Ready to plunge into a technicolor tidepool? U is for Urchin isn’t just another ABC book—it’s a psychedelic underwater carnival where phonics wears snorkels! Imagine if Dr. Seuss redrew Finding Nemo with a rave flashlight: Kaja Kajfez’s art bursts with neon urchins in acid-trip purples, plus a prankster crab playing hide-and-seek (find him doing jazz paws near the kelp!).

Why this book’s a splash hit:

• Tongue-tickling sounds: Kids “ooo” like urchins blowing kisses and “uh-oh!” when the crab pinches (phonics ≠ boring!)
• STEAM-y secrets: Reveals urchins use starfish as hats (OK, not really…but they DO wield rocks like umbrellas!)
• DIY drama: Fold the last page into a spyglass for a seek-and-find treasure hunt (hidden mermaid tears = glitter stickers required)

Missed pearl? No talk of urchin pedicures—they “taste” the ocean floor with tube feet! Parents, prep for: “Can we adopt a SPIKY ocean puppy??” (Tip: Local aquariums sell plush ones.) Teachers, snatch these curriculum conch shells:

1. Snack-science: Sculpt urchins from grapes + toothpicks (then nibble ’em—sneaky nutrition!)
2. Math wave: Graph how many “spines” kids add to clay urchins (most = Most Dangerous Sea Ball)
3. Phonics beach party: Shout “UNDERWATER UMBRELLA!” when spotting “U” words

Pair with Pout-Pout Fish for a grumpy/cute contrast, or screen Octonauts and yell “URCHIN ALERT!” (Bonus: Epic eye-rolls from tweens.) Warning: Page 6’s “Glow-in-the-Dark Urchin Disco” may inspire bedroom blacklights + glow sticks.