Acoustic Rooster Sings the Alphabet
Acoustic Rooster Series
What’s inside...
Kwame Alexander’s barnyard star, Acoustic Rooster, returns in this lively alphabet adventure that marries jazzy rhythms with early literacy. Set in a toe-tapping farmyard, Rooster and his musically gifted friends turn every letter from A to Z into a song, showing young readers how sounds, words, and teamwork create joyful learning. Each spread highlights a new letter, an instrument, and a friendly animal performer, helping children link language, music, and memory while cheering for the big ABC concert in the red barn.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-6
Length
20 pages
Character compass
Acoustic Rooster
Bee Holiday
Duck Ellington
Mules Davis
Discussion points
Which letter song was your favorite and why?
How did the animals solve problems when the music sounded messy?
What instruments would you add to your own alphabet band?
Why is it important that everyone’s sound was different?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause to identify each letter shape in the art.
Create homemade instruments and replay the story.
Connect band members’ names to real jazz legends together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork amplifies success
Explanation: Animals combine talents to perfect the ABC concert.
Real-World Application: Work with friends on group projects or chores.
Example Lesson: Practice makes progress
Explanation: Early rehearsals are messy until they keep trying.
Real-World Application: Stick with new skills like tying shoes or reading.
Example Lesson: Celebrate individual voices
Explanation: Each animal’s unique sound enriches the final song.
Real-World Application: Value classmates’ ideas even if they differ from yours.
Example Lesson: Learning can be fun
Explanation: Turning letters into music makes education exciting.
Real-World Application: Use games or songs at home to remember new facts.