The Best Alphabet Books to Teach your Toddler Their ABCs

Discover the best Alphabet books that help young learners master the alphabet while focusing on phonics. Perfect for preschoolers, toddlers, pre-k, and kindergarten students, these books combine engaging illustrations, catchy rhymes, and interactive elements to make learning fun. Whether you're building letter recognition or phonemic awareness, these top 5 picks lay the foundation for reading success. Explore our recommendations for books that make phonics come alive and set the stage for future literacy skills!

The Best ABC Books Include Phonics

Our top picks for ABC books include more than just the names of each letter - they use phonics to help teach the sounds of each letter too! Here's our top 5 picks, including a bonus Silly Phonics pick too. 

1. Usborne Fingertrail ABC

This is our #1 Pick because it uses each letter in a short phrase and has tactile outlines for tracing each letter to help your child practice printing too. We also like the thoughtful choice of words for tricky sounds like x. 

2. Chronicle Books TouchThinkLearn: ABC

This is another tactile one that is cut so that each letter has a sensory element you can trace. A word is also included with each letter, so you can practice the sounds. 

3. Eric Carlyle's ABC

Classic Eric Carlyle artwork with a word for each letter.

4. A to Z by Sandra Boyton

Adorable illustrations paired with animal activities that showcase the sounds each letter makes. We love that the letter C shows "cats cleaning" highlighting how the letter c often sounds like a /k/.

5. The ABCs of Baby's Needs: A Sign Language Book for Babies

This one showcases the letters of the alphabet alongside common ASL signs for activities you do with baby, such as E is for eat. A great way to practice sign language with your children.

Bonus Book Pick: The WORST Phonics ABC Book

Our final book is a silly phonics book called P is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever by Raj Haldar and Chris Carptenter. This super silly book is sure to bring a laugh, reminding us of all the silent letters and silly words that just don't make sense. Use this one as a talking point for older children and laugh together about how not every word in English follows the rules. 

Honorary Mention: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

While it doesn't include phonics, this is a classic alphabet book that teaches letter sounds in a fun way through a rhythmic prose.