Authors: Ann & Paul Rand

What’s the purpose of the alphabet? Why do we need to learn the sounds of the 26 arbitrary symbols we call letters, spanning from A to Z? Because there is more to it, right? Without this knowledge, we would not be able to effectively create words—then again, one might ask, “What are words?”

Ann and Paul Rand’s Sparkle and Spin: A book about words seeks to help answer that last question. They provide several examples of what exactly words are—for example, “Words are how what you think inside comes out…”

Words can be big or small. Words are the names of objects. Words tell who you are. Words tell what you do. Words can describe. Words are sounds you can make. Words can sound alike. The list goes on, but as you can see, Sparkle and Spin serves as an educational tool towards the awareness of words and lessons in grammar and the English language. It can serve as the perfect catalyst to teach preschoolers and children about nouns, verbs and adjectives. It can also be an introduction to explaining the difference between proper nouns and common nouns. It introduces children to the basic world of words—the rest is up to you, but the opportunities for further exploration are endless!

Sparkle and Spin is also a wonderful expression of graphic design. It is brightly illustrated with a collage-type feel, using bold colors and differentiating shapes. It exudes a classroom feel, especially with the illustration of a chalkboard and chalkboard drawings (and this further makes this book relative to children).

It is said of this husband and wife team that, “together, they created unaffected volumes expressive of the lightness and exuberance of youth, yet ultimately grounded in very real heart.”

It’s so true! I encourage you to get a hold of this great book and read it to your child. Sparkle and Spin provides a purpose to learning the alphabet and an understanding of how letters are put together to form words, and it further explains the importance of words—for without them, we wouldn’t be able to communicate!