LMNO Peas

Animated by Soup2Nuts, this short and peppy musical adaptation of author and illustrator Keith Baker's 2010 picture book features music and vocals by Billy Joel Band member Crystal Taliefero. Here, little green anthropomorphic peas act out various scenarios tied to different letters of the alphabet: “e” features eaters, electricians, and explorers; “j” introduces judges and jugglers; and the somewhat sinister “o” includes “outlaws taking more” (with tiny veggies in robber masks stealing from a safe). Combining Taliefero's jaunty singing with sound effects, as well as kids chanting letters and chorus-like phrases (“We're peas!”), this snazzy, jazzy adaptation of the ALA Notable Book and School Library Journal and Publisher's Weekly starred review selection features a bonus interview with Baker. Recommended. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)