Kirkus Reviews Garcia offers an animal-centric alphabet guide in this picture book. Like many traditional children's alphabet primers, this book takes each of the 26 letters one at a time and assigns them to a related animal and situation. But the author isn't satisfied with a single usage for each letter—instead, his sentences are jam-packed with alliteration, which make for some incredibly silly circumstances that young children may find amusing ("Sienna the Spider surfs with silly sharks in sombreros" describes the letter S). Each page also features extra elements in the background that begin with the featured letter, encouraging readers to find as many relevant objects as they can. There is no particular throughline from letter to letter and thus no overarching narrative; this debut picture book might instead lend itself best to being read selectively, rather than as a whole, especially for the youngest readers. Garcia sets himself apart by tackling the usually difficult letters with grace, introducing urchins for U, quokkas for Q, and xenops for X. Shch's digital illustrations, as bright and playful as the text, tell their own self-contained stories on each page—for example, Ava the Alligator isn't only avoiding aliens, as the text states; a closer look reveals that an axolotl is threatening her as well. A fun, mildly innovative addition to a familiar learning model.

Literary Titan: ★★★★★ In Alphakazoo, author Edgar Garcia crafts a captivating and educational journey through the alphabet, utilizing a menagerie of zoo animals and their whimsical escapades. This literary voyage from A to Z is not just a mere reading experience; it's an adventure that invites young minds to explore the nuances of language and storytelling. As readers traverse from Ava the Alligator's astute avoidance of angry aliens to Ziggy the Zebra's zippy zigzags through a Zany Zombie Zoo, they are treated to a rich tapestry of characters and scenarios. Garcia's narrative is a masterful blend of education and entertainment, a tongue-twisting odyssey that is sure to engage and enchant. Each letter introduces a new, alliterative adventure, making Alphakazoo a book that delights in the sounds and rhythms of language. This book is a performance that beckons the reader to partake in its verbal gymnastics. The illustrations in the book are as vibrant and engaging as the text itself. They burst with color and creativity, adding a visual depth to the stories that unfold. These silly and bright illustrations do more than just depict the narrative; they enhance it, drawing the reader deeper into the world Garcia has created. The inclusion of hidden gems and further tongue twisters embedded within the pages adds an interactive element to the book. This feature is not just a playful addition but a clever tool to enhance cognitive engagement, encouraging young readers to not only follow the story but to actively participate in it. Edgar Garcia's Alphakazoo is a brilliantly crafted work that is as educational as it is entertaining. It offers a unique and engaging way for children to navigate the complexities of the alphabet, making it an excellent addition to any young reader's library.

Literary Titan: ★★★★★ In Alphakazoo, author Edgar Garcia crafts a captivating and educational journey through the alphabet, utilizing a menagerie of zoo animals and their whimsical escapades. This literary voyage from A to Z is not just a mere reading experience; it's an adventure that invites young minds to explore the nuances of language and storytelling. As readers traverse from Ava the Alligator's astute avoidance of angry aliens to Ziggy the Zebra's zippy zigzags through a Zany Zombie Zoo, they are treated to a rich tapestry of characters and scenarios. Garcia's narrative is a masterful blend of education and entertainment, a tongue-twisting odyssey that is sure to engage and enchant. Each letter introduces a new, alliterative adventure, making Alphakazoo a book that delights in the sounds and rhythms of language. This book is a performance that beckons the reader to partake in its verbal gymnastics. The illustrations in the book are as vibrant and engaging as the text itself. They burst with color and creativity, adding a visual depth to the stories that unfold. These silly and bright illustrations do more than just depict the narrative; they enhance it, drawing the reader deeper into the world Garcia has created. The inclusion of hidden gems and further tongue twisters embedded within the pages adds an interactive element to the book. This feature is not just a playful addition but a clever tool to enhance cognitive engagement, encouraging young readers to not only follow the story but to actively participate in it. Edgar Garcia's Alphakazoo is a brilliantly crafted work that is as educational as it is entertaining. It offers a unique and engaging way for children to navigate the complexities of the alphabet, making it an excellent addition to any young reader's library.

Edgar Garcia is a children’s book author from Texas who inspires young readers with his adventurous and imaginative storytelling. When Edgar is not writing, he loves spending time with his family, exploring new places, and creating awesome memories. Check out Edgar’s picture books: Would It Be Weird?, Alphakazoo, and The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Lobo. He also has several other picture books in the works.

Publisher: nextCore, LLC
Author: Edgar Garcia
Illustrator: Darya Shch
ISBN: 978-1961166004
Size (H x W): 8.5x11
Weight: 14.4 ounces
Cover Type: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 34
Language: English
Date Published: 2023-10-31