Pete’s a picky little piggy. When Mom serves her four young ’uns heaping bowls of green slop, Dot, Rose, and Gus are in hog heaven. But not Pete. No, “Pete won’t eat.” As his siblings run off and have fun outdoors, Pete faces a plight known to many a kid: the admonishment from a mom to “stay until you eat.” Time passes, and Mom feels guilty and offers to make Pete a sandwich; in the meantime, Pete’s growing curiosity about the slop leads him to take a bite and then another. Turns out, it’s pretty good. The next day, Pete even helps to cook the slop. This I Like to Read title presents a kid-recognizable scenario and short sentences—with simple dialogue—in a large font. The charming pen-and-ink watercolors are cleanly placed on white backgrounds and lend an extra helping of humor to the scenario at hand. Brand-new readers, particularly of the finicky variety, should enjoy this one. Preschool-Grade 3. --Ann Kelley
Product Description
Everyone is mad at Pete! Even Mom! But Pete can't eat that green slop that Mom made for lunch. He won't even taste it! His siblings want Pete to eat so they can go out to play. But Pete stands firm. And his siblings desert him.
Mom makes Pete stay, but she is feeling sad about it. She is about to make him a sandwich when Pete decides to try the slop. He likes it!
In addition to enjoying the yummy slop, Pete has learned the benefits of keeping an open mind and trying new things.
About the Author
Emily Arnold McCully received the Caldecott Medal for Mirette on the High Wire. The illustrator of more than 40 books for young readers, she has a lifelong interest in history and feminist issues. She divides her time between Chatham, New York, and New York City.