September 1, 2022
K-Gr 2-An early reader that offers lessons in reading skills and emotion management. Ziggy, a hippo, and Zak, a raccoon, are excitedly traveling through New York City to see "The Stomp City Show." Transportation issues delay the duo, resulting in a frustrated and angry Ziggy. The Statue of Liberty comes to the rescue with the gentle reminder to breathe and count to 10, and a calmer Ziggy enjoys music in the park with his friends. The target audience of emergent readers is acknowledged from the first page, which includes a list of all the words in the story children can practice before diving in. The story continues with rhyming text in short sentences throughout and ends with comprehension questions on the last page. Although the breathing and counting techniques offered to the characters are not unique, their delivery by a historical monument is amusing and anchors the setting and illustrations. The latter, however, is somewhat of a hindrance reading due to the chaos of some scenes, and a disconnect between the simple story and detailed illustrations, such as when multiple angry characters are shown chasing Ziggy and Zak for no apparent reason. The rhyming text has bumps, as in, "The train is late/ we cannot wait/ Here comes a bus/ It has no room for us." Ultimately, the flimsy plot gives way to a mediocre reading experience. VERDICT The book supports developing skills but lacks the quality story to fully engage emergent readers.-Casey O'Leary
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