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Screenwise Verdict
Eating the Alphabet does exactly what it sets out to do: teach letters through food. The illustrations are genuinely lovely—Ehlert's bold watercolors make even rutabagas look appealing—and the glossary adds educational depth.
But let's be real: this is a very young book. There's no story, no characters, no plot. You flip through, point at produce, say the names, and you're done. It's a solid tool for alphabet learning and vocabulary building, especially if you're trying to get a toddler excited about vegetables.
The 1996 design holds up reasonably well, though it doesn't have the modern polish of newer board books. It's a classic for a reason, but it's also a book with a very narrow age window. Once your kid knows their letters, this goes on the donation pile.
Age Fit
Best for toddlers and young preschoolers (ages 2-4) who are learning their ABCs and expanding food vocabulary. Older kids will outgrow it quickly—it's too simple for kindergarteners who already know their letters.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92
A gentle, positive introduction to fruits and vegetables with bright, cheerful illustrations. No negative content, no conflict, just colorful food arranged beautifully. The tone is calm and encouraging, making healthy eating feel accessible and fun for very young children.
Imaginative
68
Introduces kids to exotic foods they've likely never heard of (jicama, kohlrabi, kumquat), which sparks curiosity about the wider world. The bold watercolor art is visually striking. However, it's fundamentally a concept book—there's no story, no characters, no world-building. It's educational first, imaginative second.
Safe
100
About as safe as media gets. It's literally pictures of fruits and vegetables with their names. Zero concerning content, zero surprises, zero risk. Perfect for any child at any time.
Enriching
81
Solid educational value: teaches alphabet recognition, expands vocabulary with unusual food names, and includes a glossary with facts about each item. Promotes healthy eating habits and introduces global foods. But it's a straightforward concept book—kids learn letters and food names, which is valuable but not deeply transformative.
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
Bold, beautiful watercolor illustrations that make produce look genuinely appealing
Introduces exotic foods kids won't see at every grocery store (kohlrabi, jicama, kumquat)
Glossary at the back provides interesting facts about each food—extends the learning
Simple, clean format perfect for toddlers learning letters and expanding vocabulary
Subtly promotes healthy eating without being preachy
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What to Watch For
Zero story—this is a concept book, so kids who need narrative might lose interest quickly
The 1996 design aesthetic feels a bit dated compared to newer board books
Very young target audience (2-4 years)—older preschoolers may find it too simple
Conversation Starters
"Which of these foods have you tried? Which ones look weird or interesting?"
"Let's go to the store and see if we can find one of the foods we've never eaten before"
"Can you think of any other fruits or vegetables that start with the letter B?"
