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Zebra and Yak: The Backwards Alphabet Book

Illustrated by Paul Friedrich
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Hardcover
$19.99 US
9.44"W x 9.38"H x 0.39"D   | 14 oz | 24 per carton
On sale Jun 03, 2025 | 48 Pages | 9798217002108
Age 3-7 years | Preschool - 2
Reading Level: Lexile 340L | Fountas & Pinnell L

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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?
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
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.

Classroom Activities for Zebra and Yak: The Backwards Alphabet Book

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Photos

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About

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?

Praise

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

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.

Additional Materials

Classroom Activities for Zebra and Yak: The Backwards Alphabet Book

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)