My young nephew is obsessed with the alphabet. He loves saying the letters, playing with his alphabet toys, and learning how to write them with crayons or chalk. So, when I heard that author Chris Elle Dove had written an alphabet book, I knew that I had to check it out.
Gabby Loves Letters is more than just an illustrated alphabet list. It’s a poetic journey that provides greater insight into Dove’s beloved character, Gabby, including her interests, her adventures, and her relationships. Below is my review of Gabby Loves Letters followed by an interview with Chris Elle Dove.
Gabby Loves Letters plot summary
Gabby Loves Letters is an alphabet book featuring Gabby the dog, the puppy from Dove’s previous book, Gabby Makes a Friend. Each page features a letter of the alphabet, in both its uppercase and lowercase forms, followed by an experience that Gabby has featuring multiple words that start with that letter.
Each page is told in rhyme with illustrations to compliment each page of text. Some letters feature one large illustration while others break down into a few, depending on the activity in which Gabby is engaged. From playing with other animal friends to exploring new places to celebrating different events, the pages featured within the book describe different interests and mini adventures that relate to both dogs and young readers.
The story and format
The book isn’t so much a story as it is a blend of this dog’s life from an educational angle. You can tell that a lot of effort has been put into making each page tell a mini story about Gabby while also featuring as many words that start with the featured letter as possible.
Dove highlights these words on the page in different colored fonts and written in all caps. It helps to show that adjectives and verbs can start with different letters rather than just nouns that you’d see on standard flashcards or in alphabet books. It also illustrates that there is more than one way that a letter can sound.
At the same time, each rhyme is just a few lines long. It’s enough to pack in several words beginning with the letter while accommodating short attention spans. So, even though it’s a longer book, totaling approximately 60 pages, each page is a quick read.
The illustrations
Just like Gabby Makes a Friend, the illustrations by Sofie Schollaert are colorful and eye-catching yet sophisticated. I love how Gabby’s personality comes through in her body language and through her large eyes. Every illustration is well-crafted with just enough detail to help tell the story while still putting Gabby front and center.
One of my favorite illustrations in the book is under the letter X where Gabby is playing the Xylophone while holding her stuffed T-Rex. The image is taken right from the text, but it compliments it so well and really puts you in the room with her and her favorite toy.
My recommendation
Gabby Loves Letters is one of the most imaginative and well-crafted alphabet books I’ve read. I love how Dove blends entertainment with education using an already-established character. It reminds me of the Disney-themed books I used to own where Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck would teach you about letters, numbers, and other basic lessons in preparation for school with fun rhyme schemes, imaginative details, and beloved characters.
This is a book that early readers can read to their younger friends or siblings. It’s not too juvenile for an elementary-aged picture book reader and not too complicated for a pre-school reader. And both will get something out of it.
My rating
An interview with Chris Elle Dove
What inspired you to write an alphabet book versus a direct sequel to Gabby Makes a Friend?
I actually started to write a sequel where Gabby was going camping. At the same time, separately, I was creating an alphabet book. Then one day, while working on the letter “G,” the two books merged. It just felt right!
Did you look at any other alphabet books or picture books in general for inspiration?
While I was writing the book, I came across Little Blue Truck at a hair salon. I hadn’t read it for a long time. When I returned home, I watched a reading of it on YouTube. I truly appreciate the masterful character development, engaging story, and well-placed onomatopoeias. It was definitely inspiring!
This book is dedicated to your children. Did they contribute any ideas or suggestions during the writing process?
Not directly. But they’ve contributed a wealth of ideas over the past 29 years! I’m sure I’ll sprinkle in more fond memories from their childhood, here and there, as I continue writing.
Did you write the book in order?
I didn’t. The first letter I wrote was “S.” Seven salamanders sitting on a stick… They didn’t make it to the final draft.
The first page I wrote and kept was:
“Gabby loves cuddling cats, riding in cars, and trying to catch falling stars.”
There were a few times I thought the letter “X” might keep me from finishing, but eventually it came together!
Are there any real-life details or experiences with your own dog that are featured in the book?
Rhea, my dog in real life, does love playing with friends in the yard, fetching balls, riding in cars, swimming, snacks, crinkly toys, stuffed animals and running up and down stairs. Much like Gabby, she is smart, curious, and ready for new adventures!
Who is your target audience?
The book is most appropriate for children between 3 and 5.
What resource was most effective in teaching you the alphabet as a kid?
I still remember Mr. Munchie Mouth, so I have to assume it was the Letter People.
Did you have a lot of input on the illustrations?
I’ve used Sophie Schollaert as the illustrator for all of my books. I originally found her on Instagram. She is brilliant. I very rarely offer any input. I simply marvel at, and applaud, what she comes up with.
What is your favorite page?
This is a difficult question! My favorite character illustration is the porcupine, on the “P” page. But “K”, with its kites and kicking kangaroos, is probably my favorite page to read aloud.
What’s next for you?
I’m so glad you asked! When I got Gabby Loves Letters back from Sophie, I shipped her my latest finished manuscript, What Type of Witch is Willow? Now it’s her turn to, once again, work her magic!
Author links
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Book Titles
Gabby Makes a Friend
Sadie’s Sea Turtle
Gabby Loves Letters
Upcoming: What Type of Witch is Willow?
Links to buy Gabby Makes a Friend
Hardcover [B&N]
Paperback [Amazon]
eBook [Amazon]
Buy it!
Buy a copy of Chris Elle Dove’s first book featuring Gabby, Gabby Makes a Friend, here, and help support local bookstores! This is an affiliate link, and I will earn a commission on any sales.
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Love this review! The book sounds delightful and would make a perfect gift for the mom of a young kid. <3
Yes, you can’t have too many alphabet books.
This is such a cute way to learn the alphabet!