These books engage young readers to read with fun characters, lively illustrations and worthy life lessons.

North Carolina-based Alphabetown USA creates educational books that help children ages two through eight make sense of the letters in the alphabet and the magical words they create. The books are developed by husband and wife team Ryan and Nicole Mayer and illustrated by artist and family friend Russ Simmons.

With its bright and beautiful illustrations, Alphabetown books are a perfect way to introduce language skills to young children.  We are excited about using these books as part of our curriculum.

-Nancy Whisonart, Trinity Episcopal Preschool, Moorestown, NJ

Titles included in the series from Beaner Books are Where is Ziggy?, Hannah’s Homework and Catena Goes Camping, followed this summer by the introduction of Madison’s Magical Adventure.

The story ideas come from the Mayers’ own children – Ryan and Nicole then write the books. Nicole’s background in psychology and education along with Ryan’s experience as a former law enforcement officer contribute to the couple’s added educational twists.

Reading, and the ability to read, is such a critical part of a child’s development that we wanted to create books that were not only fun for young children, but served as an educational tool for parents and teachers as well.

Prior to its official publication, Where is Ziggy?, the story that kicks off the Alphabetown USA series was made available for use in local elementary schools and eventually was awarded an Honorable Mention at the 2008 NYC Book Festival for Best New Children’s Book.

 The illustrations are eye catching and will attract young learners with their bold colors and interesting adventures.

-Frederick Johnson, Ed.D., principal, Mary E. Roberts Elementary School, Moorestown, NJ

The authors’ children have also influenced Alphabetown USA beyond just story ideas. Socially conscious daughter Hannah inspired her parents to donate a portion of proceeds from each title to charity. Proceeds from the sale of  Where is Ziggy?  help Alex’s Lemonade Stand fight childhood cancer victims,  from Hannah’s Homework benefit McDonald House of Southern New Jersey, and Catena Goes Camping aids Miracle Flights for Kids.

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