Bob is a rat who loves nothing more than reading a good book, except for cookies. One day he gets lost in a fabulous book while baking some delicious butter cookies. He is discovered by two cats who decide he will make a lovely afternoon snack. Bob delays their meal with some very clever storytelling, and some fresh-baked cookies of course. The stories are twisted versions of traditional fairy tales. The main characters are always rats, generally ancestors of Bob. Will Bob run out of stories before the cats change their minds about eating him? How to Save Your Tail: If You are a Rat Nabbed by Cats Who Really Like Stories About Magic Spoons, Wolves with Snout-warts, Big, Hairy Chimney Trolls . . . and Cookies Too is an entertaining parody of The Arabian Nights and a variety of fairy tales. The black and white illustrations throughout the book fit well with the story and add to the humor. At only 93 pages this will be a winner for the beginning chapter book crowd, but is a fun read for all ages.
Umami By Jacob Grant New York: Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2024. Picture Book. Umami is a little penguin who is sick of eating the same thing everyday, cold fish --ugh! She becomes determined to find new foods and flavors, so Umami begins a journey across the sea in search of something different to eat. She reaches a place with a plethora of delicious options, and tries bitter, sweet, sour, and foods with umami (just like her name!) among others. Umami decides to bring all these delicious new flavors back for the other penguins to try in a feast. But, will the other penguins enjoy this new experience? Filled with charm and humor, Umami is a diverse romp through a universal experience --am I willing to try something new? What will it be like? The idea of trying new foods and flavors make it especially relatable, and the appealing illustrations will have many readers ready to hop out on a culinary adventure. A humorous and sweet ending, caps off this delig...
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