Book Review ABC ALPHABET FOR THE FUTURE BAG COLLECTORS Learning the alphabet (ABC ALPHABET BOOKS)

When was the last time you picked up an alphabet book that felt truly original? Most ABC books follow a predictable formula—A for Apple, B for Ball, and so on. But ABC ALPHABET FOR THE FUTURE BAG COLLECTORS by M. Pierre-Henry Bor flips the script, offering a quirky, imaginative, and visually engaging take on learning the alphabet.

This isn’t just another children’s book—it’s a playful, almost surreal adventure that blends education with absurdist humor. If you’re looking for an alphabet book that stands out from the crowd, this might just be the one.

The premise is simple yet delightfully bizarre: each letter of the alphabet is paired with an unusual, often humorous item related to "future bag collectors." What does that mean? Well, imagine "A" standing for "Antique Airbag" or "B" for "Bubble-Wrapped Briefcase." The book takes readers on a journey through a world where bags (and their futuristic, eccentric variations) reign supreme.

While there isn’t a traditional narrative, the book’s structure creates a sense of discovery. Each page introduces a new letter and a corresponding "bag" concept, often accompanied by vibrant, stylized illustrations. The result is a book that feels like a mix between a children’s primer and a conceptual art piece.

Since this is an alphabet book, there aren’t traditional characters—unless you count the bags themselves, which almost take on personalities of their own. The "Inflatable Jetpack Handbag" (for "I") feels adventurous, while the "Zipped-Up Zero-Gravity Sack" (for "Z") has a sci-fi charm.

The real "character" here is the book’s playful tone. It doesn’t just teach letters—it invites kids (and adults) to imagine a world where everyday objects are redefined in absurd, creative ways.

Bor’s writing is concise, letting the illustrations and concepts do most of the talking. The text is minimal—usually just a phrase per page—but each word is carefully chosen to maximize whimsy and memorability.

The narrative technique is more about association than storytelling. Instead of forcing a plot, the book encourages readers to make their own connections between letters and objects. This open-ended approach makes it great for interactive reading sessions where kids can guess what each bag might look like before turning the page.

At first glance, this is a straightforward alphabet book. But beneath the surface, there’s a subtle commentary on consumerism, futurism, and the way we attach meaning to objects. Why bags? Perhaps because they’re universal—everyone uses them, yet they’re often overlooked. By reimagining them in wild, futuristic forms, the book challenges readers to see the ordinary in extraordinary ways.

There’s also an underlying theme of playfulness in learning. Many educational books prioritize function over fun, but ABC ALPHABET FOR THE FUTURE BAG COLLECTORS proves that creativity enhances retention. Kids (and adults!) are more likely to remember "Q is for Quantum Quilted Carryall" than "Q is for Queen."

I’ll admit—I picked this up out of sheer curiosity. How could an alphabet book about "future bag collectors" possibly work? But within a few pages, I was charmed. The absurdity of concepts like "Nano-Nylon Nap Sack" made me laugh, and the illustrations kept me flipping pages just to see what came next.

Reading it with a child (or even a fellow adult) turns into a game: "What do you think 'X' will stand for?" (Spoiler: It’s "X-Ray Transparent Tote," which is as weirdly wonderful as it sounds.)

Most alphabet books fall into two categories:

1. Traditional (e.g., Dr. Seuss’s ABC) – Focused on rhyming and classic associations.
2. Thematic (e.g., ABCs of Science) – Teaching letters through a specific subject.

This book is in a league of its own. It’s thematic (bags) but also surreal (future collectors?). It reminds me of The Dangerous Alphabet by Neil Gaiman in its willingness to subvert expectations, but with a lighter, more humorous touch.

✅ Uniqueness – You won’t find another ABC book like this.
✅ Engaging Illustrations – The art style is bold and memorable.
✅ Encourages Creativity – Kids will start inventing their own "future bags."
✅ Great for All Ages – Adults will appreciate the humor, while kids enjoy the silliness.

❌ Niche Appeal – If you prefer straightforward learning, this might feel too abstract.
❌ Limited "Educational" Depth – It’s more about fun than rigorous phonics.

• Parents & Educators looking for a fresh, engaging way to teach the alphabet.

• Kids (Ages 3-7) who enjoy silly, imaginative concepts.

• Design & Art Lovers – The book’s aesthetic is striking.

• Collectors of Unusual Books – This is a standout addition to any quirky bookshelf.

• "F is for Floating Featherweight Folio" – A personal favorite for its alliteration.

• "U is for Unzipped Upside-Down Umbrella Bag" – The kind of phrase that sticks in your head.

Bags are one of humanity’s oldest inventions, evolving from simple pouches to high-tech accessories. This book playfully nods to that evolution, imagining what bags might look like in a surreal, futuristic world. It’s a fun way to introduce kids to the idea of innovation and design.

ABC ALPHABET FOR THE FUTURE BAG COLLECTORS is more than an alphabet book—it’s a celebration of creativity. Whether you’re buying it for a child, a friend who loves oddball humor, or yourself, it’s a book that stands out in a sea of predictable ABCs.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

• What’s the most bizarre "future bag" you can imagine that wasn’t in the book?
• Do you think unconventional alphabet books help kids learn better?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear which "future bag" was your favorite!

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