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...
No No Yes Yes by Leslie Patricelli is a wonderful board book that teaches toddlers proper behavior in specific situations. Each picture on the left shows a young child doing a "no no". The opposite page shows the child doing the "yes yes" version of the same act. The illustrations are simple and adorable. The baby's joyful expressions as he dumps food on his head, bops his little sister with a toy and yanks the cats tail will make even adults laugh out loud. There is only one set of pictures that didn't quite seem to fit, it involves scissors and a small child in diapers. I know the concept is good - teaching children to cut paper not their hair with scissors - but most children of that age will not be given scissors. If they somehow do get their little hands on some, they will mostly likely not cut a symmetrical snowflake as a "yes yes" behavior. This book is highly recommended by my 2-year old son, tears were shed when I had to bring it back to the library!
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