Carnivores

Starred review from July 22, 2013
The lion, the great white shark, and the timber wolf are tired of being disrespected by those lower than them on the food chain. “The wildebeests call him ‘bad kitty’ just because he’s eaten half the neighborhood,” says the sympathetic narrator of the lion. “It hurts. It really does.” They try vegetarianism, only for the wolf to discover, “Every single berry bush seemed to have a bunny inside.” They disguise themselves as upstanding members of their preys’ species, but the great white shark can’t resist turning a pod of dolphins into takeout. Leave it to a wise great horned owl to give the hapless trio sage advice on living as meat-eaters: own it. Reynolds (Creepy Carrots) and Santat (Crankenstein) do likewise, making the most of their flair for comic timing, visual exaggeration, and spoofing everything from foodie trends to self-actualization. Clearly, there’s still plenty of room in the irreverent and decidedly Darwinian humor territory pioneered by the likes of Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. Ages 5–8. Author’s agent: Paul Rodeen, Rodeen Literary Management. Illustrator’s agent: Jodi Reamer, Writers House.

July 15, 2013
Poor carnivores, perched atop the food chain and dissed by all their victims--at least, the prospective ones. What a pity. Brought together by their hurt feelings, a lion ("The wildebeests call him 'bad kitty' "), great white shark ("simply a fast eater") and timber wolf ("almost never eats little girls") take up vegetarianism in an effort to fit in and then try donning disguises. When neither strategy butters the biscuit, they turn to a great horned owl as a carnivore consultant. Proving himself as wise as he (later) is delicious, the owl leads them to a healthier attitude, to wit: "I'm not bad. I'm a carnivore. Eating meat is just what I do." Surrounded by pastel bunnies and other wide-eyed prey in Santat's big, comical illustrations, the three caricatured predators quickly go from slump-shouldered gloom to toothy, confident smiles as they realize the folly of judging themselves through the eyes of others. Will young readers swallow such a tongue-in-cheek take on the importance of self-acceptance? With relish. (Picture book. 6-8)

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September 1, 2013

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, NY

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