Christopher Silas Neal is the author and illustrator of the award-winning picture books featuring animals, a notable example being “I Won’t Eat That”.
The Cat doesn’t want to be conventional; she won’t eat her Cat’s food. Determined by her choice, she meets other animals, such as the field fox, tropical animals, such as the chimp and the elephant, and savanna animals, such as the lion and the whale, in the ocean, posing a question that she is “hungry and searching for something yummy to eat”. The animals eagerly share their experience, but with a fair amount of warning. For example, the tortoise replies that she eats worms, but they wiggle. Cat is nearly disappointed until she meets another animal. Who is it? And how does the Cat react?
Nursery and Reception Class children will appreciate this excellent story, which features a simple plot. The repetition of the question, “What does…eat?” is an enjoyable element for young readers and a resourceful piece for creative thinking, especially when presented with the opportunity to extend the range of animals. The illustrations, whose primary focus is on significantly drawn characters, can benefit the drama section in Literacy Hour.
“I Won’t Eat That” contains some easily remembered sentences that make it a catchy tale, likely prompting multiple readings.
The Stats:
- Title: I Won’t Eat That
- Author and Illustrator: Christopher Silas Neal
- ISBN-10: 1406384216
- Publication Date: 2019
- Page Count: 40
- Publisher: Walker Books
- Recommended age: 3-6
- Categories/Topic: Animals
Further Information:
If you loved I Won’t Eat That, check out more information about its author and illustrator:
- Visit Christopher Silas Neal’s website
- Read Christopher Silas Neal’s interview at The Children’s Book Review
- Read another Christopher Silas Neal’s interview
Where to Find it:
