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Zebra and Yak: The Backwards Alphabet Book
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?
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?
Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2025
3 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 10, 2025
A fun way to learn the alphabet backwards! Great for storytime!
June 18, 2025
THis one is darling!
June 8, 2025
E ARC provided by the publisher
Zebra is lounging in a beach chair with a glass of lemonade when this book starts with "Z is for Zebra". Of course, he is surprised, because that is NOT the way Alphabet books are supposed to work. Where is the xylophone? How can zebra be expected to be ready if there's no xylophone? Yak is up next, and he's also very confused. Apple was apparently not around, so the book started backwards. All of the characters are confused, and no longer suprised by anything. There's a joyous romp through pumpkins and oranges and boogers as Zebra, Yak, and the other letters try to figure out what was up with the arrogant apple. Spoiler: the alphabet book is now going to start with alligator.
This was delightful. I audibly snorted several times, especially when N for Nose leads to Zebra having his hoof up Yak's nose. Does he want his booger back? They save it, in case B is for Booger. As one does.
The simple illustrations have just the right level of goofiness, and the characters seem to romp across existing book pages that are just slightly altered. The other entry I love was S is for Snake, followed shortly thereafter by R is for Running!
As someone who has spent her entire life at the end of the alphabet (I graduated 503rd in my class, followed only by someone whose last name started with Z!), I had to appreciated this. It had the meta feel of Townley's The Great Good Thing, with the characters coming to life and acting out the story when the book was opened, and I'm always a sucker for that.
The only bad thing about this book is that I am now faced with a philosophical conundrum; I come from a family where we do not buy books because they cost a lot of money, and I've not been able to get over that, even though I have bought thousands of dollars with school board money for my school. It's hard to argue with the voice of your mother in your head. Do I buy this one for my grandson (whose last name begins with S, so he'll understand!) when I have two bookcases full of books that I've gotten in exchange for reviewing them? I might just have to, because I imagine it would become a fast favorite. "Do you want your booger back" sounds like a family catch phrase in the making.
Zebra is lounging in a beach chair with a glass of lemonade when this book starts with "Z is for Zebra". Of course, he is surprised, because that is NOT the way Alphabet books are supposed to work. Where is the xylophone? How can zebra be expected to be ready if there's no xylophone? Yak is up next, and he's also very confused. Apple was apparently not around, so the book started backwards. All of the characters are confused, and no longer suprised by anything. There's a joyous romp through pumpkins and oranges and boogers as Zebra, Yak, and the other letters try to figure out what was up with the arrogant apple. Spoiler: the alphabet book is now going to start with alligator.
This was delightful. I audibly snorted several times, especially when N for Nose leads to Zebra having his hoof up Yak's nose. Does he want his booger back? They save it, in case B is for Booger. As one does.
The simple illustrations have just the right level of goofiness, and the characters seem to romp across existing book pages that are just slightly altered. The other entry I love was S is for Snake, followed shortly thereafter by R is for Running!
As someone who has spent her entire life at the end of the alphabet (I graduated 503rd in my class, followed only by someone whose last name started with Z!), I had to appreciated this. It had the meta feel of Townley's The Great Good Thing, with the characters coming to life and acting out the story when the book was opened, and I'm always a sucker for that.
The only bad thing about this book is that I am now faced with a philosophical conundrum; I come from a family where we do not buy books because they cost a lot of money, and I've not been able to get over that, even though I have bought thousands of dollars with school board money for my school. It's hard to argue with the voice of your mother in your head. Do I buy this one for my grandson (whose last name begins with S, so he'll understand!) when I have two bookcases full of books that I've gotten in exchange for reviewing them? I might just have to, because I imagine it would become a fast favorite. "Do you want your booger back" sounds like a family catch phrase in the making.
July 16, 2025
First sentence: Are you ready to start the alphabet? Let's go! Z is for Zebra.
What? What's going on? Did I miss my cue from Xylophone? I didn't hear X is for Xylophone. I'm not ready.
Z is for Zebra
I get that. I'm Zebra. But you're way early. It's A is for Apple, B is for something, the other letters, and then it's my turn!
Apple wasn't around. We're starting with Z instead.
This is ridiculous! We need to find Apple!
Premise/plot: Zebra and Yak star in a backwards alphabet book. This catches Zebra and the others by surprise! They are all used to being THE END of the alphabet and not the beginning. The book is full of bantering back and forth between the characters and the narrator (as well as between themselves) as the search for Apple continues.
My thoughts: I loved this one. It was fun, silly, exuberant. I loved the humor. I think it would make a great read aloud. The humor I think would make it appealing to those who have even grown a bit beyond the whole 'concept' of alphabet books.
What? What's going on? Did I miss my cue from Xylophone? I didn't hear X is for Xylophone. I'm not ready.
Z is for Zebra
I get that. I'm Zebra. But you're way early. It's A is for Apple, B is for something, the other letters, and then it's my turn!
Apple wasn't around. We're starting with Z instead.
This is ridiculous! We need to find Apple!
Premise/plot: Zebra and Yak star in a backwards alphabet book. This catches Zebra and the others by surprise! They are all used to being THE END of the alphabet and not the beginning. The book is full of bantering back and forth between the characters and the narrator (as well as between themselves) as the search for Apple continues.
My thoughts: I loved this one. It was fun, silly, exuberant. I loved the humor. I think it would make a great read aloud. The humor I think would make it appealing to those who have even grown a bit beyond the whole 'concept' of alphabet books.
June 15, 2025
Told in an illustrated cartoon style, the book takes the fresh approach of reviewing the alphabet starting with the letter Z and working its way to the letter A. A bit lengthy for my taste, but those who enjoy graphic novels and a good laugh will enjoy it.
Themes: animals, alphabet
Ages: K-2nd grade
Pub year: 2025
Themes: animals, alphabet
Ages: K-2nd grade
Pub year: 2025
September 30, 2025
Really adorable alphabet book. This sort of mixed-up alphabet story has been done lots before, but this has a fresh feeling and is hosted by two charming characters. The ending is clever when the missing character shows up, and then the silly/dark twist. A fun read!
December 14, 2025
For some reason, the alphabet book starts backwards, because the letter A is nowhere to be found. Z thinks it’s too early and he is not quite ready… and many of the letters are perplexed as they go searching for A. There’s quite a bit of dark humor and a twist ending.
June 5, 2025
I love this book. The facial expressions, the concept - perfection. I want a picture of Apple on a t-shirt.
Read
June 21, 2025Easy storytime title for preschool or older.
June 27, 2025
funny and conversational.
July 17, 2025
Funny for older kids who know the alphabet forwards!
July 17, 2025
Zebra and Yak are not thrilled with starting with Z when usually it is A for Apple. We join them as they search for Apple as we go from Z to A. Fun!
July 26, 2025
This one will for sure cause giggles to erupt.
August 1, 2025
What a hilarious book. Loved how zebra and yak go through the alphabet starting backwards. What?! So cute and that ending is too funny.
Read
August 19, 2025Turn/Level: 1/3
Funny, use voices.
Funny, use voices.
September 19, 2025
I'm not hugely interested in alphabet books and rarely trot them out, but this one amused me! Looking forward to seeing what the kids think!
September 28, 2025
A creative, fun & funny approach to the alphabet book genre. Parents will enjoy reading this one!
October 20, 2025
This had me laughing, and my daughter immediately requested we read it again. A fun twist to your typical alphabet book.
November 3, 2025
Zebra and Yak are utterly confused when the alphabet has to start at the end because no one can find A. I laughed out loud reading this book. A fabulous way to make the alphabet fun and memorable!
December 9, 2025
Fun book after reading many regular ABC books.
November 27, 2025
Soo funny! I loved this one.
August 19, 2025
If you thought alphabet books always start with A, think again!
In this laugh-out-loud romp, Zebra is completely thrown off when the alphabet begins with Z. Luckily (or not so luckily), she teams up with a befuddled Yak to find the missing A. Yak confuses a pumpkin for an oddly colored apple and there’s disagreement over a ukulele that looks like a violin. With slapstick humor, and a booger joke or two, Zebra and Yak’s speech bubble banter will have kids howling with laughter.
Now I challenge you to say the alphabet backwards (don’t worry, I can’t do it either!).
Sign up for monthly PONDSIDE PAGES book recommendations for every genre at http://KCareyWrites.com.
In this laugh-out-loud romp, Zebra is completely thrown off when the alphabet begins with Z. Luckily (or not so luckily), she teams up with a befuddled Yak to find the missing A. Yak confuses a pumpkin for an oddly colored apple and there’s disagreement over a ukulele that looks like a violin. With slapstick humor, and a booger joke or two, Zebra and Yak’s speech bubble banter will have kids howling with laughter.
Now I challenge you to say the alphabet backwards (don’t worry, I can’t do it either!).
Sign up for monthly PONDSIDE PAGES book recommendations for every genre at http://KCareyWrites.com.
June 10, 2025
Both my five and eight-year-old boys love this book. It's silly, goofy, and just a fun way to explore language and the alphabet, even if it is backwards.
July 12, 2025
Very funny and clever!
August 9, 2025
sooo fun good for audience participation
August 22, 2025
Read it. Hilarious take on an alphabet book. My favorite since A is for Salad!
September 8, 2025
This is hilarious!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews