New Juvenile Books

New Juvenile Books

Book Review – Tales for Very Picky Eaters

Tales for Very Picky Eaters — Josh Schneider

2012 Winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

By Claudia Haines

James eyes broccoli with disgust, claims lasagna “smells funny,” and considers his dad’s lumpy oatmeal inedible. He is a picky eater. James’ father aims to change that, not through threats or bribes, but by offering ridiculous alternatives including a runner’s smelly socks, gum previously chewed 1,000 times, and dirt filled with worms. Even the family dog seems part of the effort to change James’ eating habits. One wordless page features the dog, saddened by the news that, if not eaten, the amoeba-like “growing oatmeal” might enjoy a dog snack.

Schneider’s mixed media images of watercolor, pencil, and ink complement the silly story with their attention to detail. Young James’ scowl as he eyes the broccoli he claims to detest and the final image of a smiling James, hands raised in triumph after discovering he likes eggs, exemplify the emotional richness found in many of Schneider’s illustrations. The story’s text is purposefully nested in the illustrations, drawing the book’s intended audience of beginning readers first to the telling images and then enticing them to read on.

James’ transition from picky eater to “slimy egg” eater is expected, but Schneider is still able to surprise readers. The story’s predictable nature, along with the illustrations, help make the book a good fit for young readers who want an entertaining story, yet need clues to help decipher the sometimes challenging text. (Ages 5-9)

 

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