“C is for Cornhusker: A Nebraska Alphabet,”
by Rajean Luebs Shepherd, Illustrated by Sandy Appleoff
Sleeping Bear Press, Chelsea, Mich., 2004, 32 pages, Grades 3-5.
Alphabet books fascinate children. The rhymes, illustrations and word sequence in alphabet books are very enjoyable. These books are great aids in helping children learn to read, as the rhyming chant so often found in alphabet books can lead children to clapping their hands with delight.
Authors of alphabet books frequently think out of the box and write with great creativity. This helps children with different learning styles effectively begin learning to read. The illustrations used in the books are particularly helpful to young students because of the assistance they provide in decoding and understanding the meaning of the words. Since learning to read is challenging for many students, educators should use every type of learning medium available to help in this process. And since alphabet books are so fun to read, students usually respond eagerly.
Rajean Shepherd has written a delightful alphabet book that combines all of these benefits using the state of Nebraska as the subject. The name of this title is “C is for Cornhusker.”
In Nebraska City, Shepherd begins her captivating description of the alphabet. The letter A is represented by Arbor Day, one of the important events that brought awareness of the importance of trees and forests to the country. Next we are introduced to one the most famous people in Nebraska history, Buffalo Bill. The exuberant drawing shows the famous cowboy at his Wild West show.
The letter C stands for Cornhusker. Before farm machinery such as combines, the corn had to be picked and shelled (husked) by hand. The word “husker” stuck and became the nickname of the state. Shepherd uses a beautiful quote from famed Nebraska author Willa Cather in the sidebar for the letter C. Cather said of Nebraska: “Elsewhere the sky is the roof of the world, but here the earth is the floor of the sky.”
The letters continue on and on. We see Sandhill Cranes dancing, Pony Express riders racing across the state, Kool Aid being invented in Hastings, and people rafting down the beautiful Niobrara River. It is an altogether captivating and exquisite panorama of the state. Having gone all the way to the splendor of the Sandhills, the book now returns to eastern Nebraska with the letter Z, represented by the Henry Doorly Zoo. The excellent writing and colorful illustrations of the book makes you realize that it is time to get off Interstate 80 and really start travelling across the state.
What was your favorite letter in this book? How much did you learn about Nebraska? Too often people don’t think there is much that is interesting in Nebraska. How does this book demonstrate that Nebraska is a very remarkable state? Where would you like to visit in the Cornhusker State? Have you ever seen the beauty of the Sandhills or the magnificence of Lake Ogallala? How does this book show the great beauty and diversity of Nebraska? To find out, go to the library and check out “C is for Cornhusker” by Luebs Shepherd.
I hope that you get a chance to share this enjoyable title with the younger children in your family. Luebs Shepherd has used many interesting facts from our state’s history in this book.
So in addition to learning more about their home state, young children can grow in their appreciation of the many beautiful and interesting things that Nebraska has to offer. Take the time to check out this title, you will be glad you did.
