Hannah's Tall Order

An A to Z Sandwich

2019 Nominee - Florida Literacy Association Children's Book Award
2018 Nominee - Annie Karcher Best in Rhyme Top 10!

Hannah is feeling just a bit peckish and knows exactly what she wants to eat: an A to Z sandwich on thick whole wheat bread! From avocado to zucchini, Hannah's whims throw Mr. McDougal at the cafe into a sandwich-building frenzy. But what happens when Hannah discovers the towering sandwich isn't quite what she ordered? This messy romp through the alphabet will have readers in fits of giggles from beginning to end.

Format List Price Your Price Qty
$16.99 $16.99
$28.99 $28.99
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 2
Reading Level Grade 1
Dewey E
Lexile 490L
ATOS Reading Level
Guided Reading Level K
Language English
Publisher Sleeping Bear Press
Available Formats Hardcover (9781585363827), PDF (9781534126473), Hosted ebook (9781534126602)
Copyright 2018
Number of Pages 32
Dimensions 9 x 11
Graphics Full-color illustrations
  • Florida Literacy Association Children’s Book Award , Nominated, 2019
  • Annie Karcher Best in Rhyme Top 20!, Nominated, 2018

Kirkus Review - Hannah's Tall Order

Just when you think there is no new way to present the alphabet, along comes Hannah and her order for a tall sandwich. In this tale told in rhyming couplets, Hannah asks McDougal at the deli for an “A to Z sandwich” on thick, whole wheat bread. “Avocados and bean sprouts—fresh carrots galore. / Dill pickles, egg salad—those figs I adore!” In the double-page-spread illustration, Hannah gazes rapturously at the bits and pieces of sandwich fixings that McDougal is furiously chopping. " ‘Green peppers,’ said Hannah, ‘sliced thin, if you please. / And drizzle on lots of sweet honey from bees.’ " It’s alphabetical, though not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea. Marshmallow spread, nuts, olives, potatoes, and quinoa get stacked in order, followed by a radish, sunflower seeds, a tomato, and ugli fruit. Vanilla and whipped cream add a sweet touch with toppings of xouba fish, yam, and zucchini. Voilà! It’s the vivacious, messy, and deliciously appealing illustrations that turn the tale into a real romp. With curly red hair, pale skin, and freckles galore, Hannah is a charmer, seemingly unconcerned as olive-skinned McDougal grows increasingly sweaty and food-spattered. The alphabetical ingredients are for the most part readily recognizable, though readers are likely to side-eye that xouba fish (which the illustration reveals to be a sardine). A made-to-order toothsome tale. (Picture book 4-8)

Author: Linda Vander Heyden

Linda Vander Heyden has always loved quiet country and woodlands. As a child, she spent summers at her family’s cabin, fascinated by frogs and dragonflies (but not the pinching ants). Her love of nature and animals has inspired many of her stories and poems. Linda lives in the country with her husband, two dogs, three cats, and a horse named Jack!

Illustrator: Kayla Harren

Kayla Harren graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She is the illustrator of many picture books, including A Boy Like You and A Girl Like You. She grew up in a family with her mom, dad, and older brother. She has also been included in sports team families, art club families, and friendship families. Kayla lives in Minnesota with her own little family made up of her husband and adopted dogs.

Narrator: Tamara Ryan

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Author/Illustrator biography
Reviewed
Full-color illustrations