Diffee, Matthew. Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story About Sharing. Matthew Diffee, Illus. Neal Porter, 09/2025. 48pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-8234-5871-4. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.
Charming, realistic, wax and colored pencil illustrations, in the style of Randolph Caldecott, help frame a grand joke within a satisfying moral parable. With pastoral calm, farmyard animals introduce their signature sounds, until both sheep and goat claim ‘baa.’ Realistic bickering and problem-solving soon shifts from conventional to witty and wacky. Irreverent, yet grounded, the big twist and delightful resolution of this comic read-aloud will give readers plenty to chuckle at, recognize and admire. Great for storytime.
Melissa McAvoy—Retired