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Baby University Abcs Board Book Set Four Alphabet Board Books for Toddlers (Baby University Board Book Sets)

by Chris Ferrie

Book Details

Publisher:Sourcebooks Explore
Published:2018-06-19
Format:board book
Language:English
ISBN:912424399X

Reading Info

Age Range:1-3

About This Book

# **A Whimsical Journey Through the Alphabet: Review of *Baby University ABC's Board Book Set* by Chris Ferrie** ## **Introduction: A Fresh Take on Early Learning** In a world where early child...

Our Review

In a world where early childhood education is often oversimplified or overly commercialized, Chris Ferrie’s Baby University ABC's Board Book Set stands out as a delightful and intellectually stimulating collection for toddlers. This four-book set reimagines the traditional ABC book by introducing scientific and mathematical concepts alongside foundational letters. But does it succeed in making learning both fun and meaningful for little ones?

As a parent and avid reader of children’s educational books, I was intrigued by Ferrie’s approach. Could a board book really introduce quantum physics or general relativity to a toddler? The answer, surprisingly, is yes—in the most charming and accessible way possible.

Unlike traditional storybooks, this set doesn’t follow a narrative plot but instead structures learning through themed alphabets:

  1. "ABCs of Space" – From A for Asteroid to Z for Zenith, this book takes toddlers on a cosmic journey.
  2. "ABCs of Mathematics" – Concepts like Addition, Base, and Cube make math visually engaging.
  3. "ABCs of Physics" – Terms like Force, Gravity, and Quark introduce basic physics playfully.
  4. "ABCs of Science" – Covers everything from Atom to Zygote, blending biology, chemistry, and more.

Each book follows a consistent format: a letter, a corresponding word, a simple definition, and vibrant illustrations. The lack of a traditional "story" doesn’t detract from its appeal—instead, it encourages interactive learning between parent and child.

Since these are concept books, the "characters" are the letters and the scientific terms they represent. Ferrie’s genius lies in personifying abstract ideas through playful illustrations. For example:

  • "D is for Dimension" (from ABCs of Physics) shows a whimsical wormhole, making a complex idea visually digestible.
  • "X is for Xylem" (from ABCs of Science) depicts a smiling plant, turning botany into something friendly.

The "development" here is in the child’s growing familiarity with these concepts, progressing from simple recognition to curiosity about deeper meanings.

Ferrie’s writing is concise yet precise—no easy feat when explaining quantum theory to toddlers. His definitions are short but accurate, avoiding oversimplification. For example:

"G is for Gravity: Gravity pulls things down."

The illustrations complement the text perfectly, using bold colors and friendly designs to hold a child’s attention. The board book format ensures durability, making it ideal for tiny hands that love to flip pages (or chew on them).

At its core, this set isn’t just about memorizing letters—it’s about fostering early STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) literacy. Themes include:

  • Curiosity: Encouraging questions about the natural world.
  • Accessibility: Breaking down intimidating subjects into bite-sized pieces.
  • Playful Learning: Making education feel like an adventure.

Unlike many alphabet books that stick to A for Apple, Ferrie’s approach plants seeds for future scientific curiosity.

As a parent, I’ve read countless ABC books, but this set quickly became a favorite. My two-year-old was instantly drawn to the bright, engaging illustrations. While she didn’t grasp Quark or Xylem immediately, she loved repeating the words and pointing at the pictures. Over time, she started recognizing letters and associating them with the concepts—"M is for Moon!"

I appreciated that the books grew with her. Initially, we focused on letter recognition; later, we explored the definitions. Now, at three, she asks questions like, "What’s a black hole?"—proof that these books spark deeper learning.

Most ABC books (Dr. Seuss’s ABC, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom) focus on rhyming or storytelling. Ferrie’s set is unique in its STEM integration, placing it alongside:

  • "Baby Loves Science" by Ruth Spiro – Similar concept but less alphabet-focused.
  • "ABCs of Biology" also by Chris Ferrie – A companion to this set, reinforcing his style.

Ferrie’s work stands out for its balance of education and entertainment, making it a great bridge between basic ABCs and more advanced science books.

āœ… Engaging Illustrations – Bold, colorful, and appealing to young kids.
āœ… Durable Design – Thick board pages survive toddler handling.
āœ… Educational Depth – Introduces real scientific terms without overwhelm.
āœ… Replay Value – Grows with the child’s understanding.

āŒ Some Concepts Are Advanced – "Q is for Quark" might confuse parents, let alone toddlers.
āŒ Limited Storytelling – Kids who love narratives might prefer Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

  • Parents of Toddlers (Ages 0-4) – Perfect for early letter recognition.
  • STEM-Focused Families – Great for fostering early science interest.
  • Educators & Gift-Givers – A unique alternative to traditional ABC books.

While not a quote-heavy set, some standout lines include:

"N is for Neutron: A neutron lives in the atom." (ABCs of Physics)

"V is for Virus: A virus is a tiny germ." (ABCs of Science)

Simple yet effective in sparking conversations.

In an era where STEM education is increasingly prioritized, Ferrie’s books reflect a growing trend toward early exposure to science. They align with modern parenting philosophies that emphasize curiosity-driven learning over rote memorization.

Chris Ferrie’s Baby University ABC's Board Book Set is a brilliant fusion of foundational literacy and scientific curiosity. While some terms may fly over a toddler’s head initially, the playful approach ensures they’ll return to these books again and again, each time absorbing a little more.

If you’re looking for an ABC set that does more than teach letters—one that inspires a love for learning—this collection is a fantastic choice.

šŸ”— Get the Book: Amazon

  • How do you introduce complex topics to toddlers?
  • What’s your favorite ABC book for early learning?
  • Do you think STEM-focused books like these make a difference in early education?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! šŸ“šāœØ

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