Following up on last week’s Perfect Picture Book with its oh-so-fun chorus, I have another Perfect Picture Book with great read-aloud vocabulary.
Title: Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story about Sharing
Written & Illustrated By: Matthew Diffee
Publisher/Date: Neal Porter Books/2025
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: sharing, animals, animal sounds, humor, alien, farmyard
Opening:
The cow says, “Moo.”
The horse says, “Neigh.”
The sheep says, “Baa.”
The goat says, “Wait a second. I say baa.”
Brief Synopsis: A sheep and a goat argue over the right to say “baa.”
Links to Resources:
· Try these free sharing games for kids;
· Make a cotton ball sheep;
· Enjoy these free goat activities.
Why I Like this Book:
From the get-go, it’s clear that Zip Zap Wickety Wack is humorous and so much fun to read aloud. In the first spread, goat makes his intentions and personality known. He owns his sound, and he’s not going to let any old sheep use it. So there! After all, as goat informs us, “I’ve said baa since I was a kid.” Cue in the laughter!
Given this story is set in a farm field, the other animals try to help. The initial solution? Dog suggests sharing baa, but if they won’t share, then neither gets to use it. Seems reasonable, but then what sounds will sheep and goat make?
I won’t spoil the ending by explaining how “zip zap wickety wack” plays a role in the solution, but if you’re looking for a fun read-aloud with great opportunities for kids to chime in, I highly recommend Zip Zap Wickety Wack.
A Note about Craft:
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Diffee’s illustrations. In the first three spreads, readers meet each animal set against a blank, creamy background. A bit of green grass and some shadowing then appear in the next few spreads. The backgrounds become more elaborate as the story progresses, with fencing, blue sky, a barn, and more added. I think this choice helps us focus more on the animals and their distinct personalities at the outset without thinking of them in the context of the barnyard. An interesting choice by Diffee or perhaps the art director.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
