Josh Schneider

If you read my blog often, you'll know that I don't normally get excited over chapter books. It's hard to break new ground or do much "outside the box," with a beginning reader or chapter book (unless you're Mo Willems). However, I'm excited about this one.

Tales for Very Picky Eaters doesn't break new ground - it's the standard chapter book size, 48 pages long, and contains five short illustrated chapters that can stand alone, but tie together in a neat little story. So why do I like Tales show more for Very Picky Eaters? Begin with the chapter titles - sure to please the most reluctant or recalcitrant reader. Each is a tale - "The Tale of the Disgusting Broccoli," "The Tale of the Smelly Lasagna," and my personal favorite, "The Tale of the Repulsive Milk" (never have been a fan of milk!). But what truly makes this book different is Schneider's very dry sense of humor.
Take the "Tale of the Lumpy Oatmeal."

""I can't eat oatmeal," said James. "It's lumpy."
"Okay," said James's father.
"Okay?" asked James.
"Okay," James's father said again. "We just need to be extra careful from now on."
"Why?" asked James.
"Well, I got a great deal at the store. They were selling Growing Oatmeal. You can eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and it will grow right back overnight. We'll never run out. It will just keep growing and growing.""

James' dad goes on to explain that if they don't eat the oatmeal, it will keep growing and growing.

""And growing oatmeal has quite an appetite. It will start eating the other foods.""

Growing Oatmeal is apparently fond of cake and ice cream, and

""we will have to keep a close eye on the dog because Growing Oatmeal is not a very picky eater.""

(cue the devoted Basset Hound here, looking mournful with a framed photo in his mouth, featuring himself with James - no words necessary)

""Could you make some oatmeal with fewer lumps?" James asked.
"Why certainly," said James's father."

Kids will get this kind of humor and I predict they'll like it. Slimy eggs, anyone?
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Ultrabot is told it will have a playdate with Becky who lives next door and isn't sure it likes this idea. What if Becky is rude or mean?

This was a cute book that helps introduce children to the concept of a playdate and how it's okay to be nervous but to try new things anyway, as they might just find out that they really enjoy those new things.

The illustrations were top-notch. It was neat to have an almost aerial perspective because of Ultrabot being so tall. I also loved all the small show more details in the backgrounds, particularly the little cameos from a pet cat. Illustrations show that "the professor" who cares for Ultrabot is a woman, and it's always nice to have some female representation in the hard sciences. show less

I don’t ever remember reading books about mean girls when I was a little reader, but I seem to be reading more and more about them these days and I’m glad. It’s Dana’s birthday and she is a mean girl. One of her friends gives her an elephant for her birthday. It’s not a good gift. Dana seems to deserve it somehow, and she suffers greatly before finally, in a mean gesture, giving it as a birthday gift to another friend.

Ultrabot is having his first playdate. He is a little anxious and scared, what if they don’t get along? When Ultrabot meets his new friend, Becky, he finds out the he has nothing to worry about.
The author combines humor and robots to teach children about new social experiences. The simple text combines with the colorful, detailed illustrations to create a story that will entertain and foster conversation. This title is recommended as a storytime read aloud, as well as a read aloud to show more start conversations with early elementary students. show less