The Pigeon won't say the ABCs!

The Pigeon has 26 good reasons why he's not reciting the ABCs. "Do I have to spell it out for you?" The Pigeon is not going to do as he's told! Readers race through the alphabet alongside the contrary bird as he dramatically explains his refusal: "B: I am BUSY." While the Pigeon starts off strong ("C and D: I CANNOT! I have a bus to DRIVE!"), it becomes apparent that he's not quite well versed in his alphabet: "QUICK! I am REALLY STRUGGLING! What comes after P!?!" Deeming the task "TOTALLY UNFAIR," the frenzied Pigeon has his traditional meltdown. He somewhat predictably retakes the narrative by declaring he'll sing the ABCs instead, with the help of a XYLOPHONE and a (somewhat random) "YELLOW ZEBRA." With no associated images matching the letters, this isn't a traditional picture dictionary--style abecedarian. Rather, savvy readers will enjoy scouting out the words that match the letter, which are both in all caps and color-matched to simplify the task. The Pigeon's theatrical body language and hyperexpressive face remain comically evocative, set against clean, color-drenched backgrounds. Pages like "N and O" featuring the Pigeon posing crossed armed with eyes closed, obstinately uttering "NO," will leave readers chortling. Blocky, gently debossed letters beg to be touched and traced. A is for awesomely absurd as Willems' beloved bird gets schooled in all things ABC.(Board book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.