PICTURE BOOKS

Zebra and Yak: The Backwards Alphabet Book

by Paul Friedrich (text) & illus. by Paul Friedrich
Putnam. (Zebra and Yak). Jun. 2025. 48p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9798217002108. PreS-Gr 2
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PreS-Gr 2–When a book about the alphabet starts with Z, it’s a pretty good indication that chaos and hilarity will ensue. Luckily Z and Y are right next to each other in the reverse alphabet so Zebra can ask his friend Yak what’s going on. Yak doesn’t have all the answers (or any answers, really), but he helps Zebra investigate why the alphabet is presented backwards. The simple cartoon illustrations complement the text’s comedic tone. The humor varies from silly (the ukelele for U looks like a duplicate violin) to gross: N is for nose, so Yak sticks a finger into Zebra’s nose, pulls out a booger, and keeps it, just in case B is for booger. This fun, playful read will delight beginning readers just as much as the early elementary crowd who already knows the alphabet.
VERDICT A delightfully imaginative approach to phonetic awareness that will prompt giggles and smirks.
Reviewed by Alison Schwartz , Jul 25, 2025

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