ABC All-American Riddles

A B CA L L A M E R I C A N R I D D L E S

(click on a letter to see a riddle!)

Purchase

    
   
Authors: Mara and Ford Smith ~ Illustrator: Jennifer Johnson Haywood

ISBN 0-939217-56-2

Challenging riddles in rhyme spark the curiosity of young readers as they match letters, sounds, and clues to solve puzzles centering on the culture and history of the United States.

This book features a page at the end with "Ideas for Parents and Teachers."

Kids will love this book. And adults? Well, I'll bet you can't guess just one!

 
    
         
 
     
     
 
   
   

My name has five letters. It starts with an A.
A kind man named Johnny gave my seeds away.
A computer of fame
and New York City use my name.
Delicious pies are made from me.
Can you guess? What can I be?

    
   

 

Copyright ©2005 Peel Productions, Inc.
Text copyright©2004 Mara and Ford Smith; illustration copyright©2004 Jennifer Johnson Haywood

 

    
         
 
     
     
 
   
   

My name has eight letters. It starts with a B.
With nine players each, two teams play me.
There’s a bat and a ball,
and an umpire’s call.
Babe Ruth was my first home-run king.
What is my name? Give it a swing.

    
   

 

Copyright ©2005 Peel Productions, Inc.
Text copyright©2004 Mara and Ford Smith; illustration copyright©2004 Jennifer Johnson Haywood

 

    
         
 
     
     
 
   
   

My name starts with C and ends with an L.
I am a building and a symbol as well.
Members of Congress call me home.
My big top is a great, white dome.
I stand tall in Washington, D.C.
What am I? Can you name me?

    
   

 

Copyright ©2005 Peel Productions, Inc.
Text copyright©2004 Mara and Ford Smith; illustration copyright©2004 Jennifer Johnson Haywood

 

    
         
 
     
     
 
   
   

A famous cartoonist, my name starts with D.
My characters are stars in movies and TV.
Of all the stars I’ve created,
Mickey is most celebrated.
Magical kingdoms are named for me.
My first name is Walt. Who can I be?

    
   

 

Copyright ©2005 Peel Productions, Inc.
Text copyright©2004 Mara and Ford Smith; illustration copyright©2004 Jennifer Johnson Haywood

 

    
         
 
     
     
 
   
   

E starts my name. I’m a large bird of prey.
I’m also a symbol of the U.S.A.
In treetops I nest
and perch to rest.
I am your national bird.
What’s my name? Say the word.

    
   

 

Copyright ©2005 Peel Productions, Inc.
Text copyright©2004 Mara and Ford Smith; illustration copyright©2004 Jennifer Johnson Haywood

 

    
         
 
     
     
 
   
   

Our name begins with I. It’s seven letters long.
As native Americans, to tribes we belong.
Because of white man’s fears,
we walked the Trail of Tears.
Find us in cities and on reservations too.
Do you know our common name?
Can you guess who?

    
   

 

Copyright ©2005 Peel Productions, Inc.
Text copyright©2004 Mara and Ford Smith; illustration copyright©2004 Jennifer Johnson Haywood

 

    
         
 
     
     
 
   
   

I stand for freedom and begin with an L.
In 1776, there was a ringing of my bell.
A national island of fame
has a statue with my name.
I want all people to be free.
Who or what can I be?

    
   

 

Copyright ©2005 Peel Productions, Inc.
Text copyright©2004 Mara and Ford Smith; illustration copyright©2004 Jennifer Johnson Haywood

 

    
         
 
     
     
 
   
   

My name starts with M and ends with Y.
Mighty and strong, on me you rely.
On air, sea, or land,
in uniforms grand,
I’m ready to go.
What am I? Do you know?

    
   

 

Copyright ©2005 Peel Productions, Inc.
Text copyright©2004 Mara and Ford Smith; illustration copyright©2004 Jennifer Johnson Haywood

 

    
         
 
     
     
 
   
   

My name starts with N and ends with an A.
Scientists work and explore here each day.
They research the stars,
put a robot on Mars,
and send spaceships faraway.
What am I? Can you say?

    
   

 

Copyright ©2005 Peel Productions, Inc.
Text copyright©2004 Mara and Ford Smith; illustration copyright©2004 Jennifer Johnson Haywood

 

    
         
 
     
     
 
   
   

I begin with an R and end with a D.
I’m two words in one, as you will soon see.
People and products ride in my cars
on wooden ties and metal bars.
Across this land there are tracks of me.
Can you guess? What can I be?

    
   

 

Copyright ©2005 Peel Productions, Inc.
Text copyright©2004 Mara and Ford Smith; illustration copyright©2004 Jennifer Johnson Haywood

 

    
         
 
     
     
 
   
   

I begin with an S and end with one, too.
Six letters in length is another clue.
We came in chains from far away
to work in fields—and were forced to stay.
A war was fought to set us free.
What were we called? Who can we be?

    
   

 

Copyright ©2005 Peel Productions, Inc.
Text copyright©2004 Mara and Ford Smith; illustration copyright©2004 Jennifer Johnson Haywood