the World Without "F": Chong Learns Alphabet

The World Without "F" invites young readers into a playful and imaginative journey through the power of letters, sounds, and words. Chong has been learning his alphabet and growing stronger as a speller every day, but when he begins to wonder what the world would be like without the letter "F," he discovers just how important even one letter can be.Written by retired ESL teachers Brian and Heather Marchant, this charming children's book is especially meaningful for second-language learners, early readers, and any child developing phonics skills. Through rhythmic, limerick-style verse, children are encouraged to hear the flow of language, recognize letter sounds, and understand how small changes in words can shape meaning. The playful rhymes make the story ideal for reading aloud, giving teachers, parents, and young readers a natural way to practice pronunciation, sound recognition, and vocabulary.The book is brought to life through original Hmong charcoal artwork by illustrator Ya Lee, whose thoughtful black-and-white illustrations give the story a distinctive visual style. The charcoal art honors the Hmong creative tradition while adding depth, texture, and imagination to Chong's world. Together, the lyrical writing and expressive illustrations create a book that is both educational and beautiful.With no fun, no families, and no Friday, Chong's world without the letter "F" becomes a memorable reminder that every letter matters. The World Without "F" is a delightful read-aloud for children learning language, sounds, spelling, and the wonder of words.