February 2017, EK Books, 32 pages, Hardback, Review copy
Summary from EK Books
We all know that dogs will eat anything. We also know that kids’
tastes generally aren’t so wide-ranging. While ice cream and pizza might
be devoured in the blink of an eye, the dreaded ‘green stuff’
(vegetables to the adults) is often pushed to one side of the plate.
Author Pete Carter understands this phenomenon well, as he shows
in the adventures of Benji. In delightful duotone illustrations and
engaging text, we see how Benji’s willingness to eat anything — from
daffodils to brussels sprouts, ice cream to avocados, sandwiches to
bones — gradually inspires his child owner to be a little more
adventurous at mealtimes. Although dogs and kids do have standards and
it seems there’s one thing neither of them will touch!
Nayu's thoughts
While I prefer more brightly coloured reads I was taken
in by Benji's expression, so decided to read it. If you have a
sensitive stomach you may wish to skip the 2nd double page spread ss
it's not appetizing. I loved seeing all the weird and wonderful
things Benji ate, apart from 1 food, as it captures a dog's appetite (anything & everything).
The almost exploding fridge made me laugh-my cat does that with her
food bowl after my family feed her, in the vain hope I won't think
she's been fed. I didn't quite get the theme of how Benji's diet
helped the child eat more. There was no explanation, just a
statement, and while it can be extrapolated that the child was happy to
eat fruit and veg instead of bugs, I feel that a bit more of a
transition is needed for the intended age group.
Suggested read
Another food themed read can be found in Happy Hooves: Yuk! By A. Bogie and Rebecca Elliott
(Children's, Picture book, 9/10E, short 'n' sweet review)
1 comment:
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I hadn't heard of this one before. Sounds interesting. :)
~Jess
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