Dickens & Rumi
Cover of ONCE UPON AN ALPHABET

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ONCE UPON AN ALPHABET

Oliver Jeffers

Twenty-six brief stories, one for each letter. (Ages 3 to 7)

Ages 4+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to preschool and early elementary readers. The language and illustrations are accessible, though some stories use mild peril, absurd dark humor and ideas that may benefit from adult discussion. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age4+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character1/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5
  • Violence1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Educational value3/5
  • Good role models2/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Some stories deal with abstract concepts like characters 'missing' or being absent, treated with gentle irony.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

A few stories have mild, quirky tension but nothing intended to be truly frightening.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Some mild, cartoonish mishaps or conflicts between characters.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience1/5
Why this rating?

Minor instances of characters trying new things.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Highly imaginative and inventive use of language and illustration.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Diverse range of whimsical character types, though mostly abstract.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Excellent for letter recognition and early storytelling skills.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Characters occasionally interact with help, though many are preoccupied with their own antics.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on creativity, the fun of language, and individual character quirks.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Characters are eccentric, but illustrate the value of being unique.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in ONCE UPON AN ALPHABET would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in ONCE UPON AN ALPHABET, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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