P Is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever

Hilarious educational book. And when I say educational, it’s potentially educational for both kids AND adults. Let’s be honest, the English language is hard! Perfect for gifting to parents of wit, and a healthy sense of humor. And in reality, these kids will need to learn these words eventually, so why not make it fun. As for the book itself, it has regular paper pages which — I learned as a childless adult — is not intended for toddlers, as they may rip out the pages. But I suppose that makes sense, as I don’t anticipate a 2 year old to appreciate this book as much as an older child.

Whomever said English is the hardest language to learn would probably be quite pleased to see P is for Pterodactyl. This is a very clever alphabet book that highlights the difficulties that the English language poses at times with silent letters. Each letter is accompanied by a sentence that highlights several more words that break the sound rule such as “H is for heir. The honest heir admits that herbalism isn’t his cup of tea.” For those who are sensitive to witches, wizardry, and the occult showing up in a kid’s book - yes, there is a psychic pterodactyl and a Ouiji board included in the book. As a Christian, I was not upset at that at all considering there are very few words I can think of that start with a silent O and Ouiji boards are fairly well known. Maybe we’ll see an updated book down the line when someone comes up with a “better” word. Overall, this book was so clever that I bought a second copy for myself and will probably buy one for every kid gift I need to get in the future. It’s witty and educational and just fun to try to read.

Cute book!

great gift for kids and adults

I picked up this book as an end of semester thank you gift for my professor. I think P is for Pterodactyl is a tounge in cheek alphabet book that was the perfect thing to present to a teacher of literacy. This is a must have companion to other alphabet books. When people ask, "What about phonics instruction?" This book shows why phonics is not enough. It is simply one small part of literacy instruction. Funny, unconventional, and irreverent, you'll laugh and nod along as you read from A-Z! Very nicely priced too, about what you might spend on a high quality greeting card, but this is something that really has staying power. Plus, it can be used in the college classroom as an example of the importance of a multi-faceted approach to literacy instruction.

This is a cute book with witty writing and images, but because it was a gift for my sister’s children, I worried about the page on “O,” similar to other reviewers. I liked one reviewer’s idea to make her own page using “O is not for Honor,” so I edited the book’s page with that same verbiage using some construction paper, whited out the word “Ouija” from the writing at the bottom of the page, and changed “witch” to “ones” because I think that “one” is a better way of showing off a different sound of “o” than witch is. It’s not perfect, but I think my sister will appreciate it more than the original.

This book is made as a children's book for those who find the amusement in human life. English can be really damn odd. I can't imagine not being a native speaker. This would be great for a foreigner as a confusing introduction into the oddities in English words. Certain words when said phonetically make no sense at all and that is the point of this book. It will have you realizing just how ridiculous some words that you don't normally think about are spelled. You might even learn some yourself as a native speaker. Trick question, what letter does ______ start with?

Hilarious book, very cute. Not for new readers, but I purchased it anyways for my niece to enjoy in the future. I think her parents have enjoyed it the most. Content is funny, images are engaging.

The perfect book to confuse or entertain your friend’s 6 year olds! Not to mention to remind us the quirks of English language and chuckle. Once you’ve read this, I bet you’ll have a chuckle every time you see the cover. For fellow entomology nerds — this digs into the depths of your psyche and heaves out the skeletons from your phonic closet.

Sehr gut

Bought to be a coffee table book for the novelty. Unfortunately only half the pages are actually funny/interesting - the others are a little forced and included for completeness.

Je l’ai acheté pour mon enfant mais finalement j’ai plus profité que lui:)

P Is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever is a delightful and clever twist on the traditional alphabet book. Aimed at teaching children the basics of the alphabet, this book stands out by bringing humor, wit, and a clever look at the quirks of the English language. It’s a fantastic read for both kids and adults alike, offering laughs and learning with every turn of the page. Humor for Adults, Fun for Kids At first glance, P Is for Pterodactyl appears to be a simple alphabet book, but it quickly reveals itself as something much more clever. The premise is that each letter is represented by a word that features a silent letter, and the humor comes from the way these words are presented. For instance, “P is for Pterodactyl” shows off the silent “P,” and “K is for Knuckle” highlights the silent “K.” The inclusion of funny, sometimes bizarre examples like "W is for Wraith" and "B is for Bamboozle" keeps the mood light and playful. While the kids may giggle at the funny illustrations and unusual words, it's the adults who will really appreciate the wordplay. The humor is sharp and clever, making it just as enjoyable for parents reading to their children as it is for young readers themselves. It’s not often that an alphabet book can simultaneously entertain adults while teaching children, but P Is for Pterodactyl does just that. A Fun Way to Teach Silent Letters One of the most unique aspects of this book is its focus on silent letters, an often confusing aspect of the English language. Rather than just focusing on the traditional “A is for Apple,” the book takes the opportunity to introduce children to letters that don’t always sound like they’re supposed to. This playful approach makes it much easier for kids to grasp the concept of silent letters, such as the “C” in “Czar” or the “S” in “Isle.” For young readers who may be struggling with the quirks of English spelling and pronunciation, P Is for Pterodactyl offers an enjoyable, memorable way to understand and recognize silent letters in a fun and accessible context. Plus, the illustrations are full of visual humor, making the silent letters concept more approachable and less intimidating. Illustrations That Match the Tone The illustrations by Ruth Chan are bright, whimsical, and full of energy, perfectly complementing the witty text. Each page features bold, playful designs that highlight the word on the page, often with quirky depictions that will leave kids (and adults) laughing. The book's visual style is modern and inviting, with a cartoonish charm that makes it a delight to explore. A Learning Tool with a Sense of Humor Ultimately, P Is for Pterodactyl succeeds as both a tool for early literacy and a source of humor for all ages. It’s an excellent resource for teaching kids about the oddities of the English language while keeping things light and funny. And while it’s clearly geared toward younger readers, its wit and playful take on the alphabet will ensure that adults have just as much fun as the kids. Final Thoughts P Is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever is a brilliant and entertaining way to introduce children to the world of silent letters. It’s funny, educational, and perfect for parents looking for a lighthearted yet informative read. The humor is not only perfect for kids, but also provides plenty of laughs for adults, making this a must-have for any home library. Whether you're teaching your child the alphabet or simply looking for a fun, engaging read, this book delivers on all fronts.