Book Description
for Edgar's Second Word by Audrey Vernick and Priscilla Burris
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Hazel waited a long time for her baby brother to arrive. In the meantime, she read to her bunny, Rodrigo. When Edgar finally comes, Hazel discovers he “wasn’t much different from Rodrigo. Or a pillow. Or a watermelon.” Hazel’s mother records first in Edgar’s baby book while Hazel waits for the “first that mattered. Edgar’s first word.” When Edgar finally speaks, it’s not the joyful occasion Hazel hoped for: Edgar’s first word is “No!” and he wields it with passion, conviction, and abandon. But at bedtime one night, she snuggles him onto her lap. He settles with a “tired-baby gravity” and listens to her read a story. When Hazel is done, Edgar says his second word: “Again.” And his third. “Again, ’azel?” Fresh descriptive language and fine pacing distinguish a picture book offering a humorous yet honest look at some of the highs and lows of being an older sibling. Highly Commended, 2015 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 4–7)
CCBC Choices 2015. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2015. Used with permission.