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A Case of the Zaps

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( 136 ratings, 30 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Case of the Zaps by Alex Boniello and April Lavalle follows the adventures of a robot named Snix who experiences unexpected feelings called "the Zaps" before a big journey. Initially confused and worried, Snix learns about embracing emotions with help from friends. It's a delightful story about understanding and coping with anxiety, wrapped in a fun, engaging narrative for children.
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Format: Hardback
$3500
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This delightful adventure may appeal to children who appreciate stories that gently explore emotions and the concept of anxiety in a relatable way. Through imaginative storytelling and engaging illustrations, young readers might find comfort and understanding in the whimsical world and its heartwarming characters.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A kid robot named Pi from planet Robot-Earth is invited on a field trip to Olde Silicon Valley, but they are overcome with a scary feeling called the Zaps, so Pi must find the courage to learn how to deal with their anxiety.

A charming and heartfelt picture book that's a great way to start a conversation about anxiety and mental health with readers a few generations old or fresh off the assembly line!

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A charming and heartfelt picture book that's a great way to start a conversation about anxiety and mental health with readers a few generations old or fresh off the assembly line!

Meet 3.14159265358979323846264338327950 . . . Or Pi, for short. Pi's just like any other kid robot: They love to listen to music, play with their dog, and hang out with their friends. And when their teacher announces a field trip to Olde Silicon Valley, Pi couldn't be more excited!

They daydream of all the awesome things they want to see and do there––but also begin to worry about all the things that could go wrong . . .

Then, on the way home, Pi feels a ZAP! They try to avoid the strange feeling, but the Zaps keep happening. Pi doesn't understand. They have a firewall installed! What could be going on?

A tale with equal parts humour and heart, A Case of the Zaps is a great way to begin talking about mental health and anxiety for readers of all ages.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Case of the Zaps is praised for its clever approach to helping children understand and discuss anxiety. It explains therapy in a child-friendly manner, offering confidence and support through engaging storytelling. The protagonist, Pi, is especially noted for using expressive illustrations to introduce nerves, coping mechanisms, and the encouragement to communicate with friends and caretakers.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781419756726

Publisher: Abrams

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 13 October 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Abrams Books for Young Readers

Illustration: Full-color illustrations throughout

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by James Kwan

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 267.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 48

About the Author

Alex Boniello is an actor, musician, singer, writer, and Tony Award–winning producer from New York City. Most recently, he starred as Connor Murphy in Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen, and has also appeared as the voice of Moritz in Deaf West’s revival of Spring Awakening, and in numerous TV shows and films. Alongside April Lavalle, he’s also a producer on Hadestown, for which they both received Tony Awards. Boniello is a passionate advocate for mental health, having worked closely with some of the most prolific organizations in the country. A Case of the Zaps is his first book. April Lavalle is an actor, comedian, writer, and Tony Award–winning producer living in New York City. As an actor, Lavalle has appeared on television and on stages throughout the world, and as a writer, she has been featured in publications such as Reductress, McSweeneys, Medium, and Vulture. She is also a director for the Story Pirates, which celebrates the imaginations of children worldwide. A Case of the Zaps is her first book. James Kwan is an animator and illustrator with a BFA from Pratt Institute. His picture books Dear Yeti and How It Feels to Be a Boat received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly and were featured in the New York Times. He was a character artist on BoJack Horseman and has also done animated, illustrated, and directed work with many clients, including Microsoft and LEGO.

Also by Alex Boniello

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  • Feeling Boo
    Authors and Tony Award-winning producers Alex Boniello and April Lavalle perfectly balance sweet and spooky in Feeling Boo, a charming and supportive picture book that reminds readers it’s ok to feel a little boo, especially if you have friends to help you through. It’s OK to feel a little bit BOO, especially if you have friends to help you through....
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Also by April Lavalle

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  • Feeling Boo
    Authors and Tony Award-winning producers Alex Boniello and April Lavalle perfectly balance sweet and spooky in Feeling Boo, a charming and supportive picture book that reminds readers it’s ok to feel a little boo, especially if you have friends to help you through. It’s OK to feel a little bit BOO, especially if you have friends to help you through....
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