The Cheeky Toddler Alphabet

The Cheeky Toddler Alphabet by Davina Bell and Jennifer Falkner (Hachette) HB PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9780734422101

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Davina Bell is an award-winning and bestselling author. What to Say When You Don't Know What to Say was the winner of the ABIA Children's Picture Book of the Year Award 2023 and a CBCA Notable Picture Book of the Year 2023.

Jennifer Falkner is a critically acclaimed illustrator.

The Cheeky Toddler Alphabet is an A-to-Z celebration of the chaos and tenderness of the toddler years – the ones that bring the most incredible joys and frustrations. The times as a parent you wouldn’t trade for anything, or would you?

Bell is skilful and masterful with her use of words and how she layers meaning. She knows how to pull on heart strings and capture the magic of the everyday. You may think this is just another alphabet book but don’t be deceived. The story weaving with each letter makes reading this book fun for both child and parent. It really does have dual appeal. It feels like you are chatting with your toddler as you read along. A is for aeroplane, all-gone and ant. And the apple you bit and then dropped in a plant. B is for bubbles and bee-buzz in blossoms. For bruises and bottles and bare bathtime bottoms. The choice of words and writing techniques used like wonderful alliteration make this book sing as a read aloud. Bell is always highly original and inventive when she writes, and she captures hearts so well.

Falkner’s lush illustrations bring out the imaginary world of a child so delightfully. The characters of mother and child are touching and show a love bond that is much more powerful than words. She has captured the joy, innocence and learning of toddler years with such heart and detail. Everything is new for a toddler and those moments are captured in a way that show both the joys and frustrations. The illustrations are like a song with the words and pattern of the alphabet being a framework for a regular rhythm of both loud and soft visual storytelling. She uses full pages, double spreads and vignettes to great effect.

The Cheeky Toddler Alphabet is a tender, playful read for children aged three years and up.

This book is sure to appeal to parents, toddlers, preschoolers and early-childhood teachers. It is structured in a way to not only be fun but also educational.