Pop!: Otto, the Kernel Who Didn't Pop Spiral-Bound | September 7, 2021

Karen Kilpatrick, Germán Blanco (Illustrated by)

★★★☆☆+ from 31 to 100 ratings

$24.99 - Free Shipping

Pop! is a children’s illustrated picture book exploring the power of self-acceptance & overcoming obstacles.

Meet Otto, a young Kernel who’s been dreaming about the day he would pop. But what happens when Pop Day finally arrives, and things don’t go as planned? When all the Kernels pop except for Otto, he's left wondering what went wrong. Otto returns to his jar, alone, until a delicious smell leads to an exciting discovery. Perhaps Otto didn’t need to pop to do everything he’d always dreamed of!

"Otto’s adventure is a quirky and endearing one. Kilpatrick effectively teaches readers that, like the protagonist, they can excel even in circumstances that may not be exactly what they pictured."-Kirkus reviews

Award-winning author and illustrator duo Kilpatrick and Blanco bring us an empowering tale about how being different doesn’t have to mean missing out. With vibrant, kid-friendly illustrations and a powerful message, this captivating children’s illustrated book celebrates inclusion, diversity, facing challenges, and overcoming doubts. Even though things may not be as expected, Pop! shows us that you can always follow your dreams.

This fun but heartwarming picture book is sure to remind both children and adults that it’s okay to be exactly as you are and makes a great gift for birthdays, holidays, or any learning occasion!

Kids will take a journey of imagination and growth as they learn about:
  • Embracing differences
  • Being comfortable with who you are
  • Not letting obstacles stand in your way
  • Pop! is a fun, read-aloud picture book perfect for:
  • Kids ages 3 and up
  • Social and emotional learning (SEL) curriculum or for anyone wanting to teach about differences, being yourself, and self-acceptance
  • Parents, families, teachers, librarians, and classroom story times for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary students
  • Fans of The Good Egg and The Bad Seed

Publisher: Ingram Publisher Services
Original Binding: Hardcover Picture Book
Pages: 40 pages
ISBN-10: 1938447220
Item Weight: 1.43 lbs
Dimensions: 11.0 x 0.5 x 9.0 inches
Customer Reviews: 3 out of 5 stars 31 to 100 ratings


"Otto’s adventure is a quirky and endearing one. Kilpatrick effectively teaches readers that, like the protagonist, they can excel even in circumstances that may not be exactly what they pictured. Blanco’s charming, full-color illustrations depict Otto and other expressive Kernels in a cheerful kitchen setting. Also included is a creative, detailed illustration of a “map” to MicroWave City, including locales such as Pistachio Way and Juice Box Café.


A clever and delightful snack-time story." - Kirkus Reviews

Karen Kilpatrick knows her ABCs and likes to tell stories, so she makes up combinations of words on the computer! She also is a mom of three, runs a nonprofit called Authors4Education, is the Marketing Chair on the board of directors for Women in Toys, and created the plush toy brand MeBears. Some of Karen's other books include When Pencil Met Eraser and When Pencil Met the Markers.