Book review: ‘E-Mergency!’ a fun read-aloud for budding language artists

Posted in Book Reviews
by Lorain County Moms

By Merrie Leininger, McClatchy-Tribune

“E-Mergency!”
By Tom Lichtenheld and Ezra Fields-Meyer
40 pages, for ages 5-9
Chronicle Books, $16.99

If you are a parent, it’s a good chance you already have a Tom Lichtenheld book in your house – he’s the author of “Duck! Rabbit!” “Shark vs. Train” and “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site.” This book is a collaboration between Lichtenheld and Ezra Fields-Meyer, a high-school student, and, if possible, is even more fun than the previous books.

Anyone who loves language — and silly puns — will love this book.

When the letter “E” falls down the stairs, the only way to get her back on her feet is for everyone to stop using her. But who will take her place while she’s recuperating? Z is too sleepy and Y asks way too many questions. Maybe O is the best letter for the job, because he’s so well-rounded? After the alphabet alerts the media about E’s replacement, the entirety of the rest of the book is done without the letter “E” at all – making for some silly read-aloud fun.

It’s very difficult to write without the letter “E.” Did you know it’s the most-used letter in the English language? I learned that from a graphic at the back of the book.

Kids who are learning to read — and adults — will have a great time and learn something, from this great picture book.