123 versus ABC

This clever picture book pits the number 1 versus the letter A as they argue over whether the book is really about numbers or about letters, with ample evidence to supply both with proof for their case (i.e., one alligator appears on the scene followed by two bears and three cars, etc.). By the time the two decide to call it a day, they've counted to 26 and covered all the letters in the alphabet ... and encountered a lost red dot looking for a book about colors!

I borrowed this book from the library because I heard good early buzz about it and wanted to share it with my kindergarten class. They absolutely loved the book, sitting enraptured throughout story time. When I was done reading the book, the kids all said it was funny. The show more splash of red showing up at the end was particularly hysterical to them! show less

I love this fun picture book about numbers and letters, the colorful characters in this story, compete to be the stars of this book. It is really funny because the debate against numbers and colors escalates when funny animals and props arrive. It starts with 1 alligator, 2 bears, and 3 cars. Then they start asking who is this book really about? At the end, the answer is clear. This fresh and funny picture book plays with both numbers and letters in the most imaginative way.

Truly imaginative with amusing and lively illustrations. I was curious how the author/illustrator created his images and the publishing page says he used the digital tool, Corel Painter. An argument ensues between the number 1 and letter A about the content of this book and many characters join in until both agree that numbers and letters can work together in harmony. Hungry Geese eating Hot Dogs and Ice-cream cones; Koalas and Lions work on a Jigsaw; and Monkeys wearing Neckties juggle Oranges. It is slightly confusing to read at first but would be an excellent read-aloud with two people, one taking the number 1's dialogue and the other taking the part of the letter A.

Too funny. A meta book about a friendly rivalry. And wow, the counting doesn't stop at 10! Can you guess where it will stop? Sure you can. Love the epilogue (and yes, though it's not labeled, and one page long with 15 words, that's what it is...).

I really enjoyed this book and it would be perfect for younger children who are learning to count and their abc's. The way the text is laid out as if the A and 1 are having conversations amongst each other make it more fun to read. The book starts out with the 1 and the A arguing about whether the book is about letters or numbers. The letters and numbers keep arguing until an Alligator pop up then they continue to argue since 1 Alligator showed up then more things started showing up the book continued to count and go through the alphabet getting to 26 and Z. At the end 1 and A agree that the book is about both. This is a fun interactive book for children to help read while learning about the alphabet and numbers.

The numbers and letters are in a competition for grabbing the spotlight. The letters and numbers keep arguing who this book is about by rambling numbers and letters of objects. As the ramblings continue, the pages are filled with both letters and numbers, and the conclusion is reached that it is about both of them until the color red enters. This book uses playful banter to allow the reader to discover both letters and numbers together. The digital illustrations are engaging and dynamic. I found that this book may be a bit overwhelming for a very young reader, but if introduced at the right age could be great. If done in a group discussion, there are many questions that would lead into grand discussions of both letters and numbers.

123 vs ABC is a twist on the standard ABC and counting book as it pits numbers and letters against each other in a debate over which one is more important. While the two in the end come to the conclusion that both are equally important, the book goes through all the letters of the alphabet and numbers 1-26 with a nice picture that associates both the selected number and letter on each page. I thought this book was pretty funny, and would be useful in a classroom as an example for a possible number and letter activity where students would have to draw a specific quantity of something that started with the right letter of the alphabet. The pages are all very colorful and the characters are full of life in this book. I could see younger show more kids, maybe K-1st graders really getting a kick out of this book! show less