Who's the Best?

Pizza and Taco #1

by Stephen Shaskan

The first in a lower grade graphic novel series about Pizza and Taco. Two best friends, lots of toppings...but only one of them can be the BEST, right?

Best friends are the BEST! But WHO is the BEST? Is it Pizza or Taco? The question is debatable! They both love water slides. They both are friends with Hot Dog and Hamburger. In fact, maybe they should have a debate and get their friends to VOTE for who's the best! Can their friendship survive the race for top spot on the popularity food chain? Cast your VOTE!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Humor, Childrens, Friendship, Food, Fiction, Fantasy

72 pages, Library Binding

Published May 5, 2020

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh...this is a hard one to rate and review because I'm not the intended audience. I can see how kids will enjoy this, but from the perspective of an adult and parent, there were some parts of it that I didn't enjoy.

Pizza and Taco follows best friends Pizza and Taco who are extremely close until they try to figure out who's the best. It inevitably causes a rift in their friendship. Readers watch as the two foods figure out what makes them great as individuals and what makes them even greater as best friends.

There are certain things that children's authors know to include in books to make them appealing to kids. Pizza and Taco is no different. There are jokes and certain situations that a lot of younger readers will relate to. However, I felt like there was a weird dynamic between these two characters and Hamburger and Hot Dog. It felt like Pizza and Taco were making fun of Hamburger and Hot Dog or that there was some tension between the two groups. It's such a hard line to ride when it comes to perceived bullying because kids struggle with that so much in school. I'm pretty sure that wasn't the authors intentions, but it was hard not to see it that way as an adult. I'm sure that a lot of kids enjoy this series and if needed it's the perfect opportunity to bring up a conversation about bullying and being nice to others. Overall, it was a solid read. I'm still on the fence about continuing the series, but either way I'm glad I gave it a try.

[Haley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book made me laugh and I loved the friendship fist bump and the banter between the two main characters. The text is perfect for beginning readers and the illustrations are great! However, I felt uneasy about the Hamburger and Hot Dog portion of the story line. Some of the dialog could be perceived as bullying so this book will not be one that I recommend frequently.

I'm curious if anyone else felt uneasy about that portion of the story?

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not even Plato could answer this question: the problem of universals is just far beyond what we mere mortals can comprehend - thank goodness both exist for us in the here and now - fun book with fantastic art.

[DaNae · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's no Peter and Ernesto.

[Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t expect a scathing commentary of the US voting system.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't care that I'm not the target audience for this - it's so cute and funny!

[Natasha M. Nurse, Esq. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What does pizza and tacos have in common? This graphic novel 😆

[Georgette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute. I enjoyed the friendship of two of my favorite foods

[Yentl ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this so much! Pizza and Taco get into all sorts of silly competitions to prove who is the best. Hamburger and Hot Dog make some appearances as well. Overall, it was very funny and cute.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

These food besties have their friendship put to the test by the age-old question: which is better -- tacos or pizza?

[Genres and Journals *Tia* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly tacos are superior to pizza but it was cute watching them try to figure it out. My 9 year old loves this book and has read it multiple times even though she just got it a week ago!

[Tarah Fedenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jajajajajaja

[AllyP Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and thought it was absolutely hilarious. Then I came on here to rate it and saw a bunch of people hating it because Pizza and Taco were bullying Hamburger and Hot Dog. So I read the book again but couldn’t find any bullying. What- just because Pizza says Taco is a better friend than Hamburger, you think that’s bullying? Taco is a better friend! Nothing wrong with Pizza saying so. Just because Pizza and Taco didn’t always include Hamburger and Hot Dog right away, you think that’s bullying? IT’S NOT. Get a grip, people! It wasn’t until I read it through a third time that I saw where the real problem lies and that’s with Hamburger. Pages 14-16 prove Hamburger is the real instigator; he makes Pizza afraid to do the Best Friend Dance and then ridicules them so much for doing it that Taco’s ready to commit suicide. So why should Pizza and Taco include someone so nasty and mean? Anyway, we’re talking about anthropomorphic food ffs, so just read it for the funny, silly story it is of two great friends finding ways to see who is the best. Their creative problem solving is something that should be applauded and kids can aspire to.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence:
Taco: Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!
Pizza: Whoa! Slow down, Taco.

Premise/plot: Pizza and Taco are starring in their first graphic novel, the first in a series. In this one, the two best friends argue about WHO is the best? This argument plays out through several chapters--including a trip to the water park where they compete side by side to PROVE who's really the best. Also making an appearance in this one is the duo Hamburger and Hotdog.

My thoughts: These two really are best friends; they even have a special dance and handshake. This first book is all about introducing the characters and embracing the silliness.

There are three books available so far--a fourth coming in 2022. I read all three in one sitting. The first one was the weakest. But don't let that stop you from reading it with your little one. I think it's good for a few giggles. And perhaps the following books were better because I was already acquainted with the characters and the world.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been getting my son some Graphic Novels because he's really been enjoying them. However, most of the ones I've gotten are sooooo long with tiny text and tons of little comic squares to read. This one looked perfect for an early reader (age 6) and looked like it would be cute.

It was fine... very basic and I personally didn't really enjoy the arguing over and over about who was better in this one. We ended up reading it together out loud. I voiced Pizza and he was the voice for Taco. He enjoyed it enough to say that he wanted me to get the rest of the series... so I consider that a win.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awww, so adorable. Pizza and Taco are like two little kids kind of fighting to see who is best and really trying to outdo the other, when actually is just two friends and they all have something good about them. This is a great friendship book for kids, plus who doesn’t like pizza and tacos.

[Genevieve · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5? Narwhal and Jelly vibes. 1st-2nd

[Israel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd probably like this book a lot if I was 4 years old lol

[Ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bleh

[Ashton Blair · Rating 2 out of 5]

I see why they got mad when burger voted for himself (But he was right because he is the best).
The next book should have one of us in the book and that's their version of Godzilla.

[Skye Elder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very hungry by the time I finished reading this, and also stuck with the uncomfortable sensation that I just couldn't figure out exactly whom was best...pizza or taco? I LOVE both! Being best is tricky! What is one person's best may not be another person's best! The friendship wins out here in our story, even if "best" doesn't exactly fully get determined.

Shade thrown on hamburger and hot dog was ridiculously funny. Great for early readers of graphic novels and chapter books. Could be a way to also subtly discuss friendship, the concept of "best," and being competitive. Or just read the book and have fun!

[Stephanie | Upstate NY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big jump. Fist Pump. Butt Bump.

Feel free to borrow Pizza and Taco's friend dance. I know this kids enjoyed it. This is a great intro to graphic novels for children. With simple clean pictures, a clear story, short chapters and a wonderful friendship. Explores a bit how friendship can be tough when both want to be the best or at the center of it, but explores that friendship is ultimately about enjoying time together and enjoying each others differences.

I hope there are more of these to explore!

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mean-spirited, illogical, and a terrible missed opportunity for providing a simplified version of voting.

What a disappointment! I had such high hopes about a story in which some healthy competition between a slice of pizza and a taco lead to a metaphor for democracy. Sadly, no; just cranky complaints, cheating, and no process.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute graphic novel! The characters are adorable, and all kids can easily relate to the adventures of pizza and taco. I could not stop smiling and gigging! If I loved it, all young readers will. Plus, the simple panel design makes it easy to transition and navigate, as well as the short chapters.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graphic Novel
Pizza and Taco are best friends. Along with this comes some competition. Their adventures are told in several chapters.
Plenty of humor for elementary level readers.

[Veronica Precourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was funny haha

[Devna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me encanta este libro.Es muy comico y facil de leer para aprender espanol.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mini Aloha: I think it was silly that they did so many competitions on who was best. I liked that we finished it all at once, it was fantastic and loved it. At the end they were still best friends and could play. Oh- tacos are best

Momma Aloha: Pizza and Taco was a delightful and silly graphic novel, definitely held the attention and interest on the younger end of the reader spectrum but another great read for once your lil bookworms hit independent reader status. The antics were hilarious, following a silly competition between two friends on who is the best. Face value, this is just a cute read that had us laughing and finished in one short sitting. It’s easy to get lost in how animated and into narration of the story. Looking at deeper lessons, an easy dive on friendships and how everyone is good at something, how to be a good sport in competitions, or even not comparing yourself to others. Oh also- I’m team taco too!

[Mary Hanna Wilson | Celebrate a Book · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pizza and Taco are best friends, but they want to know which one is truly the best. Everyone is best at least one thing, but how will they know who is the best? They decide to take a vote to see who wins, but it isn't as easy as they think.

Honestly, I just didn't love this graphic novel for early readers. The concept of constantly fighting over who was the best was the entire premise of the book and it felt a little mean-spirited. It's meant to be humorous, but it just wasn't my jam. Pizza and Taco are also quite mean to hamburger, again it is done in a funny way, but I just didn't love the potential messaging there.

I am quite possibly overthinking it all, but there are so many great options for kids to read that this wouldn't be on the top of my personal list. There are other books in the series, so they might be more enjoyable.