Carnivores - Hardcover

Aaron Reynolds has written many delicious books for kids including the Caldecott Honor Book Creepy Carrots. Though Aaron spent six years as a vegetarian, he is now a committed carnivore. He lives in Chicago.

Dan Santat is the illustrator of many acclaimed books and the creator of Disney's animated hit The Replacements. He lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, a rabbit, a bird, and one cat.

K-Gr 2–The cartoon animals in this picture book bear a distinct resemblance to the expressive animals of the big screen. These wide-eyed carnivores have a peculiar problem: their feelings are hurt because the other critters do not appreciate their eating habits. The humorous text follows a great white shark, a timber wolf, and a lion as they strive to fit in. At first, they think becoming vegetarians will help. They even form a support group. But despite their efforts, they realize they just can't change their appetites. Then, they don disguises and try to blend in, but their socializing attempts end poorly. A wise, old owl explains, “I'm not bad. I'm a carnivore. Eating meat is just what I do.” The three predators like the advice so much that they eat the owl. The adorable bunnies don't fare well either. This book is not for the squeamish. Part personal acceptance mantra, part no-holds-barred buffet, it's funny in the same vein as Michelle Knudsen's Big Mean Mike (Candlewick, 2012). While not all readers will like the food-chain cruelty or enjoy the sometimes mixed messages, this will be a favorite for rowdy read-alouds. The well-paced text moves quickly and is paired deliciously with the bold, colorful illustrations. The grizzly heroes even eat the animals in the endpapers. Grim and chuckle-inducing from cover to cover.–Leila Sterman, Chappaqua Library, NYα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.