Crazy Alphabet & When the Elephant Walks (5)

Cox, L. (1990). Crazy alphabet. New York: Orchard Books.

Keiko, K. (1990). When the elephant walks. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Crazy Alphabet book cover.

Lynn Cox's book Crazy Alphabet, as its title suggest, is an ABC picture book with a cause and effect relationship much in the scheme of There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly. The book would be excellent for teaching cause and effect as well as to reinforce the learning of the alphabet with young readers.

The repetitive nature of the book's wording along with the brilliant illustrations would make it an excellent read-aloud selection. The illustrations feature mixed media (although not easily discernible, they appear to feature paint and ink and perhaps pencil and collage elements). The pictures are of a brightly colored cartoon drawing nature and often incorporate geometric shapes. The illustrations are often doublespread, adding to their appeal for read aloud presentation.

When the Elephant Walks book cover.

Another selection that seems appropriate for both cause and effect discussions and read alouds with younger audiences is the picture book When the Elephant Walks by Keiko Kasza. The book's plot was explained by the chain of events that started when an elephant went for a walk that scared the bear which caused the bear to run and in turn scare the crocodile and so the story continues. 

Similarly, this animal story featured cartoon doublespread illustrations but of softer colors. Humor was also incorporated in the illustrations, particularly through the facial expressions of the animal characters.