A Mouthful of Minnows: A Humorous Picture Book About Patience and Friendship for Kids

by John L. Hare

A fishing story like no other!

Alphonso the alligator snapping turtle can't wait for breakfast. But what if his breakfast is too likable and friendly to eat? A Mouthful of Minnows is a humorous picture book about patience, generosity, friendship, and empathy (as well as the awesome mysteries of nature!) that will lure in fans of Ryan T. Higgins's We Don't Eat Our Classmates and Peter Brown's You Will Be My Friend!

At the bottom of the pond, Alphonso the snapping turtle opens his mouth wide, wiggles his worm-like tongue, and waits patiently for breakfast. He barely notices a measly minnow, but he's thrilled when the entire school shows up. Alphonso's perseverance has paid off! But when a whole family of minnows arrives to celebrate together, Alphonso's true character emerges, and he has second thoughts about the breakfast he's been waiting for.

Acclaimed author-artist John Hare's artwork is textured, playful, educational, and energetic, bringing the depths of the underwater setting to life. A Mouthful of Minnows is a surprising and heartwarming picture book that is a great choice for story time and bedtime.

Includes information about alligator snapping turtles.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction, Friendship, Humor

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 10, 2022

About the author

John Hare spent his youth in Kansas drawing comic strips about snakes, making spoof yearbooks to entertain his friends, and writing stories about a crime-fighting crocodile. At some point, he decided he better actually do something for a living, so John earned an associate's degree in graphic design and got a job as a production artist at a sportswear company. There he worked his way through a comically bizarre work environment to became art director. Art director tasks included rescuing hummingbirds, fixing broken presses, and playing lots of Unreal and Marathon. Later, he moved to Kansas City and worked as a freelance graphic designer. One day, John picked up a brush and painted a scene for his son's nursery. That's when he realized he still wanted nothing more than to bring stories to life. John now lives in Gladstone, Missouri, where he is fortunate to work from his home studio when he's not corralling his two boys or tending to the biological needs of small animals.

Reviews

[Milton Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this unique book! How often do you come across a picture book that has an alligator snapping turtle as the main character? Alphonso, the snapping turtle, is hungry and grows increasingly excited by luring more and more minnows inside of his open mouth by wiggling his worm-like tongue. Eventually the minnows bring the biggest fish they know to eat this "worm" as it is it's birthday. Does Alphonso have the heart to eat this fish on her birthday?

The Story is captivating and keeps you guessing what will happen to the very end of the book. It was clever and funny. The Illustrations we accurate and vibrant. I loved learning more about the alligator snapping turtle at the end of the book, where you can find more facts about them! Read to discover this delightful story about a unique wonder of nature. You won't be disappointed.

Find it in our SHARE Catalog today!

Ashley C. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL

[Kathyj · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute story and loveeeee the art style

[SamSamSam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this is ridiculous in such a good way

[Sabine Ibing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auf dem Grund eines Teiches wartet Alfonso, eine Aligatorenschildkröte, geduldig darauf, dass ihm das Frühstück ins Maul schwimmt. Seine Ringelzunge wippt im Wasser wie ein Wurm und lockt Beutefische perfekt an. Als hübsch würden wir Alfonso nicht bezeichnen mit seinem Quadratschädel, den großen Augen, die rundherum schauen, jede Bewegung wahrnehmen. Er kann sich gut tarnen, denn er bewahrt die absolute Ruhe, harrt stundenlang bewegungslos aus, und einige Wasserpflanzen wachsen auf seinem Panzer, so dass er eher wie ein Felsbrocken ausschaut. Nun lauert Alfonso auf dem Grund des Teichs. Er ist eine sogenannte Geierschildkröte (das wird ausführlich am Ende des Buchs erklärt). Geduldig wartet er auf sein Frühstück: Elritzen. Ein Fischlein schaut den Wurm an. Zu wenig für Alfonsos Hunger. Doch der kleine Kerl ist auch schon dabei, seine Kumpel zu holen. Drei befinden sich nun im Schildkrötenmaul und Alfonso will gerade zuschnappen, als er vernimmt, das die Fische den Schwarm holen wollen. Klar, es sollen alle etwas vom Festschmaus haben. Mitten im Maul fällt dem Schwarm der Geburtstag der dicken Oma Bertha ein ... alle wieder raus ...

Ob das noch etwas mit dem Frühstück wird? Oma Berta jedenfalls freut sich auf das Würmchen: «Ach, wie schön! Ich freue mich so, dass ich heute alle meine Kinder und Enkelkinder um mich habe.» Alfonso frohlockt: Jetzt einfach das Maul zuklappen ... Ein witziges Bilderbuch mit einem Ende, das nicht vorauszusehen ist! Bisher hat John Hare mit seinen textlosen Bilderbüchern brilliert: Klassenausflüge zum Mond, in den den Ozean oder auf eine Vulkaninsel – ein Kind bleibt jeweils zurück und erlebt ein fantastisches Abenteuer. Nun zeigt er hier, dass er enorm witzig sein kann. Ein Unterwasserabenteuer mit schwarzen Humor. Im Gouache-Stil zeichnet Hare mit kräftigen warmen Erdfarben, schelmisch, wie die gesamte Geschichte. Der Moritz Verlag gibt eine Altersempfehlung ab 4 Jahren. Passt – Empfehlung.


John Hare, geboren 1976 in St. Charles, Missouri (USA), verbrachte seine Jugend in Kansas (USA). Schon als Kind zeichnete er viel und ständig, zum Beispiel Schlangen und Krokodile, bis er schließlich Grafikdesigner und Art Director wurde. Er lebt mit seiner Familie in Gladstone, Missouri (USA). Ausflug zum Mond ist sein erstes Bilderbuch.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each summer the State of Florida releases a list of approved books for students to read while on summer break. I am a nanny of a six-year-old girl going into first grade. The first book we chose to read was A Mouthful of Minnows because we love of fishing in the inter coastal waterway.

We didn’t read the synopsis, so we assumed the story was about fishing based on the title and the book cover. We were surprised that the main character was Alphonso, an alligator snapping turtle. The plot was about Alphonso waiting for his breakfast to come.

Our attention was caught immediately when we read that he sits on the bottom of the pond with his mouth wide open, wiggling his worm-like tongue. He stays like that waiting for a fish to swim by so he can capture it. We paused reading the story because we were both questioning if this was true. So we Googled “turtle with worm-like tongue”. Sure enough, this was true! I appreciated learning a new fun fact.

We resumed reading the heartwarming story about Alphonso patiently waiting for his breakfast when a school of minnows swam near his mouth. Alphonso overhears what the minnows were saying, and this is where the reader learns about generosity, empathy and friendship.

The illustrator for A Mouthful of Minnows is also the author, John Hare. I found each page to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. I enjoyed perusing each page as I read the story out loud.

If the little girl that I nanny for asks for me to read a book a second time, then I know it is a good book. We read this book multiple times before we had to return it to the library. That testimony speaks volumes.

Our Summer 2023 reading log started with a great book. We easily recommend reading A Mouthful of Minnows.

[Belinda Grimbeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The funny thing is that on the way to @barnesandnoble my son and I were actually talking about snapping turtles, so when my eye ‘caught’ this book while meandered along the bookshelf, I got quite a surprise. So Guy and I sat down to read the book while we slurped on our Starbucks drinks.

We chuckled with every page turn, and grew more and more excited to see how it would end.

A great book! Loved it!

As an author/illustrator I would have to say that my favorite part is the front cover. Not only does it show the whole story in one big visual ‘gulp’ but also, John Hare’s name illustrated into a hook. 🪝

And speaking of hooks, the cover was a hook all of its own…of course I wanted to know how a turtle was going to catch and eat a mouthful of minnows!

My takeaway: try to make the book title and cover a hook all of its own!

#picturebookhook #picturebookoftheday #snappingturtle #snappingturtleshaveheartstoo 🐢🎣🐟🫣

[Kalynne]

Date: 07.15.24
Attendees 88
Theme: Fish
Introduction and announcements: Bread and Butter

Book one: The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark by Ken Geist

Song/rhyme/game one: Over the Deep Blue (keep speeding up)

'Twas a sunny day when I went to play
Down by the sea
I climbed aboard a pirate ship
And the Captain said to me
"We're going this way, that way
Forwards, backwards
Up and down, up and down
Over the deep blue sea

Book two: A Mouthful of Minnows by John Hare

Song/rhyme/game two: The Jellyfish Songs by GoNoodle, Moose Tube (with ribbon bracelets)

Book three: Trout Trout Trout (A Fish Chant) by April Pulley Sayre

Song/ rhyme/ game three: A Slippery Fish

Activity: https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/wp-co...
Used a fish template on cardstock instead of a paper plate

[QNPoohBear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cute and humorous story is about an alligator snapping turtle trying to catch breakfast using his tongue, which resembles a worm. Along comes a minnow, of little interest to our protagonist, Aphonso, until minnow decides to invite friends, then the whole school... then Big Betty! She may be big and slow but it's her birthday so let her have the first bite. Guess what? Our protagonist shows kindness and doesn't eat the fish and even saves them from human fishermen. This story is funny and silly. It teaches about alligator snapping turtles, fish, and teaches patience, empathy, kindness, generosity and friendship.

The illustrations are cute and educational.

Backmatter only includes a bit of information about alligator snapping turtles.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminds me a bit of an underwater adaptation of the three billy goats gruff, but only vaguely. back matter provides some helpful and accessible additional to explore distinctions between the more familiar snapping turtles and alligator snapping turtles (useful facts follow!)
In the story, readers find the fable-like lesson that greed might lead to getting nothing, but with a kindness/transformational aspect that is lacking in the classic tales.
I enjoyed this very much and believe that kids will, too. Life underwater offers a wealth of characters and potential stories for writers and readers.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The threat of the minnows being eaten by the alligator snapping turtle looms over this story like the sword of Damocles, simultaneously creating an interesting conflict and a troubling tension. Fortunately, both are resolved by a surprise ending in heartwarming and satisfying ways. Engaging illustrations portray this unusual twist on the survival-of-the-fittest theme. Endnotes include fascinating facts about snapping turtles.

[Kelly Knits · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alphonso the snapping turtle is out for breakfast when he is visit by increasing numbers of minnows. When Big Betty shows up on her birthday and recognizes her children and grandchildren with joy, he has a change of heart and chooses not to eat everyone. He startles some people fishing and takes their worms to feed all the minnows.

Related lessons or activities:
Research native reptiles and amphibians
Lesson on habitat
Teach kids how to fish
Take a field trip over to Gatorland

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book because it featured pond life. The main character is Alphonso, who is an alligator snapping turtle. Alligator snapping turtles are different than common snapping turtles. Common snapping turtles, minnows, fishing, and turtles are all regular sights in my state, so this felt very relatable. There's also a page at the back of the book with information about snapping turtles.

Reviewed from a library copy.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learn about some traits of the alligator snapping turtle, which fishes with a worm-shaped tongue. Alphonso doesn't snap on one minnow and that minnow swims off to find some friends. They repeatedly display kindness, consideration, and sharing. So sweet in fact that Alphonso loses his appetite. But when the fish swim toward a worm on a hook, Alphonso saves the day.

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a unique twist on a fishing story. I enjoyed learning about snapping turtles with facts woven into the story (briefly in the text until the backmatter, but also shown in the illustrations). The best part was this turtle's big heart and his sacrifice. I am amazed at how this story builds readers' anticipation of what happens next and delighted as the stakes increased.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alphonso is a snapping turtle with a big appetite, and he's excited about the number of minnows he's lured to his worm-like tongue, but when the minnows start to have a birthday party in his mouth, Alphonso begins questioning whether or not to keep today's catch. This book is hilariously sweet!

[Nicole Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The alligator snapping turtle’s tongue is not the only surprising thing about this book. Little ones will think that the fish are in danger of being eaten throughout but never fear! A sweet surprise is in store of all the minnows and Alphonso himself.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book. I enjoyed reading this one by myself and it made an excellent lap read aloud with my son (who happens to move fishing). I have no doubt that it will make a great read aloud with an entire class too!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 4.5yo son loved this book. It was cool learning about something new (Alligator snapping turtles) while also learning some life lessons. He even liked the information page at the end (the illustrated pictures there really helped)

[Leslie Tayloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it was because it was a fishing story because it was funny, or because of the ending where everyone loves to talk about the huge fish they caught or wanted to catch, whatever the reason this book is very cute and I recommend it! Great job!

[Tiffany May Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 7 year old (and myself) gave this book 4 stars for being totally unique from anything we have ever read. However, I think we were both nervous that we were about to witness a massacre 😂 In the end it was a sweet story.

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute and funny. I loved how the book was also educational. The plot was interesting and well paced. I loved the illustrations. The ending was great.
I would absolutely recommend this to others.

[Darian - Books With A Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute story! My son and I loved it. The pictures are great and it’s an easy read/easy to follow along. Alphonso is such a sweetheart. We also enjoyed the information about Alligator Snapping Turtles at the end.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, cheerful story about an alligator snapping turtle with a big appetite who lets his compassion for a family of minnows overrrule his hunger.

[Dylan Teut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever! John Hare is quickly becoming a favorite creator of mine.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very amusing and cute way to learn about alligator snapping turtles--which, incidentally, look a lot like the Lion Turtles from Avatar!

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful with a surprising ending.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this book about an alligator turtle - very creative

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great picture book story about an alligator snapping turtle. Alphonso is hungry and has to go fishing. As he settles in his fishing spot he hears some minnows. Will Alphonso eat all the minnows?

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for Toddler storytime. Cute story.

[Jeff Corrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very clever story with several twists that is sure to entertain the little ones.