Alphabetown USA Launches Line of Fun and Educational Children's Books

Engaging series helps teach and encourage young ones to read through the use of lively characters and illustrations and worthy life lessons 

Imagine living in Alphabetown USA , populated by letters from the alphabet which  come alive, have their own personality and teach young children word formation.  The new Alphabetown USA series of stories from Beaner Books features the titles Where is Ziggy?, Hannah’s Homework and Catena Goes Camping followed this summer by the introduction of Madison’s Magical Adventure.

The Alphabetown USA series was developed by Ryan and Nicole Mayer, a husband and wife team from Rolesville, North Carolina and is illustrated by artist Russ Simmons. The first Alphabetown book, Where Is Ziggy? , prior to its official publication was made available for use in local elementary schools. Where Is Ziggy? went on to receive an Honorable Mention at the 2008 NYC Book Festival for Best New Children’s Book. 

Nicole Mayer has a background in psychology and education and her husband Ryan is a former law enforcement officer.  However, the real inspiration for Alphabetown USA stories comes from the Mayer’s children.

“Ryan and I turn their ideas into stories and incorporate the educational component,” said Nicole Mayer.  “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.”  For example, Where is Ziggy? emphasizes teamwork and letter recognition while Catena Goes Camping helps children learn the hard and soft sounds of the letter C and the importance of being prepared.

Various educators have commented on the creativity which Alphabetown brings to teaching, Frederick Johnson, Ed.D., Elementary School Principal, Mary E. Roberts Elementary School in Moorestown, NJ called the Alphabetown book series “a creative concept that introduces children to letter recognition, word formation and life lessons.  The illustrations are eye catching and will attract young learners with their bold colors and interesting adventures.”  Trinity Episcopal Preschool  (Moorestown NJ) director Nancy Whisonart  commented “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.”

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

The Alphabetown USA series is currently available online at www.alphabetownusa.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and in select Barnes & Noble and Brilliant Sky retail stores.  Books are suitable for children ages 2-8 and recommended retail is $14.95.  An introductory pricing special of $10 for each book and $25 when all three book titles are purchased is currently offered on alphabetownusa.com and on www.amazon.com.

Alphabetown will also donate $1 per book to each of the book title’s designated charities through June 30 from the sale of all books on the website and from all sales made on Amazon.com.  A portion of the proceeds of book sales from other retailers will continue to be made as well, but a higher contribution will be made to charities through sales on alphabetownusa.com and amazon.com.

About Alphabetown USA

Founded in 2008 by Ryan and Nicole Mayer, Rolesville, North Carolina-based Alphabetown USA, LLC creates educational books that help children ages 2-8 make sense of the letters in the alphabet and the magical words they create and offer worthy life lessons.  The ideas for the stories come from their own children – the Mayers then write the books and add educational twists. The lively illustrations are the work of artist and family friend Russ Simons. Following its release, Where is Ziggy, the first book in the Alphabetown USA series, was awarded an Honorable Mention at the 2008 NYC Book Festival for Best New Children’s Book.  For more information on Alphabetown USA and where books are sold, visit www.alphabetownusa.com.  Alphabetown USA can also be found on Facebook or followed on Twitter.