Beginning with Xs and Os

The concept here is genuinely delightful — turning the alphabet's origins into a fantastical saga complete with boxing gloves and evolving letter personalities — and Sam White's illustrations bring real kinetic energy to every page. Kirkus is right that the verse occasionally trips over its own meter, which matters more in a read-aloud than it might elsewhere. Still, as a classroom read or a gift for a curious early reader, this is a memorable and original choice.