ABC Crosswords (Dover Little Activity Books) by Fran Newman-DAmico

If you're looking for a charming, engaging, and educational activity book for young learners, ABC Crosswords by Fran Newman-D'Amico is a fantastic choice. Part of Dover’s beloved Little Activity Books series, this compact yet enriching puzzle book is designed to introduce children to the joys of wordplay while reinforcing early literacy skills.

But is it just for kids? Not necessarily! Parents, educators, and even adults who enjoy simple, relaxing puzzles may find themselves flipping through its pages with a smile. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore what makes ABC Crosswords stand out, its strengths, and who will benefit most from this delightful little book.

---

ABC Crosswords is a collection of beginner-friendly crossword puzzles tailored for young children, typically ages 4-8. Unlike traditional crosswords that rely on complex clues, these puzzles use visual prompts—adorable illustrations of animals, objects, and everyday items—to guide kids in filling in the correct letters.

Each puzzle focuses on a different letter of the alphabet, reinforcing letter recognition, vocabulary, and spelling in a playful way. The book’s small size (about 4 x 5.75 inches) makes it perfect for on-the-go entertainment, whether in a car, at a restaurant, or during quiet time at home.

---

While ABC Crosswords isn’t a narrative-driven book with characters, its "personality" shines through its design. The illustrations by Fran Newman-D'Amico are cheerful, colorful, and inviting, making the puzzles feel like a game rather than a learning exercise. The simplicity of the artwork ensures that young children aren’t overwhelmed, keeping them engaged without frustration.

The real "characters" here are the words themselves—each one carefully chosen to be familiar to early readers. From "apple" to "zebra," the book builds confidence by using words kids encounter daily.

---

Newman-D'Amico’s approach is brilliantly intuitive. Instead of relying on written clues, the puzzles use pictures, which is perfect for pre-readers or those just starting to read. For example:

• A drawing of a cat appears with empty squares for C _ _
• A ball is shown with _ A _ _

---

At first glance, ABC Crosswords seems like pure entertainment, but it subtly reinforces essential learning concepts:

• Letter Recognition & Phonics – By associating images with words, kids strengthen their understanding of how letters form sounds.
• Vocabulary Building – Exposure to new words in a fun context expands a child’s language skills.
• Problem-Solving & Patience – Even simple puzzles teach kids to think critically and persist through challenges.

The book also fosters independence—children can work through it with minimal adult help, giving them a sense of achievement.

---

As someone who enjoys both puzzles and children’s educational books, I found ABC Crosswords to be a delightful little gem. The illustrations are whimsical without being distracting, and the puzzles strike the perfect balance between challenge and accessibility.

I tested it with a five-year-old, and the excitement in their eyes when they correctly filled in a word was priceless. The compact size also makes it a great travel companion—no bulky workbooks needed!

---

Compared to other early-learning puzzle books, ABC Crosswords stands out for its:

• Visual-first approach – Many beginner crossword books still rely on written clues, which can be frustrating for non-readers.
• Portability – Unlike larger activity books, this fits easily in a bag or pocket.
• Affordability – At just a few dollars, it’s an excellent value for the engagement it provides.

Books like The Big Book of Crosswords for Kids offer more puzzles but lack the same simplicity and charm.

---

✅ Perfect for Early Learners – Ideal for kids just starting to recognize letters and words.
✅ Encourages Independent Play – Minimal adult supervision needed.
✅ Adorable Illustrations – Bright, friendly, and appealing to young children.
✅ Compact & Travel-Friendly – Fits easily in a purse or backpack.

❌ Limited for Advanced Learners – Older or more proficient readers may find it too easy.
❌ Single-Use Puzzles – Since answers are filled in, it’s not reusable like a wipe-clean book.

---

• Parents of Preschoolers & Early Readers – A fun way to reinforce ABCs and simple words.
• Teachers & Homeschoolers – Great for classroom activities or quiet time.
• Grandparents & Caregivers – An easy, screen-free entertainment option.
• Adults Who Enjoy Simple Puzzles – A relaxing, nostalgic break from harder crosswords.

---

While not a traditional storybook, the book’s charm lies in its simplicity. One of my favorite puzzles features:

"D _ _ _" (with an image of a duck)

It’s a small moment, but seeing a child light up when they connect the letters to the picture is magical.

---

Dover Publications has long been a trusted name in educational and activity books, known for affordability and quality. ABC Crosswords fits perfectly within their mission of making learning accessible and enjoyable.

---

ABC Crosswords is a delightful, well-designed activity book that makes learning fun. While it’s best suited for younger children, its charm and simplicity make it a worthwhile addition to any early learner’s library.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

---

• What’s your favorite way to introduce kids to word games?
• Do you prefer visual or text-based puzzles for early learners?
• Have you tried other books in the Dover Little Activity Books series?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Happy puzzling! 🧩

Get this book on Amazon

For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.

For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.