ZEBRA AND YAK

When Apple goes missing, an alphabet book must start at the end—much to Zebra’s chagrin.

“This is ridiculous!” Zebra huffs. “We need to find Apple.” Working from the end of the alphabet, Zebra recruits Yak to help find the absent Apple. Letter avatars such as Turtle, Queen, and Ladder assist in their search. Others are less helpful, like Snake, who tries to eat Zebra and Yak. (Quick: “R is for Running!”) The pair engage in antics aplenty along the way: mistaking both Pumpkin and Orange for Apple, playing with Hula Hoops, and wondering about the difference between Violin and Fiddle. A recurring gag about Booger will elicit plenty of chuckles, as will frustrated Zebra’s interactions with the unseen narrator. At last, the duo find Apple, who thought the book was scheduled for next week. Angry at missing the big moment, Apple throws a multi-page temper tantrum. Suddenly, Alligator snaps Apple up, becoming the new face of the letter A. The cartoon illustrations will appeal to fans of Mo Willems and Ben Clanton, with characters drawn in simple lines and set against bright monochrome backgrounds. The clever meta humor, quick pacing, and snappy dialogue will entice a range of readers, including kids slightly older than the average ABC book audience.

This classic concept book turned topsy-turvy is packed with appeal from Z to A.