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Zack and Ike Are Exactly Alike
Friendship is about far more than being alike in this simple yet satisfying story.
Zack and Ike are best friends who like to think they're exactly alike.
They have the same backpack, the same bike, and the same kind hearts. But what happens when these best friends disagree? And what happens when they meet a new friend who is exactly different--or is she?
In this classic friendship story written by award-winning author Suzanne Bloom, readers will see that Zack and Ike are alike in some ways, but different in others--and that's okay! Because you don't have to be exactly alike to be friends.
Zack and Ike are best friends who like to think they're exactly alike.
They have the same backpack, the same bike, and the same kind hearts. But what happens when these best friends disagree? And what happens when they meet a new friend who is exactly different--or is she?
In this classic friendship story written by award-winning author Suzanne Bloom, readers will see that Zack and Ike are alike in some ways, but different in others--and that's okay! Because you don't have to be exactly alike to be friends.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published June 7, 2022
1721 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 30, 2022
Zack and Ike are exactly alike.
They both have wriggly hair.
They both have giggly grins.
They both have kind hearts.
But what happens when they disagree?
And how about that Zena Lola-Jo Lee? Is she exactly different? Or not?
A wonderful conversation starter.
They both have wriggly hair.
They both have giggly grins.
They both have kind hearts.
But what happens when they disagree?
And how about that Zena Lola-Jo Lee? Is she exactly different? Or not?
A wonderful conversation starter.
June 21, 2022
ZACK AND IKE ARE EXACTLY ALIKE, written and illustrated by award-winning Suzanne Bloom, offers a delightfully fun-filled picture book presenting that very dilemma. Filled with colorful and comic-style illustrations on white background, Zack and ike come to life with the vitality and appeal of kids down the street. They are quite similar, although readers of any age will note ways in which they aren't EXACTLY alike- their matching "wiggly hair" shows two different types of curliness, their skin color is different, but they see the many ways in which they are a matched pair: "google glasses, giggly grins, strong muscles, kind hearts, stripy shirts, and helmets." Young readers will note many ways they are alike that are not stated (missing front teeth, similar height and body types, etc.) as well as ways they are NOT. I appreciated that several of these relate to words/concepts/discussion points will offer young learners excellent development of basic vocabulary related to colors, shapes, sizes, and familiar nouns.
In fact, the fast-paced examples of activities, locations, and choices will have young audiences nodding along and eager to join them. That is likely to include recognition that even the closest of friends can have differences of opinions, such as whether to hike or head home when the bugs arrive. Advice to writers of books for this age includes the value of sudden twist or surprise, and this book offers that in two stages. First, they return to their shared hideout to note tracks and noises- A MONSTER! When the intruder turns out to be something friendlier, the differences involve a naming debate, But just when the story might resolve, another surprise visit implies a potential loss, as well as a worrisome question of how to deal with someone new with NO apparent similarities to Ike and Zack. But a closer look and open minds are amply rewarded with the best possible prize-- more friendships!
There are so many things to like about this seemingly simple picture book and I'm very grateful to have received a copy for review from the publisher (with no promise of a positive review). The text is prose but is also rich with internal rhymes and appealing word choices. Those basic names are built on two "word chunks" that developing readers often use to gain independence (-ake and -ike). the many lines in which a variety of familiar words are from those "families" of words means that little ones will be reading along or even reading/retelling to themselves after only a few exposures. The illustrations are supportive in revealing simple but story-suited action images for the verbs/activity words. Both the literal story and those literal/visual elements off effective context for early reading development, but also contain gems that will pull kids back to laugh, explore, and enjoy again and again. The serpent swamp and secret hideout, as well as the results of their "maker" play are models of creativity and cleverness. The text is explicit about their strong hearts and muscles, but readers can easily recognize their similarly strong brain-power and artistry.
All in all, this is going to be a hit for young readers with many returns to it over time. The value, then, is obvious. Even so, the theme and tone of friendships and similarities and other-ing and issue-resolving are so directly and warmly explored that I'd love to see many adults in today's world pay close attention, too. Whether it is PRIDE month or Black History Month or Hispanic Heritage Month or any other designated period in which to recognize and celebrate the value of particular races, ethnicities, or other identities, a book such as this asks us to focus on the innate ability of these boys to recognize themselves in each other, to build connections and friendships that make each and both lives better for their effort.
August 6, 2023
No two people are either exactly alike or different: neither Zack and Ike nor Zena Lola-Jo Lee.
In my work I've used the system of Aura Reading Through All Your Senses® to explore how people are alike -- down to their aura-parts called "chakra databanks." And they're never alike.
Likewise, in another facet of my work, I've used the system of Face Reading Secrets® to explore how people are similar, or different, regarding face data and its significance for personal style. I've explored countless Ear Angles, Chin Bottoms, Priority Areas and more. Researching hundreds of faces (always people at least 18 years of age); researching face data even of identical twins... and every time I've discovered how highly individual people are.
YES, we have so much to learn about friendship. Especially coming to accept how those we love do not have to be exactly like us.
In this storybook, this Goodreader would say, Zack and Ike are mostly learning about being themselves, about being human. Secondarily, they're learning about the otherness of people -- sometimes like them and other times not.
Potentially, this book could be considered the start of a lifelong education. Specifically, this book marks progress along that path.
FIVE STARS. Thanks, Suzanne Bloom, for your writing and pictures... and wisdom.
In my work I've used the system of Aura Reading Through All Your Senses® to explore how people are alike -- down to their aura-parts called "chakra databanks." And they're never alike.
Likewise, in another facet of my work, I've used the system of Face Reading Secrets® to explore how people are similar, or different, regarding face data and its significance for personal style. I've explored countless Ear Angles, Chin Bottoms, Priority Areas and more. Researching hundreds of faces (always people at least 18 years of age); researching face data even of identical twins... and every time I've discovered how highly individual people are.
YES, we have so much to learn about friendship. Especially coming to accept how those we love do not have to be exactly like us.
In this storybook, this Goodreader would say, Zack and Ike are mostly learning about being themselves, about being human. Secondarily, they're learning about the otherness of people -- sometimes like them and other times not.
Potentially, this book could be considered the start of a lifelong education. Specifically, this book marks progress along that path.
FIVE STARS. Thanks, Suzanne Bloom, for your writing and pictures... and wisdom.
March 13, 2022
This is a story about two young boys who are friends and do things very similarly, as many “best friends” do. As the story goes on though they begin to see that they are actually different and unique in their own ways, especially once they meet Zena Lola-Jo Lee who is very different from them, but also very similar in her own way.
This picture book is short and has 1-2 sentences per page with a variety of simple drawings on white pages mixed with detailed illustrations and help the reader to picture what is happening. I think that makes this book very accessible to young readers, especially because there is also repetition, rhyming and lots of high frequency words. I would definitely recommend this book for parents and teachers of children who are beginning to read. I think this book would fit well in a K-2 classroom but may also work with other early readers as well.
I really appreciate the opportunity from Netgalley and the publisher to read and review an advance copy of this book!
This picture book is short and has 1-2 sentences per page with a variety of simple drawings on white pages mixed with detailed illustrations and help the reader to picture what is happening. I think that makes this book very accessible to young readers, especially because there is also repetition, rhyming and lots of high frequency words. I would definitely recommend this book for parents and teachers of children who are beginning to read. I think this book would fit well in a K-2 classroom but may also work with other early readers as well.
I really appreciate the opportunity from Netgalley and the publisher to read and review an advance copy of this book!
June 8, 2022
This is a very cute book with a great premise. Zack and Ike are great friends, similar in all the ways that count, and usually in accord. However, it eventually comes up that they are not entirely in sync. What then? And what happens when they meet someone who doesn't seem to be the same?
The idea for this book, and the conversations that it could inspire, are awesome. Unfortunately, it seems like the plot is a little underdeveloped. Their conflict comes on suddenly and ends quickly without much discussion or demonstration of how to work through it. And then, in the end, the entirely different concept of integrating someone new into their friendship is introduced just before the book closes. I would have loved to see their conflict, and them resolving it, expanded upon. Maybe the new friend could have been saved for a follow-up book? That said, this is still a good book with fun art and a nice message about friendship. It's definitely worth trying out.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
The idea for this book, and the conversations that it could inspire, are awesome. Unfortunately, it seems like the plot is a little underdeveloped. Their conflict comes on suddenly and ends quickly without much discussion or demonstration of how to work through it. And then, in the end, the entirely different concept of integrating someone new into their friendship is introduced just before the book closes. I would have loved to see their conflict, and them resolving it, expanded upon. Maybe the new friend could have been saved for a follow-up book? That said, this is still a good book with fun art and a nice message about friendship. It's definitely worth trying out.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
April 2, 2022
Two little boys have so many things in common, they declare they are exactly alike (although there are obvious differences). They spend each day together doing things they agree on, and they are both happy.
One day, their secret hideout is invaded, and it leads to a disagreement until a very different sort of person comes along. A little girl who can't possibly be like them, unless...
This is a fun book. I enjoyed the illustrations of the kids showing off their clothes that match and playing together. It's a great way to open subjects like friendship, things in common, and overlooking differences.
5/5 Stars Charming!
Thanks to Astra Publishing House and NetGalley for the preview of this ebook in pdf; the review is voluntary.
#ZackandIkeAreExactlyAlike #NetGalley
One day, their secret hideout is invaded, and it leads to a disagreement until a very different sort of person comes along. A little girl who can't possibly be like them, unless...
This is a fun book. I enjoyed the illustrations of the kids showing off their clothes that match and playing together. It's a great way to open subjects like friendship, things in common, and overlooking differences.
5/5 Stars Charming!
Thanks to Astra Publishing House and NetGalley for the preview of this ebook in pdf; the review is voluntary.
#ZackandIkeAreExactlyAlike #NetGalley
August 3, 2022
I had so much hope for this one. The art is adorable, and the two boys are charming in their boyish way. However, the plot is confusing. The story starts with a list of things the boys always do. Then it abruptly shifts to a dialogue-heavy section that leads to a non-conflict-what to name a puppy they find, which is settled with barely a thought. Then the next conflict that seems to arise-the introduction of a new character-isn't even a conflict. I was left feeling like the book hadn't even gotten started.
June 28, 2022
This was sweet. I think it would be fun to point out the connections and commonalities between the characters. There are differences (colors of the strips on their shirts for instance), but I enjoyed the focus on finding similarities - both short sleeves, both white w/colored stripes, etc. The introduction of a new character at the end is sure to bring good conversation as readers look for ways she may be like Zack and Ike too.
March 8, 2022
Great story about friendship. .Zack and Ike are alike in many ways. They learn that they have some differences. I enjoyed this story. The end feels a little rushed.
Beautiful illustrations.
#ZackandIkeAreExactlyAlike #NetGalley
Beautiful illustrations.
#ZackandIkeAreExactlyAlike #NetGalley
March 31, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Astra Publishing House, Calkins Creek for a free digital copy.
What a fun little tale of two friends who are so much the same. But they learn that enjoying time together isn't just determined by what you can see on the outside. I think this is very cute.
What a fun little tale of two friends who are so much the same. But they learn that enjoying time together isn't just determined by what you can see on the outside. I think this is very cute.
July 19, 2022
Interesting book about friendship, where they mimicked each other because they feel like they're alike. And best friends are alike. They do things together, and help each other. And they also have differences. Beautifully written and prettily illustrated.
October 24, 2023
My partner read this book as his read-aloud. I enjoyed how easy it was for him to make this book fun. The last couple of pages are just loud words that you can rally put a spin on to make it enjoyable.
May 22, 2022
Two boys realize they don't have to be exactly alike to be friends.
June 25, 2022
Cute early reading story about friendship.
July 13, 2022
Very cute!
August 12, 2022
Although fun, this simple books ends quite abruptly. Very, very similar to Chester's Way by Henkes.
August 18, 2022
Fun book for primary grade kids. Engaging story, great art.
July 12, 2023
Swett reminder that we can be alike and we can be different but it doesn't always matter ;)
January 4, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Suzanne Bloom to provided me with an advanced copy of this book.
I really want to do an appreciation of this book, however, In my own opinion, it is important to do a synopsis.
Well, this is a short story when most of the time it shows us a vocabulary and how two friends are alike, wear the same, do the same activities, all things, anyway.
Now, I enjoy reading this, and children can improve their skills and vocabulary by reading this, for me, the most important thing about children's books is that could teach them lessons and vocabulary.
3.0
I really want to do an appreciation of this book, however, In my own opinion, it is important to do a synopsis.
Well, this is a short story when most of the time it shows us a vocabulary and how two friends are alike, wear the same, do the same activities, all things, anyway.
Now, I enjoy reading this, and children can improve their skills and vocabulary by reading this, for me, the most important thing about children's books is that could teach them lessons and vocabulary.
3.0
September 18, 2024
What is most important in a friendship? This tale about Zack and Ike reveals some important insights about the success to a good friendship in simple text.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews