The Picture Book Perspective: Just Try It!


Hello, wonderful readers!

This week, we're taking a delightful dive into Just Try It by Phil Rosenthal. Known for his foodie adventures on TV, Phil brings his culinary curiosity and charm to the pages of this picture book, encouraging kids (and maybe even some reluctant adults) to broaden their palates and give new foods a try.

Historical and Cultural Perspectives

Phil Rosenthal, creator of the hit TV show Everybody Loves Raymond and star of Somebody Feed Phil, steps into the world of children’s literature with Just Try It. The book reflects Rosenthal’s personal journey of exploring diverse foods around the globe and aims to inspire young readers to do the same. Published in the 2020s, it aligns with a growing cultural trend toward embracing global cuisines and fostering adventurous eating habits from a young age. Rosenthal's approachable and humorous writing style makes the book a fun and engaging read for children and adults alike.

Social-Emotional Content

Just Try It isn’t just about eating; it’s about overcoming fears and being open to new experiences. The book gently addresses the anxiety many children (and, let’s be honest, some grown-ups) feel when faced with unfamiliar foods. Through fun and relatable scenarios, it encourages kids to step out of their comfort zones. This message extends beyond food, teaching valuable lessons about curiosity, resilience, and the joy of discovering new things.

Using the Book for Kids: Tips for Parents and Teachers

  1. Food Tasting Adventures: Host a food tasting session where kids can sample small portions of new foods. Make it a game by encouraging them to guess the flavors and textures before revealing what they are.

  2. Cooking Together: Use the book as a springboard for cooking simple recipes together. Choose dishes from different cultures and let the kids help with the preparation. This hands-on experience can make trying new foods less intimidating and more exciting.

  3. Discussion on Diversity: The book offers a great opportunity to discuss cultural diversity and the importance of respecting and appreciating different traditions and cuisines. Pair the reading with stories from Phil’s travels to enrich the experience.

  4. Overcoming Fears: Talk about other things that might seem scary or unfamiliar at first but can be enjoyable once tried. Share personal stories and encourage children to share theirs, fostering an environment of openness and support.

  5. Interactive Storytime: Create a “Try It” chart where kids can mark off new foods they’ve tried. Offer small rewards for bravery and willingness to explore, making the experience positive and rewarding.

Humorous Takeaway

Is there a lesson here for the more mature audience? Absolutely! Phil’s enthusiastic mantra of “Just try it!” can be applied to all sorts of life’s adventures. Whether it's tasting durian fruit, signing up for a salsa class, or finally fixing that leaky faucet, we can all benefit from a bit of Phil’s adventurous spirit. Remember, folks: life is too short to stick to plain old PB&J every day. Give that sushi roll a chance!

So next time you’re faced with a plate of something unfamiliar, channel your inner Phil Rosenthal and just try it. You never know—you might discover your new favorite dish.

Until next Sunday, keep exploring, keep tasting, and keep reading! And always remember:

Where There's A. Williams, There's A Way.

Adam

To buy your own copy (and support this blog) click here

Do you have a picture book for Adam to review? Email us your suggestion at beastlybanterblog@gmail.com

About the Author

Adam Williams is a dedicated elementary school teacher with a passion for literacy and children's literature. Married to Leigha, Adam is a proud father to a son named Tate and a daughter named Emery. He is known for his engaging read-aloud videos on his YouTube channel, "Where There's A. Williams, There's A Way," where he brings picture books to life for his audience. The Picture Book Perspective is published every Sunday. In his blog, he explores the historical and cultural contexts of picture books, delves into their social-emotional content, and offers insights for parents and teachers on how to use these books effectively with children. 

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