Zebra and Yak: The Backwards Alphabet Book

by Paul Friedrich, Paul Friedrich (Illustrator)

Overview

A hilarious and unexpected backward alphabet picture book.

Are you ready to start the alphabet? Let's go! Z is for Zebra.

Confused? Zebra didn't expect the alphabet to start with Z, either. Usually it starts with A is for Apple, B is for . . . something, then all the other letters, then Z. But today Apple was nowhere to be found.

Zebra isn't very happy about it. Neither is the second-to-last animal in the alphabet, Yak.

In order to figure out where their friend Apple might be, Zebra and Yak must go on a quest to discover what's gone wrong. But in an alphabet book this weird, who knows what could happen next?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798217002146
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	06/03/2025
Series:	Zebra and Yak
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	48
File size:	10 MB
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Paul Friedrich is the Eisner Award-nominated author and illustrator of Onion Head Monster Attacks. He is a graphic novelist, cartoonist, and the creator of the beloved characters Onion Head Monster and Hubie the Dead Cow, as well as HellCar comics. He has won the Raleigh Medal of Arts and worked with media companies like Disney, Adult Swim, and the Cartoon Network.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Zebra and Yak: The Backwards Alphabet Book:

"The cartoon illustrations will appeal to fans of Mo Willems and Ben Clanton . . . 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." —Kirkus Reviews

"This fun, playful read will delight beginning readers just as much as the early elementary crowd who already knows the alphabet. A delightfully imaginative approach to phonetic awareness that will prompt giggles and smirks." —School Library Journal

From the Publisher

2025-03-08
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.(Picture book. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews