First The Egg

FIRST THE EGG
Written and illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
A Neal Porter Book/Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan/September 2007

FIRST Laura Vaccaro Seeger created the critically acclaimed concept books THE HIDDEN ALPHABET, LEMONS ARE NOT RED, WALTER WAS WORRIED, and BLACK? WHITE! DAY? NIGHT!.
THEN she produced her first work that kids can read themselves, the lovable DOG AND BEAR.
NOW she tackles that age-old question – Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

This is a book about transformations… from egg to chicken, seed to flower, and caterpillar to butterfly. But it’s also a book about creativity – as paint becomes picture, word becomes story… and commonplace becomes extraordinary.

(awards)
2008 Caldecott Honor Book
2008 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
New York Times Best Seller
New York Times 10 Best Illustrated Books of 2007
American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, 2008
Horn Book Fanfare Best Books of 2007
Oppenheim Platinum Award, 2008
NAIBA Children’s Pick of the List, 2007
Arizona Grand Canyon Young Readers Award, 2007
Michigan Great Lakes Great Books Award, 2007
South Dakota Prairie Bud Award, 2007
Eric Carle Museum Picture Book of Distinction, 2007

(reviews)
starred review/Kirkus Reviews
“Another perfectly pitched triumph from an emerging master of the concept book.”

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

starred review/School Library Journal
“Vibrant… Fresh and inviting… With its even rhythm, clearly expressed concept, and strong visuals, this book would make a great read-aloud for preschoolers.”

best illustrated/New York Times
“FIRST THE EGG arrives as an eye-catching reminder that learning can be made sheer delight.”

Publishers Weekly
“A nimble page-turner… Clever… Exuberant imagery.”