First the Egg

Beginning with the die cut on the cover, which completes the title and hides a secret underneath, this delivers a string of delightful surprises as Seeger crisply explores the stages of development in the natural world and, then, how a story grows. Thickly textured backgrounds provide visual energy for minimalist images that cleverly incorporate additional die cuts. “First the EGG,” reads the text on the opening spread, which pictures the egg through an appropriately shaped hole. When children flip the page, they’ll find a fuzzy chick and its adult counterpart—“then the CHICKEN.” So it goes through the life stages of frog, flower, and butterfly. Suddenly, Seeger turns away from nature. “First the WORD,” she writes, “then the STORY.” “First the PAINT . . . then the PICTURE,” accompanied by a painting that pulls the book together, showing chicken, flower, frog, and butterfly enjoying a beautiful day together. A funny finale sets up the book’s beginning. Pages are sturdy enough to support poking fingers and repeated viewings, both of which are guaranteed. Preschool-Kindergarten. --Stephanie Zvirin "...The best picture books create a world in themselves, and this tour de force is one of them..." -- Horn Book-starred review

"...Another perfectly pitched triumph from an emerging master of the concept book..." -- Kirkus Reviews-starred review

"...Another perfectly pitched triumph from an emerging master of the concept book..." " -- Kirkus Reviews-starred review

"...The best picture books create a world in themselves, and this tour de force is one of them..." -- Horn Book-starred review

"...Vibrant...Fresh and inviting...With its even rhythm, clearly expressed concept, and strong visuals, this book would make a great read-aloud for preschoolers." -- School Library Journal - Starred Review

Winner-Best Illustrated, 2007- "First the Egg arrives as an eye-catching reminder that learning can be made sheer delight." -- New York Times Book Review