BOOK REVIEWS | Learning about animals, easing vaccination worries in book for young kids

by Roanne Weisman

Parents and young children will delight in Alpha Vaccination: An Animal Alphabet Vaccination Story, a whimsical, illustrated story of animals getting vaccinated. Author Benjamin Lachapelle offers a perfect way not only to learn the alphabet and the names of animals, but also to introduce calmness, compassion and some fun into the lives of young children who may be feeling turmoil as the pandemic turns their worlds upside down. From Alligator, “who’s got his first shot” to Black Bear, “who was scared” and Boa Constrictor, “who helped Black Bear be brave” to Unicorn, “who knows vaccinations=vacations!,” children can use these animal friends to help them feel safe during vaccinations. At the end, they learn that “People get vaccines too, the tall and the small.” The talented author and illustrator, who is on the autism spectrum, and calls himself an “Animal Knower,” captivates all ages with his joy, optimism and love of animals. This book is a beacon of hope in the pandemic.