Can U Save the Day?

by Shannon Stocker, Tom Disbury (Illustrator)

B is an awfully boastful bloke and when he and the rest of the alphabet get together, he can't help but tease the vowels about their small numbers. So the vowels begin to take off, one by one. The consonants--and the rest of the farm--see just how important vowels really are. With disaster looming and B seeing the error of his ways, can U save the day and set the alphabet right again?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor, Fiction

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2019

Reviews

[Kaye Baillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is clever, fun and has hidden lessons about vowels and consonants. I can imagine kids with parents reading this again and again, which is what every good book should do. The characters are super cute and the rhyming text adds to the enjoyment. A really unique book that should be in every library.

[Vivian Kirkfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the letter B starts boasting that the consonants are better because there are more of them than the vowels, the vowels start leaving, one by one. And one by one the cow can't moo, the duck can't quack, and the rooster can't cock-a-doodle-doo.

I love this book because it is funny – funny – funny…and kids love funny books!
There are so many lessons under the humor…respecting and valuing each other and getting along.
And the illustrations are fabulous. This is a great book for school shelves and home libraries!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I didn't like the ending and U's antics and found some of the rhyming lines contrived, I was totally amused by the notion of the vowels becoming offended by the boastfulness of the consonants, in particular, B, and deciding to walk away from it all. Readers will get a kick out of what happens once there are no vowels when various creatures try to make sounds. It was amusing to watch first A, then E, I and O take off in a huff. When a runaway tractor threatens to cause harm and there seems to be nothing B can do about it, U steps in to save the day, but by changing its shape. The last page is amusing with Y having an identity crisis and declaring that it doesn't fit in anywhere and often feels left out. The illustrations rely on soft colors, small images, and letters with plenty of personality. There will be plenty of young readers who will be amused by this picture book and the behavior of those letters. I liked it well enough for the cleverness of the idea but didn't love it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

"But wouldn't you know, the next to go
would be the cow's lone vowel, O?
'Mmmmmm' was all that she could say
when O decided not to stay."

Can U Save the Day? is a comical story about the chaos that ensues when the consonants down on the farm declare themselves better than the vowels and the vowels leave in a huff. The wordplay is fun (e.g., "the sheep just 'blt' instead of bleat") and the illustrations cheery. I especially enjoyed the clever ending:

"Then, a steady voice said, 'Wait!
I have one thing that I must state.
At times, I feel left out,' said Y.
'But you need me to say GOODBYE!'"

[Danielle Dufayet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean wow, a terrific book! At first I had no idea what this book was about -boy, was I in for a treat. My brain's still unraveling from this fun and witty story about the alphabet, more specifically a war between vowels and consonants.
Can U Save the Day is one of those picture books that will be begged to be read over and over again. Ultimately, I love the message: we all need each other to make things work! Brilliant!

[Tina Shepardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If ever there was a picture book to teach children about the relationship between vowels and consonants, it is this one. Shannon, through her deliberate and delightful rhyme and rhythm shares the relationship of our letters in a humorous way. In addition, her creative word play teaches us about acceptance of one another, and how our differences can unite, not divide us. A beautiful and timely message for our society today.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fun to read to kids and will appeal to fans of The Day the Crayons Quit. It's the kind you look forward to reading over and over because of how it enchants kids with all the funny sounds the animals start making once the vowels leave. I especially liked the enjoyable rhyme, delightful illustrations, witty lyrics, dramatic conflict and happy resolution (all with an ordinary U turned hero!). So glad I have this one in my picture book collection.

[Sophia Gholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book to read out loud! Both you and your children will enjoy the playful rhyme and the silly sounds the animals make as the vowels leave one by one. Author Shannon Stocker has masterfully packed this alphabet adventure full of laughs and excitement. This book is clever, fun, full of heart, and offers great teaching opportunities for early readers. CAN U SAVE THE DAY is a fantastic addition to any classroom or home library.

[Mirka Hokkanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who said learning can't be fun! Loved this book so much. It was funny and witty and smaller kids will love to make all the animal sounds with you. It was a bit wordy in a few spots, which didn't bother me much, because otherwise its packed with action and funny scenes when the vowels decide to disappear and horses try to "ngh", and cows "mmm". Definite read for homeschoolers or prepping kids for learning their vowels and consonants for school.

[Natalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

After B teases A about how few vowels there are the vowels decide to leave one by one. Without the proper vowels the animals start to sound rather strange – the birds twt instead of tweeting, and after O leaves, the cow can only say “Mmmmmm!” When disaster strikes will U be able to save the day? Children will love the clever rhyme and silly sounds the animals make, not to mention the wonderful illustrations by Tom Disbury!

[Cristina Raymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dog that "brk"? A duck that "quck"? And sheep that "blt"?!?!

When B picks on A, A disappears with the other vowels slowly following. The vowels' boycott brings repercussions to animals on the farm that will keep children laughing until the end.

Shannon Stocker cleverly created a story that not only teaches children vowels and consonants, but also keeps them entertained at every page turn.

[B.J. Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious and clever alphabetical romp! The action is thick and fast as the consonants pick a fight with the vowels and one by one they all leave. But chaos endues when dogs can only “BRK“ and pigs can only “ONK“. When disaster strikes, will U be able to save the day? With playful pictures, There is an opportunity for learning here as well as fun. Recommended for home, schools and libraries.

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book to read out loud with your kids! My son loves the funny sounds that we make when the vowels decide to leave the consonants behind. The rhymes in the book are excellent and make it very easy for a read-a-loud. I also love the story, which teaches kids to work together and respect one another. This is a winner all around!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed with fun for those youngsters learning the alphabet and sounds. It has rhyme and farm animals in funny scenarios. Kids will love making the silly sounds. There’s also a lesson in kindness and inclusion. This book has so much going on that each reading will help children discover something new! This would be a great addition to classrooms K-2.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

When bullying B insults A and all other vowels, the vowels leave, one by one. All except U, and when a runaway tractor endangers the remaining consonants, can U save the day? This book has it all: humor, rhyming, a chance to discuss bullying and respect, and educational opportunities around consonants and vowels. Lots of fun for U and your young readers!

[Henry Herz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shannon Stocker's CAN U SAVE THE DAY? is a fun, rhyming exploration of the importance of both types of letters in building words. Competition between anthropomorphic vowels and consonants leads to misunderstanding and separation. But with wise U's help, the letters reunite and the animals can speak normally again. Great illustrations add to the rollicking romp through the alphabet.

[Amy Benoit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable things happen when U saves the letters from catastrophe. Fun rhyme and thoughtful problem solving help tell the tale of letters and the sounds they make when they work together. A MUST READ !!! Children will delight in this creative, darling story. CAN U SAVE THE DAY should be in every classroom library.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the consonants start a fight with the vowels, the vowels leave one by. Ducks can only quck, then horse can only ngh, and cow can only mmmm. But when a wild tractor is heading toward the letters, B realizes he needs help to honk the horn. Luckily, U is brave enough to save the day and put the squabble aside.
Amazing combination of rhyming text and letter learning!

[Ashley Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed with rhyme, humor, farm animals, silly sounds, kindness, appreciation, vowels, consonants, etc. You’ll have fun reading this one over and over. My 5-year-old son enjoyed it as well.

[Gayle Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a fun way to learn the vowels and consonants that make up words of the English language. A clever idea to help young students understand the importance of each and every letter. Stocker's rhyming story is light and lively. Recommended for classrooms. Can be used in a variety of lessons.

[Cassandra Federman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh and funny take on a “letters” book that illustrates the importance of vowels. When the vowels decide to leave, the consonants can’t make any words! Things go from annoying to dangerous until U decides to save the day. This book is so clever and fun! A must have for schools!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny, rhyming romp, author Shannon Stocker shows kids (and barnyard animals) just how important vowels are to the alphabet. Tom Disbury’s whimsical illustrations enhance the hilarity. This book is sure to elicit giggles on every page and is perfect for kids learning how to read.

[Evelyn Bookless · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, rhyming farmyard romp that is a hoot to read aloud. Kids will be having so much fun making unusual animals sounds to notice they are learning all about vowels and consonants. Highly recommended for homes and schools.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cute, funny, and clever read-aloud just begs for re-reads! Kids will be so entertained, they won't even realize they're practicing their letters. The rhymes are fun and engaging and the art is kid-relatable and funny. Loved it!! This one's a winner for both the home library and a classroom.

[Heather Macht · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so adorable and fun! The author does a wonderful job with wordplay and the illustrations are adorable! This will be a perfect book for young readers who are learning the importance of letter sounds and combinations. 5 stars!

[Shelley Kinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cleverly written book about the importance of vowels and with such a fun story line. I know kids will have tons of fun saying all of the animal sounds in this book (sounds with missing vowels). Highly recommend this book!

[Jason Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, rhyming read! When consonants decide to pick on vowels, things go awry in unexpected (and entertaining) fashion. A great book for children learning the alphabet that emphasizes the importance of every member of a group.

[Michal Babay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is tons of fun for kids AND parents! The rhyming is very clever, and as a parent, I really appreciated the subtle reinforcement of which letters are vowels.
My kids loved the adorable illustrations and great story.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids laughed and laughed while I read this book, especially at the funny sounds I was trying to read! Great book that can be used both for fun story times and for discussing the difference between vowels and consonants.

[MD Knabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can U Save the Day is a clever alphabet book with lots of surprises inside including competition, animal sounds gone wrong, and some skillful mediation by the letter U. This multi-layered book is a fun read aloud kids will want to read again.