book. This of course would be something for older students.
*Additional Notes: This book meets the criteria and is deemed appropriate for young readers.
Author: Benedikt Grob and Joey Lee
Genre: Alphabet Book, Picture Book
Themes: The Alphabet
Plot Summary: This alphabet book takes readers through a bird’s eye view of different places around the United States where landscapes create letters. At the end of the book is a key showing where the hidden letters were in case you got stuck. In addition, they have other landmarks that made letters!
Literary Merit: In this book, I think both of the authors’ presentation is a literary merit. For more advanced young readers who are practicing the alphabet, rather than learning it, they would find this book interesting and fun. The authors take a very unique approach to a letter-finding book with incorporating bird’s eye view of landscapes and picking out hidden letters within that landscape. Readers could find themselves gazing at the illustrations for a while just looking at these different snapshots of places in the United States.
Reader Response/Classroom Connections: After reading the book, the teacher can go back through the pages and point out other interesting things that students might see on the maps. This could include buildings, landmarks, or even more letters. In addition, the teacher could also get out a map of the United States, and point out the specific states that are mentioned throughout the book. This of course would be something for older students.
*Additional Notes: This book meets the criteria and is deemed appropriate for young readers.
February 19, 2017
Great book. It combines the alphabet with a Find n Seek theme. Kids will love it. I loved it.
December 22, 2016
This book grabbed me more than I thought with real life pictures of landscapes with a letter hidden in topography. J was a real stumper for me. Interactive preschool and up or as great one on one.
February 16, 2017
What a great book!
Loved the way the pictures were taken from the air, with each city & state documented with the longitude/latitude, & it just gave you so much to look at not just the alphabet letters.
A great "I spy" type of book for all types of letters, buildings, water, grass, mountain & water ranges, etc.
Loved the way the pictures were taken from the air, with each city & state documented with the longitude/latitude, & it just gave you so much to look at not just the alphabet letters.
A great "I spy" type of book for all types of letters, buildings, water, grass, mountain & water ranges, etc.
February 13, 2017
Fun and challenging! Great photos!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews