I love a good pun and have written a joke book all about food called Lettuce Laugh. I think food is relatable to kids and they can put themselves in the food’s shoes and learn about friendship and being true to themselves through talking food characters. Humor plays a big part in the books I recommended, but it’s a great way to deliver a lasting message. Another book I wrote is also about food - Jalapeño Bagels, but unlike Bagel In Love, these bagels don’t talk! I love Bagel In Love so much I had a dress made with some of the characters embroidered on it.
I wrote...
Bagel in Love
By
Natasha Wing,
Helen Dardik
What is my book about?
Bagel loved to dance. It made him happier than a birthday cake! And more than anything, he wants a partner who will spin and swirl, tap and twirl with him in the dance contest. But Pretzel sniffs that he doesn’t cut the mustard, Croissant thinks his moves are stale, and Doughnut’s eyes just glaze over. Can a cute cupcake save the day for our would-be Fred Éclair? Witty and pun-filled, this picture book really takes the cake.
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The Books I Picked & Why
Little Pea
By
Amy Krouse Rosenthal,
Jen Corace
Why this book?
Even though this one is blatantly trying to get kids to eat vegetables instead of sweets through reverse psychology, the story is cute and funny (even my husband went aww while reading it over my shoulder). My sister used to stash her peas under her cup and pretend she ate them so this was a silly reminder of our childhood. And the illustrations are so darn adorable!
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I Yam a Donkey!
By
Cece Bell
Why this book?
When I hear bad grammar, I cringe. So this book was cringeworthy, but because it was done in a silly way to show bad grammar and how to correct it, it was very clever. A yam tries to get a donkey with poor grammar to speak correctly. When his vegetable friends butt in to see what the fight is about, the donkey has the last word.
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Short & Sweet
By
Josh Funk,
Brendan Kearney
Why this book?
Written in rhyme, this story is about a pancake and French toast that are going stale. They look for a way to refresh themselves and instead turn into baby versions. Josh Funk has set up a funny foodie world. Check out the first book, too, Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast. If you like these food puns, you’ll love the puns in Bagel In Love!
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Bowling Alley Bandit: The Adventures of Arnie the Doughnut
By
Laurie Keller
Why this book?
This book is hilarious! Arnie the Doughnut is at the bowling alley cheering on his friend, Mr. Bing, in a bowling tournament when Mr. Bing starts throwing gutter balls and his team is about to lose. Arnie figures out that Mr. Bing’s bowling ball is being disguised as his new bowling ball and saves the team’s score. There are tons of funny side comments and the story is told with lots of energy. Kids will love this early chapter book.
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Nom Nom: Opposites
By
Forrest Everett
Why this book?
For youngsters ages 2 to 5 learning concepts, this board book is bright and fun and focuses on animated food to illustrate opposites. What I love is the clever side comments by the food. And their eyes that look like googly eyes. I love googly eyes. These friendly foods will give kids food for thought!