Try a Bite, Trilobite!: Ready-to-Read Level 1

by Jonathan Fenske

A picky eater learns how delicious it can be to try something new in this laugh-out-loud Level 1 Ready-to-Read from two-time Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor recipient Jonathan Fenske!

Bug wants to share his snack with Trilobite, but Trilobite only likes noodles…until he takes a taste and discovers how one tiny bite can lead to many big bites!

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Food, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2023

About the author

Jonathan Fenske is the author and illustrator of the leveled readers Woodward and McTwee, Love Is in the Air, Guppy Up!, and A Pig, a Fox, and a Box, which was a 2016 Geisel Honor book. He is also the author of two picture books, Barnacle Is Bored and its follow-up, Plankton Is Pushy. Jonathan lives in South Carolina with his family.

Reviews

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extra star for having a trilobite as a main character. Kids books need more trilobites.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sure, we've all met fussy eaters. But Trilobite may be the fussiest one yet.

That's the bad news, since he's the main character in this easy reading book. What's the good news? Readers will have no reservations about laughing at this snarky character, a character who insists on eating only noodles.

Goodreaders, here's a sample of dialog:

BUG
[For some mysterious reason, he's friends with unpleasant Trilobite.]

"What will you eat if you run out of noodles?

TRILOBITE

"I will NEVER run out of noodles."

[At which point he proudly displays his lifetime membership card in "Noodle of the Month Club."]

I can imagine a ton of readers who would love-love-love this book. Including former -- and current -- picky eaters.

FIVE MORE STARS to Jonathan Fenske.

[Kirsten Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trilobite says he only likes noodles, but Bug wants him to taste a new snack. After much convincing, Trilobite gives in and tastes the new snack falling in love with it and eating the whole thing in one bite. After Bug tells him that he doesn't have any more snacks, Trilobite replies, "That is okay. I have LOTS of noodles!" The illustration reveals a massive cabinet full of noodles as Bug looks up in awe. This is a cute story for picky eaters that teaches them that sometimes they may like a new food if they give it a chance. Newly independent readers will laugh at the silliness of the story and will hopefully try something new with their next meal!

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chosen to read to students firing school library period because it is a 2025-2026 Young Hoosier Book Nominee and our elementary school students K-4 vote on YHBA books every year.

Great early reader book. Predictable in a fun way for the kids.

Opportunity to talk about trying new things / giving something new a chance and learn about Trilobites. Extinct creatures are fascinating for this age group so all grades really enjoyed that part of our discussion. Bonus that trilobites can be found in our state!

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bug has the most amazing snack. It is SO good it has to be shared. But Trilobite says she only eats noodles. She only likes noodles. Noodles are all she eats. She has no desire to try Bug's snack. Or does she?

This was a humorous book about being brave enough to try a new food and the pleasant surprise that could result. The dialogue in this is succinct and short, but very well done. And the ending is quite humorous.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

A great book for picky eaters. A bit reminiscent of Green Eggs and Ham. The back and forth banter reminds me of Elephant and Piggie books so I think kids will really enjoy it.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this because it features a trilobite character and I have never seen that in a children's book before. It definitely reminded me of Green Eggs and Ham and is a fine ready-to-read book.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute and humorous early reader. Perfect for the picky eaters who want to stick to their favorite foods and nothing else. A real highlight is the speech bubble banter between Bug and Trilobite -- kids will have a hoot.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bug offers his friend, Trilobite, a bite of his most favorite snack ever. Trilobite refuses because he only eats noodles. When bug succeeds in getting Trilobite to take a nibble, what happens?

This is cute and funny and a good book for reluctant eaters!

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan Fenske books are always perfect for early readers. This one made me giggle.

[Kelly]

This is cute. Does it really work to say mm this is so good and then your child will try it? Maybe this book will help!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noodles for the win!

[Emily Haage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple and silly plot. Hand to beginning readers who are working on sight words and easy-to-sound-out words.

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute!

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book, getting someone to try something new. Remember it works both ways 😀

[Ranette · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy to read book for 1st graders or beginning readers. It cleverly persuades children to try new foods.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this as a quick read aloud. My bug was a surfer, and my Trilobite was a valley girl. I love showing little ones they can read a whole story . congratulations on another TSG award !

[Catarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great short story but not quite a quick read for bedtime. However, the story was awesome in regards to finding a fun way to try different or new foods.