Are You Hungry for a Good Book?

Typically, I like to share books that are new to the scene, but, in case you have never read the oh-so-scrumpious Carnivores, written by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Dan Santat, I decided to do a short and sweet post about it.

Description from the publisher, Chronicle Books:

The lion is king of the jungle!
The great white shark is sovereign of the seas!
The timber wolf is emperor of the forests!

But . . . it’s lonely at the top of the food chain. It’s difficult to fit in when plant eaters can be so cruelβ€”just because you ate a relative of theirs that one time! What’s a carnivore to do?

This is what Kirkus had to say:
“Will young readers swallow such a tongue-in-cheek take on the importance of self-acceptance? With relish.”

This is what School Library Journal had to say:
“Will be a favorite for rowdy read-alouds. Chuckle-inducing from cover to cover.”

This is what Publishers Weekly had to say in a starred review:
“Spoofing everything from foodie trends to self-actualization.”

Nice, huh?

Even though I am big on fruit and veggies (and, um, M&M cookies), I am a huge fan of Carnivores.

Why? Let me give you just three of the reasons:

1. The unreliable narrator

Can we trust this narrator? I think not. πŸ™‚

2. The humor

It’s deliciously irreverent. In addition, the humor can be found in the art (check out those berry-stained bunny faces) and the word choices (how great it is that a fierce timber wolf gets the munchies?).

3. The Very Unexpected surprise ending

Sorry. Can’t reveal that spread!

Soooo…is your mouth watering yet???

Good! Now go find this book.

[Disclaimer:Β  Tammi Sauer is not responsible for what happens if this book is read in the company of wolves, sharks, and lions. You’ve been warned.]

Tammi Sauer

Tammi Sauer, a former teacher and library media specialist, is a full-time children's book author who presents at schools and conferences across the country. She has more than 30 published picture books and has many others on the way. Her books have received awards, earned starred reviews, made lists, been made into musicals, and been translated into many different languages. Most importantly, kids really like her books! To learn more about Tammi and her books, please visit tammisauer.com and follow her on Twitter at @SauerTammi.

30 Comments:

  1. Can’t comment, running to my library to get this soundingly tasty book. πŸ™‚

  2. I LOVE this book, Tammi! Hilarious!!! I might have actually snorted while reading it. More than once. πŸ™‚

  3. I just happened to read this book for the first time last week. I loved it for all the same reasons. A great book!

  4. Sounds hilarious. I’ll be checking it out. Thanks, Tammi!

  5. Thanks for pointing it out, Tammi! I haven’t seen it— looks tasty!

  6. I’m not familiar with this book – but I will be soon!

  7. danielle hammelef

    Just placed a hold at my library for this book.

  8. Chronicle books are such a delight. This one does not disappoint.

  9. Patricia Nozell

    Who can resist that cover! What a hoot!

  10. You have piqued my interest. It is now time to request this tasty book from our library system.

  11. I loved that School Library Journal called it “Part personal acceptance mantra, part no-holds-barred buffet . . . ” but agreed it would make the perfect rowdy read aloud. And it did!! Aaron Reynolds has a wicked sense of humor and so does Dan Santat so together . . . the best kind of wild.

  12. The facial expressions in this one are priceless. πŸ™‚

  13. The unreliable narrator is great.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *