ALPHABET BY HEART

Jeanne Shriver and Mark K. Shriver’s alphabet book aims to inspire young children with a story about emotional intelligence and inclusivity.

With simple rhymes, the authors use the alphabet to encourage children to consider how the letters can form powerful words, such as empathy (“Empathy tells others / they are never alone. / Imagine their feelings, / and make them your own”), care, understand, and trust; it’s a structure that gives the 26 letters a deeper meaning. Although similar ABC books exist, the sincerity of this book’s text is deeply felt as it suggests that the most profound learning happens in the heart. It also serves as a reminder to parents and children alike that what matters most is how kind one is to other people. Watson’s colorful cartoon illustrations depict diverse characters with various skin tones and abilities. Multigenerational portrayals give voice to adult caregivers who may read this book aloud to little ones. The tone is light, vibrant, warm, and optimistic, and the book would be a great read for children between the ages of 2 and 6 who are just beginning to navigate the social landscape.

A sweet picture book that values social growth as much as academic learning.