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 cruel—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. 🙂
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.
Can’t comment, running to my library to get this soundingly tasty book. 🙂
It’s pretty delicious.
I LOVE this book, Tammi! Hilarious!!! I might have actually snorted while reading it. More than once. 🙂
That’s always a good sign!
I just happened to read this book for the first time last week. I loved it for all the same reasons. A great book!
That ending! I never saw it coming. 🙂
Sounds hilarious. I’ll be checking it out. Thanks, Tammi!
You are in for a TREAT. Har-har.
Thanks for pointing it out, Tammi! I haven’t seen it— looks tasty!
Enjoy every delicious page!
Love this one!
??❤️
I’m not familiar with this book – but I will be soon!
Yay!
Just placed a hold at my library for this book.
Hooray!
Chronicle books are such a delight. This one does not disappoint.
Agreed!
Who can resist that cover! What a hoot!
Check out the end papers, too!
You have piqued my interest. It is now time to request this tasty book from our library system.
Yes!
Can’t wait! Thanks.
You’re welcome!
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.
I agree with all of that!
The facial expressions in this one are priceless. 🙂
Yes, they are. 🙂
The unreliable narrator is great.
I love a book with an unreliable narrator!