Book Summary

The premise of the book is the lowercase letters, personified as children of their uppercase parents and caregivers, each in turn climb up the coconut tree. Problem is, the tree is getting heavy and can't hold their weight! All the letters come tumbling out of the tree, only to be rescued by their uppercase caregivers, who tend to their injuries. Later that night, "a" doesn't give up and begins to climb the tree again, all the while double-daring its friends.

Content

There is a song that complements this story and adds to the appeal, performed by jazz and blues artist Crystal Taliefero. Its happy and jazzy beat is easy to sing along with. This book would appeal even to kindergarten and first-graders when paired with the song. The ambiguity in parental figures allows this book to appeal to a larger audience.

Illustrations

Lois Ehlert has won many awards for illustrations in this and other books. The vibrant colors and positioning of the letters add to the idea of movement as the letters climb the tree, end up in a pile, and are carted off by their caregivers.

Format

The book is written in a rhyming scheme, which is especially evident and entertaining when the letters sustain all their injuries. When the letter "a" travels back up the coconut tree after dark at the end of the book, it invites readers to come back for a second look.

Overall Evaluation

This is fun and entertaining book. The SPED students in my classroom LOVE to sing along with the song. It is one of the few books they willingly pick up and read without being prompted. Every classroom below second grade should be equipped with this book.

For Future Professionals to Use With Children

This book is excellent at engaging children to learn their upper- and lowercase letters. It also teaches kids to persevere, even if they get scraped knees or a chipped tooth!