Hannah is feeling just a bit peckish and knows exactly what she wants to eat: an A to Z sandwich on thick whole wheat bread! From avocado to zucchini, Hannah’s whims throw Mr. McDougal at the cafe into a sandwich-building frenzy. But what happens when Hannah discovers the towering sandwich isn’t quite what she ordered? This messy romp through the alphabet will have readers in fits of giggles from beginning to end.
Review
Just when you think there is no new way to present the alphabet, along comes Hannah and her order for a tall sandwich. In this tale told in rhyming couplets, Hannah asks McDougal at the deli for an “A to Z sandwich” on thick, whole wheat bread. “Avocados and bean sprouts fresh carrots galore. / Dill pickles, egg salad those figs I adore!” In the double-page-spread illustration, Hannah gazes rapturously at the bits and pieces of sandwich fixings that McDougal is furiously chopping. ” Green peppers,’ said Hannah, sliced thin, if you please. / And drizzle on lots of sweet honey from bees.’ ” It’s alphabetical, though not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea. Marshmallow spread, nuts, olives, potatoes, and quinoa get stacked in order, followed by a radish, sunflower seeds, a tomato, and ugli fruit. Vanilla and whipped cream add a sweet touch with toppings of xouba fish, yam, and zucchini. Voilà! It’s the vivacious, messy, and deliciously appealing illustrations that turn the tale into a real romp. With curly red hair, pale skin, and freckles galore, Hannah is a charmer, seemingly unconcerned as olive-skinned McDougal grows increasingly sweaty and food-spattered. The alphabetical ingredients are for the most part readily recognizable, though readers are likely to side-eye that xouba fish (which the illustration reveals to be a sardine). A made-to-order toothsome tale. (Picture book 4-8) –Kirkus Review
Taking center stage, of course, is Hannah’s sandwich an abstract work of art of various colors and textures. Watching this most unusual order come together is a full house of diverse customers, including a girl in a wheelchair. Various perspectives, the use of motion, and the exaggerated-but-spot-on facial expressions add to the exuberant fun. –Celebrate Picture Books Blog
I LOVED this book! With a perfect rhyme, and lots of fun too, it’s just what the deli owner ordered to help kids learn their ABCs! –Feathered Quill
Lisa s Everyday Life 