The Egg

Imagine you're so afraid of heights that you can't climb a ladder. Now, imagine you decide to go skydiving to confront the worst version of your greatest fear. Disnaut Maria L'naim explores this idea in a potty-humor-packed comedy titled "The Egg." The protagonists Melvin and Beatrice are extremely self-conscious, under the radar types who go to great lengths not to be noticed. That is, until they start laying eggs. Most people would do everything to further avoid the spotlight, but Melvin and Beatrice use it as an opportunity to break out of their shells and confront society's problems. Don't let the toilet humor fool you. This book has many serious layers, from the personal and psychological (being comfortable with oneself in order to be comfortable in front of others), to the environmental (the Egg as a metaphor for the earth), to the political (what a polarized government can learn from the yolk and white of an egg). While the book was written with a 3rd to 6th grade audience in mind, grown-ups will also appreciate this unusual tale.