Alphabet Book - A Sneak Peek

It can be hard to think of fun and accessible ways to document our lives. I know that my 2 year old nephew isn't going to sit down and enthusiastically read a written history of his life so far - not yet, anyway. I think it is important to teach our children from a young age about their heritage. My nephew loves books and he adores looking at photographs of his family. As I played around with the idea of making him a photo book, I realised that I could make one that appealed to his interests so he will want to read it. I came to the conclusion that an alphabet book would be something he would enjoy and find useful. Making a personalised alphabet book means I can document his key interests at this point in his life. I can use photographs of him and family members to help him learn the alphabet.

As I went through the alphabet, listing things he loves, I wanted to include specific stories that have happened. Each page contains a journaling card that records a conversation, an incident, or a bit of mischief. By doing so there will be twenty-six stories from his life recorded in this book. At this point in his life, he will only look at the photographs and the main text of 'B is for bathtime', 'P is for Pops' or 'W is for water'. When he's older he'll be able to look back at the record of him playing cars with Pops, and pulling Pops by the strings of his hoodie to make him come and play. He'll see the books he listened to over and over again and how he accidentally spent lots of money on Nana's phone buying Peppa Pig books.

As he sees the photographs of himself and his family, I hope that he will realise his worth. I want him to know that he is loved and that his stories are important.

The book isn't finished yet, so there is only a sneak peek at a few pages on the blog today. Once I have finished his book and when his brother and cousin have started developing their own interests, I'll be making them alphabet books as well.