First the Egg

Author and illustrator Laura Vaccaro Seeger's charming book about transformations gained recognition with both Caldecott and Theodor Seuss Geisel honors in 2007. In this beautiful animated adaptation, featuring lively narration by Elle Fanning and lovely music by Jack Sundrud and Rusty Young, viewers watch the changes from egg to chicken and tadpole to frog, as images with lovely hues and textures (backed by subtle sound effects) make the transitions vividly clear. With the thematic concept established, First the Egg invites anticipation with a gentle questioning inflection as it presents such things as a seed and a caterpillar—wondering what will each of these become? In an interview aimed at older children and adults, Seger, who has won an Emmy for her work in television animation, describes aspects of her creative process. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: K, E, P. (G.A. DeCandido)