Pop!

by Karen Kilpatrick, German Blanco (Illustrator)

Pop! is a children’s illustrated picture book exploring the power of self-acceptance & overcoming obstacles. Meet Otto, a young Kernel who’s been dreaming about the day he would pop. But what happens when Pop Day finally arrives, and things don’t go as planned? When all the Kernels pop except for Otto, he's left wondering what went wrong. Otto returns to his jar, alone, until a delicious smell leads to an exciting discovery. Perhaps Otto didn’t need to pop to do everything he’d always dreamed of! "Otto’s adventure is a quirky and endearing one. Kilpatrick effectively teaches readers that, like the protagonist, they can excel even in circumstances that may not be exactly what they pictured."-Kirkus reviews Award-winning author and illustrator duo Kilpatrick and Blanco bring us an empowering tale about how being different doesn’t have to mean missing out. With vibrant, kid-friendly illustrations and a powerful message, this captivating children’s illustrated book celebrates inclusion, diversity, facing challenges, and overcoming doubts. Even though things may not be as expected, Pop! shows us that you can always follow your dreams.This fun but heartwarming picture book is sure to remind both children and adults that it’s okay to be exactly as you are and makes a great gift for birthdays, holidays, or any learning occasion! Kids will take a journey of imagination and growth as they learn Embracing differences Being comfortable with who you are Not letting obstacles stand in your way Pop! is a fun, read-aloud picture book perfect Kids ages 3 and up Social and emotional learning (SEL) curriculum or for anyone wanting to teach about differences, being yourself, and self-acceptance Parents, families, teachers, librarians, and classroom story times for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary students Fans of The Good Egg and The Bad Seed

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Food, Storytime

39 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2021

Reviews

[Villain E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otto the kernel is looking forward to popping into popcorn, to get to play in butter and cheese and whatnot. But on Pop Day, he doesn't pop. At first he's sad, but then he meets other kernels who never popped or only half-popped, and finds that he can still play in butter and cheese and whatnot. So, on the next Pop Day he shows up to support other kernels who don't pop.

A strong story about society's expectations and identity, which can be used as a metaphor for all kinds of situations. My biggest criticism is that you can't tell the kernels apart. In a crowd scene, my kids asked "Which one is he?" and I couldn't answer.

[Zanna McMurtrey]

I like what this book was going for, but I don't think it got quite to where it wanted to be. I like the idea of communicating to children that it's ok to be who every you are or choose to be. However, I don't think popcorn was the best analogy for this message. It's totally ok to be a late bloomer, but corn kernels that never pop are thrown away. Kids know this and may view unpopped kernels being seen as just as good as edible pop corn as confusing, because they objectively aren't. I think the analogy would have been better if it wasn't factually incorrect.

[Elizabeth Junk · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a popcorn kernel who never popped! Otto waited his whole life for the day we would get to go to the microwave and pop! Once the day came Otto watched all his friends pop except for him! Hw felt sad until he met some other kernels who hadn't popped or only half popped! This made him feel less alone and they told him that no matter if you pop, don't pop, or only half pop that you can still do everything you want to do! I would use this book to show students that despite our differences we can still do anything anyone else can do!

[Josie Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was super cute. It was a little sad because one of the popcorn kernels never popped and saw all his other friends pooped. In the end he made a sign that said happy pop or not pop day showing it is okay if you couldn't pop.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

The popcorn seeds are excited for their trip to the microwave. But when Otto doesn't pop, he feels very sad. Then he finds some other seeds in a bowl who are having fun even though they didn't pop. This was okay.

[Bridget Moxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is such a great book!

Can't wait to share it with the class! I love how it is written. It makes it easy to start a conversation about everyone being different.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Otto is a popcorn kernel who fails to pop.

This picture book is a metaphor in which the inability to pop represents a disability. It shows young readers that people with disabilities have value within an able-bodied society and can still have fulfilling lives.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a weird one, but fun pictures.

[Reuella Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if all the kernels could not pop that didn't stop them from having a good time.

[Ami Schroder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book about how it’s ok to pop, half pop or not pop at all. Would be a good opening before reading the chapter book, Popcorn Bob!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story of a kernel of corn that just can't pop, and feels wrong that he can't.

[Maeghan Nutmeg Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Might try this with the preschoolers because I so badly want a tie-in to use with the Popcorn Kernels scarf song.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pop! By Karen Kilpatrick – This was an Amazon freebie. A cute story about overcoming obstacles! Happy Reading!

[Slmstanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I applaud the nonconformist message, I'm always uncomfortable with kids books that anthropomorphize food.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful story, great message, and awesome illustrations

[KMitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm recommending this picture book to ALL my teacher friends. Supports social emotional learning and accepting others and yourself for ‘popping’ at different times.