Laggie and Grillo - by Phyllis Schwartz (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Join Yoshi and her unusual pets (a lizard and a cricket!) as she writes a hilarious poem with words in Spanish, Yiddish, and Japanese for a school assignment. Celebrate with her as she receives a B+, and then later, as another pet joins the family!

✓ A fun and simple first step to learning new words in another language.

✓ A story about friendship, regardless of differences

✓ Inspirational to see Yoshi succeed at her assignment

✓ A familiar storyline with a twist - Yoshi wants a puppy but adopts a lizard and a cricket!

✓ A wide range of vocabulary to help both younger and older readers expand their language skills

✓ Spark a love of reading and writing poetry

✓ Colourful and funny scenes that'll make you smile and laugh

✓ Glossary and phonetics included

✓ Poetry activity included

✓ And a recipe to make Inari Sushi yourself!

Yoshi wants a pet so badly she befriends some backyard critters who aren't likely to get along and brings them into her circle of family and friends for fun and frolic. She aces a school writing assignment in the process by telling the tale in a poem that uses words from all over the world.

To be safe, I brought Grillo into my room, but I couldn't sleep 'cause he chirped all night!

Sin dulces sueños (No sweet dreams), more like a fright!

The next day, I built each of them a cardboard house, and told them, "Don't be mean!"

Then hoping they would listen, I built a twig bridge in between!

Laggie and Grillo: An unlikely friendship not only helps children think about the responsibilities of keeping a pet, but also about the importance of helping opposites get along.

It's a multicultural friendship story so full of rhyming fun you'll want to be a part of it!

Review Quotes

"A delightful picture book that teaches kids 15 Spanish, Yiddish and Japanese words, as Yoshi crafts a poem about what bothers them the most!

"Laggie and Grillo: An Unlikely Friendship is more than just a delightful picture book. It's a valuable educational tool that introduces children to several Spanish, Yiddish, and Japanese words. As Yoshi crafts her poem, readers are not only entertained but also enriched with new words and their meanings."

Kameron Brook, Reedsy reviewer