I Want Spaghetti!

Simon le lapin

by Stéphanie Blake

A picture book for toddlers who might recognise themselves in cheeky Simon, the fussy eater. Once there was a little rabbit who only wanted to eat one thing - spaghetti!

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published October 16, 2008

About the author

Alternative spelling for Stéphanie Blake, French author of children books.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Frances Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about my son. Except all he wants is pizza.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Имаше един лаф - когато кажеш на майка ти, че обичаш банани, тя се връща на следващия ден с 10 банана, а ти вече не ги обичаш. Така и Симон. Хем иска само спагети, хем накрая финала е неочакван

[Leo]

masterpiece
/ˈmɑːstəpiːs/
noun
a work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship.
"a great literary masterpiece"

[Bookrapt (Est. 1983) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon the little rabbit is an obstinate young fellow. Like most youngsters, when he wants something he wants it immediately and he won’t be deflected.

His parents are well-used to Simon’s determined ways and try different strategies to encourage him to eat a varied diet. Inevitably, there’s a showdown and the little rabbit is sent to his room for being bad-mannered and, of course, he has a monumental paddy. Parents with fussy eaters will smile at the familiar scenes, dialogue, and outcome.

The author/artist astutely illustrates the body language and facial expressions of the strong minded rabbit. At the start, Simon’s cute smile and turned in toes show him as a lovable young chap. Later, his angry face and upraised fist display his temper at full force. Bright colours background the bold text - naturally, red accentuates the rabbit’s rage at not getting his own way.

This is an amusing book to share with youngsters at story-time and discuss ways that wants and desires could be better expressed leading to an agreeable compromise.

Check out other books by Stephanie Blake about the challenging little rabbit. Gecko Press have published the series in a soft cover format with flaps or in hardback for extra durability.

Reviewed by Jean Bennett (Bookrapt)

[carrietracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this little rabbit. He's hilarious. He demands pasta at every meal, no matter what his parents offer. After a particularly fresh refusal of his actual meal, he's sent to his room where he continues to tantrum until he overhears mom complimenting his dad's chocolate cake at which point he ventures out of his room to try to score some cake. He's allowed the cake, but after eating the dinner he was originally served.

The next day, his father makes him the pasta he's been hankering for and little rabbit is on to something new: chicken!

It might just be my perception, but the mom getting mad (yes, it actually says she gets mad) and sending him to his room is a really realistic touch. We don't see things like this often enough in American picture books.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is from the Simon Series--the first of which is Poo Bum, published in 2011.

Quiero Espaguetis does not rely on potty humor, rather Simon's stubborn preference for spaghetti over all other foods. ...Well, maybe not ALL other foods. The mid-book tantrum (think Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus) is followed by his clever parents' plan and the not-so-surprising resolution.

Audience: EC-2
Content Connections: healthy habits, food groups, how to handle disappointment, SEL strategies

[Hyojeong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this because It really funny.

[Jacinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, I dunno, maybe all our food battles don't make for a hilarious story. Mr 2.5 enjoyed it but I did not.

[Mariane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Désopilant. Le genre de livre que ma fille demande à lire 4 ou 5 fois de suite.

[The Reading Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah, les histoires de Superlapin... qui sentent le vécu ! :-D

[Emilie ͛ Valkyrie ͛ Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

C'est un livre supposé aider les enfants qui font un blocage sur l'alimentation (comme ma fille en ce moment qui ne mange que des pâtes) mais j'ai trouvé qu'il n'était pas des plus adapté. Dommage.

[Lindley Walter-smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute pictures, but my kid found the parenting in it confusing. As did I, really. I found it difficult to explain why they didn't just let him eat spaghetti instead of punishing him for not eating and then bribing him to eat with chocolate cake, and then making him spaghetti the next day when he didn't want it. Seemed like playing power games with a poor little rabbit.

Great art, though.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious! Absolutely funny! A must read for parents who have toddlers that are fussy eaters.

[Jenelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny book. We love Simon!