It doesn’t matter our age, we all need frequent reminders of the importance of staying positive. Toddlers are constantly on a learning curve and if we can encourage them at this young age to think and behave positively, respectfully, and with a good overall attitude, they will mature into wonderful caring adults. All of us, but children especially, need constant affirmation that they are special, loved, respected and so much more. It helps build their self-confidence, self-assurance, and generally just feeling good about themselves.

Dave W. Ball’s alphabet picture book, ABCs of Affirmation Starring the Hiccups: Positive Affirmations for Toddlers, is an inspiring way to teach young readers more than big words and the recognition of alphabet letters; this is a book to inspire a positive attitude, a positive environment, and a positive life for toddlers as well as their loving adult mentors who share this book with them. First of all, this is an alphabet book, but, instead of using simple words like apple and ball to introduce the letters alphabetically, the author introduces some pretty big words for young readers like achieve, jubilant, vivacious and so many others (well, twenty-three others to be exact).

Each word, arranged alphabetically of course, is defined in simple language and accompanied by a bright, colorful illustration of the Hiccups demonstrating what the word means. Every word chosen is positive and inclusive, allowing young readers to build not only their vocabulary but also their self-esteem. At the end of the book is an alphabetically arranged glossary of all the terms introduced. This is an excellent resource to inspire young readers to be the best they can be, to be positive at all times, and to feel good about themselves.

Spoken affirmations, positive statements spoken aloud to oneself to encourage belief in those statements, can be a powerful tool to support self-esteem and personal well-being. In ABCs of Affirmation, Dave W. Ball brings presents this concept in alphabetic picture book format, specifically intended for toddlers. Each page presents a core word starting with the appropriate letter, a definition, and an affirmative statement meant to be said aloud three times per the title page’s instruction. All of this is vividly illustrated with the help of “The Hiccups”, who appears to be a singular friendly purple monster and star of a line of other books from this author. The book closes with a glossary, repeating the definitions of each word given throughout the text.

I love the concept and positivity on display, and the illustrations are bright, wonderful, and eminently suited to the target age group. Many definitions are simple and appropriate, such as “I am kind”. On the other hand, I find it difficult to envision a child of toddler age saying, “The positive impact I make on the world is legendary,” and deriving any significant meaning from it. The demands of the A-Z format stretch the age group’s capacities further; ‘X-factor’ strikes me as an overly elusive concept, and I don’t think remaining “Youthful” is a concern for toddlers. But with appropriate parental guidance, many of the affirmations will promote joy and self-esteem at a tender age, and the illustrations demonstrate the concepts in a child-friendly way.

ABCs of Affirmation Starring The Hiccups: Positive Affirmations For Toddlers by Dave W. Ball, is a 30-page-long run-through of learning the alphabet and all the while emphasizing different positive aspects of oneself. The definitions of each word are given on the appropriate page, plus in the glossary near the end of the book. This is one of those colorful, bright, cheerful, positive books that help lay a foundation of affirmation in young readers. Each page brings an excellent, color-filled example of the work being used and how to apply it. For example, the letter Z stands for zealous, the energetic desire to get something done. Here we have a bricklayer working all day, building something to help someone else.

It is in each of these pages that the meaning and values of life are brought out. More than just self-affirmation for its own sake, the book describes ways in which a child can be creative or encouraging, or even funny. It’s even more than entertaining in that taking just one page and helping a child to do that one thing all week can help serve as a good foundation for life. For example, if your child has problems being truthful, or believing in himself/herself, this book will not only entertain with bright colored pictures, but will foster ideas for adults to use with kids—and not just toddlers, either. I would say this book can go as far as primary grades 3 or even 4. ABCs of Affirmation Starring The Hiccups: Positive Affirmations For Toddlers by Dave W. Ball is highly recommended.

ABCs of Affirmation Starring The Hiccups: Positive Affirmations For Toddlers by Dave W. Ball is a wonderful educational book for kids. It is beautifully and colorfully illustrated by Design Pickle. The first page is extremely interesting and shows parents how to use this guide. Indeed, learning something new and using the power of three (repetition for maximum impact) are great pieces of advice. Then, the ABCs of affirmation help young readers to get into a positive mood and be their best selves, one letter at a time. This book teaches them how to be happy and healthy kids. Everything in this children’s book is helping us and our kids to challenge negative thoughts, nurture our child’s authentic self, and boost their self-esteem, as we are reminded on the very last page.

ABCs of Affirmation Starring The Hiccups by Dave W. Ball is a guide that is positive and encourages toddlers to be truthful, generous, kind, and so much more. The author also emphasizes the fact that you should not just aim to be average but, on the contrary, aim for greatness, becoming legendary for instance. Positivity in our world in crisis is vital. We witness so much aggression on social networks, even in real life. Let’s help our children and students feel loved and be positive. To conclude, a stupendous book! I loved all the letters and advice but my favorite one is “unique”. In fact, everyone is unique and most children feel bad because they are different. It is so important to let them know from a very young age that being different, having special talents or skills is a good thing. I highly recommend this gem of a book. It should be compulsory.