What's Your Favorite Food?

What's Your Favorite

by Eric Carle

A new title in the Eric Carle and Friends What's Your Favorite picture book series, in which Eric Carle and thirteen other beloved children's book artists illustrate their favorite foods and explain why they love them.

Everybody has a favorite food. Some enjoy sweet treats like rich honey or ripe, juicy berries. Others prefer the savory comforts of warming matzo ball soup or creamy chicken Alfredo. With beautiful illustrations and charming personal stories, fourteen children's book artists share their favorite foods and why they love them. Artists include: Aki, Isabelle Arsenault, Brigette Barrager, Matthew Cordell, Benji Davies, Karen Katz, Laurie Keller, Juliet Menendez, Greg Pizzoli, Misa Saburi, Felicita Sala, Dan Santat, Shannon Wright.

Genres: Picture Books, Food, Childrens, Art, Nonfiction, School, Poetry

40 pages, Hardcover

First published July 23, 2019

About the author

Eric Carle was an American author, designer and illustrator of children's books. His picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, first published in 1969, has been translated into more than 66 languages and sold more than 50 million copies. Carle's career as an illustrator and children's book author accelerated after he collaborated on Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?. Carle illustrated more than 70 books, most of which he also wrote, and more than 145 million copies of his books have been sold around the world.
In 2003, the American Library Association awarded Carle the biennial Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal (now called the Children's Literature Legacy Award), a prize for writers or illustrators of children's books published in the U.S. who have made lasting contributions to the field. Carle was also a U.S. nominee for the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2010.

Reviews

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this unique book, a variety of children's authors and illustrators create an ode to their favorite food. Some write a poem; some just a few lines--but all illustrate their fave meals in their own signature style. And it's not all super-familiar stuff--there are foods from a variety of cultures on display here, so kids and parents both are likely to learn something.

This colorful and fun book will inspire kids to create their own illustrated odes to their favorite foods...and perhaps try some new ones.

Veg*n parents note: As might be expected in a collection from a variety of contributors, some of the dishes contain meat--but not nearly as many as may have been in the past. Veg families are going to adore the ode to salad--I won't spoil it for you here, but I'm not the only one who will be cheering that plant-based eating as gone so mainstream!

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great compilation of authors, artists, and food!

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't my favorite of Eric Carle and friends' favorites books, but I like it okay. I will investigate some of these author/illustrators.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thirteen illustrators join noted artist Eric Carle in identifying their favorite foods and then offering an explanation for why they love those foods so much. Some of the creative expressions and tributes will surprise readers while others will most likely be the same foods they might have chosen. For instance, it's hard to argue with Benji Davies' love for cheese or Isabelle Arsenault's passion for chocolate cake, but it was also cool to ponder the culinary delights of ramen as Dan Santat does or paella as Felicita Sala does. And I won't lie. Matthew Cordell's homage to pizza and Laurie Keller's sunny tribute to French fries are personal favorites, even thought the foods themselves might not be the healthiest choices. How is it possible to resist such yummy treats as these or even Aki's ice cream? Teachers might share these examples with their own students and have their write and draw about their favorite foods. It's a simple but meaningful exercise. I love the cover with a young boy juggling all sorts of delicious things to eat.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read it as a sampler to introduce readers to different creators. From this I developed interest in illustrator Shannon Wright (Twins) and in Ode to an Onion: Pablo Neruda and His Muse (because I have already enjoyed Odes to Common Things). The best entry in this book, imo, is Laurie Keller's ode to french fries (they taste like sun's rays).

[Amanda Kerschen · Rating 4 out of 5]

*What’s Your Favorite Food?* by Eric Carle is an informative and lighthearted audiobook that brings together a variety of narrators who share their favorite foods. What makes this title especially unique is its celebration of diverse foods from different cultures and ethnicities, introducing listeners to dishes they might not have encountered before. Many of the foods are described with interesting details about how they are harvested or prepared, adding an educational layer that made me learn a few new things myself.

This book is a wonderful choice for any child who enjoys eating, cooking, or exploring the world through food. It encourages curiosity about different cultures and promotes appreciation for global diversity in a fun and engaging way. The lively narration keeps the energy high, making it a joy to listen to from start to finish. I would rate this audiobook 4 out of 5 stars. I received an advanced listener copy from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, and I thank them for the opportunity to enjoy this delightful title.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

For 2019's release, as soon as I read or think the last word, a tune from the musical Oliver! starts to play in my mind. Before I know it, I'm singing it out loud. What's Your Favorite Food? (Goodwin Books, Henry Holt and Company, July 23, 2019) (Eric Carle and Friends) highlights the talents of author illustrators, Aki, Isabelle Arsenault, Brigette Barrager, Matthew Cordell, Benji Davies, Karen Katz, Laurie Keller, Juliet Menendez, Greg Pizzoli, Misa Saburi, Felicita Sala, Dan Santat and Shannon Wright.
You'll be heading to the grocery store and then the kitchen as soon as the first entry by Eric Carle is read. By the time you finish, you'll be ready for a fourteen-course meal.

My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Happy Booker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric Carle, includes a delightful cast of famous children's book illustrators as they share their favorite foods celebrating the joy of eating. Some illustrators such as Lucy Cousins, known for the "Maisy" series, just loves avocados. Tommie dePaola author and illustrator of "Strega Nonna" fondly recalls pasta from his Italian heritage, and Lane Smith of "The Stinky Cheese Man" fame, enjoys the messy fun of eating BBQ ribs . Together, these personal stories create a warm, joyful celebration of food, family, and culture inviting readers of all ages to reflect on their own favorite meals and the memories that make them special.
Thank you NetGalley, Eric Carle, and friends, and Macmillian Publishers for the advance readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Vanima León · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's your favorite food? is such a cute book. If you like Eric Carle this audiobook won't disappoint. I loved the music too.

The book is written and illustrated by Eric Carle and Friends. Each person presents their favorite food and writes a few words about it. I love the book is narrated by each person telling their story. The voices of the narrators are so pleasant.

I can see many children sitting aroud at the Library or school. It is a great book to have kids in on the discussion and tell everyone what their favorite food is.

Thank you NetGallery and Macmillin Audio for presenting me with an ARC.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

We enjoyed this special treat. This was so well done.
This collection was created by14 beloved children's book
artists including a page from Eric Carle. Each artist creates
amazing illustrations to help us understand why this is their
favorite food. A wonderful introduction to many food from a variety of cultures. They tell us in their own unique ways and art. We loved seeing and hearing what I Eric Carle loved, he is a family favorite.
The narration was so wonderful and we loved hearing the uniqueness of each author.
My children loved it and listening was very calming. Your
family will treasure this story. We can't wait to find the others
in this series.

Sky Full of Stars!!

[Kylie2018 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different Illustrators have been invited to write a little about their favourite food and do a two page illustration. While it is interesting and helpful to have an example of different illustrators and styles in one place, the book does not expand on any food related concepts and so the experience the book gives readers could be achieved through any activity exploring 'what is your favorite food free choice art activty' or any exploration of varied illustrators and their styles across one lesson/read-aloud. Related: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art (https://www.carlemuseum.org/)

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric Carle and 13 other illustrators share their favorite foods.

Each illustrator gets a 2 page spread in which they share their favorite food. The format of the text varies from poems to short paragraphs, to just a sentence or two. Each page spread is illustrated by the person talking about their favorite food, and thus the book encompasses a wide variety of styles. Kids will delight to learn about their favorite illustrator's favorite food. I like the variety and of foods and illustrators featured. Another great one in this What's Your Favorite series.

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ordered this book from the library on a whim, because I’d seen it recommended—and what a delight! It includes a 2-page illustration from a number of children’s book authors explaining what their favorite food is. My favorite was how the illustrations were very much in the style of their children’s books that I was familiar with. It’s also kinda fun to get a little peek into the preferences of authors that we know and love. My one complaint is that I wish that they included more authors so the book could be longer!

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

A two-page spread from each artist, done in that artist's style.
The artist tells their favorite food using poetry or prose and illustrates it as they want.

It's fine, but probably better for inspiring kids to create their own answer (or to compare various illustration styles).

This book is a fundraiser for the Eric Carle museum.

[Shari (Shira) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Food is the great equalizer. We all eat and we all have favorites. Carle invited his author/illustrator friends to talk about their favorite foods. They did in prose, haiku, list poems, and tall tales. While Carle invited his Asian and Latino friends, he did not invite any Black friends. A real deficit in this book.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several illustrators (some of who are also authors) share pictures of their favorite food and why they love it.

A good introduction to many illustrators, letting them show their style as well as their favorite food. Text amounts very from a couple simple sentences to entire paragraphs.

No content issues.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different children's authors and illustrators expound on their favorite foods. Each two page spread is a different author/illustrator writing about what food they love the most and illustrating the scene. Some is in poetry format, some in essay style. There is something for everyone in this book.

It could be used for storytime, but maybe pick and choose what to read.

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This combo of diverse folks and their favorite foods will invite discussion about the specific dishes introduced here, and of course, will spark sharing of kids' favorites. Great way to represent some different cultures + Laurie Keller is hilarious as always (spoiler - french fries are the potato-sun's potato rays).

[Canette Arille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written and illustrated by Eric Carle and Friends. Each person presents their favorite food and writes a few words about it. Additionally, there are pictures painted that present a given situation. Reading this book made me hungry. You won't sit calm with this book in your hand. You'll probably want to eat something :D

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As though I could love Greg Pizzoli more... he doesn't like to eat things without parents :P

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mmm...now I'm hungry and now I know a bit more after reading this book. I learned what a "pitaya" is! (I knew it by the other name!Dragon Fruit!) So much fun in one book. Would be great as a starting point for talking about favorite foods with kids.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

On each page, a different children's book author/illustrator tells about their favorite food in words and pictures. This one is fun because food is so cultural, and there are places and foods to be introduced to in this book by authors you probably already know!

[emyrose8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this! Illustrators share their favorite foods (and sometimes why). The back has a picture of each illustrator when he/she was young, and a brief bio. There's a little blurb about The Carle, a museum of picture book art in Amherst, Western Massachusetts.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this books introduces us to some foods and recipes we've never tried before. I love how this book shows that we are all different, that we all like some of the same things and some different things and that is exactly how it should be.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the story of how french fries are made. Plus, I really want to try a strawberry daifuku.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful new addition to the What's Your Favorite series. Loved this one!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! I always learn something new about both the subject matter and the authors/illustrators involved.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and short stories or poems about food will make any reader hungry.

[BiblioBeruthiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anthology books of illustrators so much. I wonder if they are as enjoyable for kids.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eric Carle and his friends explain their favorite foods.