Alphabuddies G is first!

K-Gr 2--One of the delightful--if occasionally infuriating--things about working with young children is their tendency to question why things are the way they are. In this story, the anthropomorphic letter G raises the question of why the alphabet is in its particular order when he asks the letter A to play a game of "G is first." Will mixing up the letter order of the alphabet spell an end to reading altogether? The story relies heavily on Barclay's graphic novel-like panel illustrations to convey the emotion and humor behind the text. Readers can really see how the characters are feeling, opening paths for conversations about emotions between caregivers and children. While the panel format may be unfamiliar to some readers, the lack of noisy backgrounds should allow those new to graphic novel--style reading to follow along easily. There are also ample opportunities for participation in the story, as certain pages and panels invite readers to sing along with a mixed-up alphabet song. Because of that, this book is best suited for children who are already confident in their alphabet skills. VERDICT A delightful book that is more than a fresh look at the ABCs; it takes on rule-breaking and reasoning and is a fun addition to any collection.--Kadie Seitz

The letter G's plea that the letters take turns going first is almost defeated by A's insecurity. An ABC book thrills G: "Look! It's a book about us!" When A claims proudly to be "first, as always," G invents a game called "G is first!" A strenuously objects: "You will NEVER be first!" because "It is all there in the song." Changing the song, as G naturally suggests is dismissed. Though both G and Z agree that they should take turns going first, A says that changing the alphabet order would "DESTROY reading." The two rebel letters proceed to sing "G, B, C, D, E, F, A," and, finding that they survive, accuse A of scare tactics, leading to a confession that A's rigid adherence stems from a fear of losing status. G and Z reassure A--after all, A is an entire word! A concedes happily that being first doesn't matter. They sing a new version. Finally, the number 3 asks to join the fun; A and Z are dubious, but G and 3 begin singing, making 3 the third letter of the alphabet, and…BOOM! But it's not the end of reading--just of the book. The small-panel comic illustrations are charming; the letters, with stick appendages, tiny accessories, and simple but expressive features, have distinct personalities. The bubble-text type is clear and at developing readers' level, while the pacing and humor are deft. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Hilarious and subversive. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.