I Just Ate My Friend

by Heidi McKinnon, Heidi McKinnon (Illustrator)

Overview

A creature has eaten his friend. Now he’s on a journey to find a new one with hilarious consequences in this bright, subversive debut picture book.

A little creature is looking for a new friend, but he’s not having any luck.

Why is he looking for a new friend, you ask?

Because he ate his old one!

Heidi McKinnon delivers a hilariously macabre story with colorful illustrations and a satisfying, dry wit.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781534410329
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Publication date:	06/26/2018
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 11.20(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Heidi McKinnon studied art and design at RMIT University in Melbourne. After graduating, she worked a lot of weird jobs until she began a career as a graphic designer. She lives with her partner, Seamus, and her daughter, Ava, in Fitzroy, Australia.

Heidi McKinnon studied art and design at RMIT University in Melbourne. After graduating, she worked a lot of weird jobs until she began a career as a graphic designer. She lives with her partner, Seamus, and her daughter, Ava, in Fitzroy, Australia.

Editorial Reviews

2018-02-19
On the spur of the moment, anyone can make a mistake.In a twist on Eric Carle's classic Do You Want to Be My Friend? (1971) and the many like-themed quests trailing in its wake, a suddenly friendless yellow monster makes the titular confession, mourns, and then goes in search of a new companion. Following a string of refusals that range from "No, you are too big," and "No, you are too scary" (not to mention a terse "No") to a terrifying, page filling "Rrrooar!" the monster begins to lose heart. Will it be lonely forever? But, no fears, a suitable (teal) candidate sidles up at last: "Hello! I will be your friend." Cue the warm smiles and clasped paws…until a page turn reveals only the new arrival, guiltily admitting, "I just ate my friend." Arranged in simple compositions and positioned for maximum comic effect, McKinnon's monsters don't look at all feral (although the protagonist does have a mouthful of sharp teeth, they are very tiny, commanding much less attention than its large, googly eyes and potato-shaped body), so the summary fate of the yellow one may come as a surprise (at least the first time through) to audiences who expect a more-conventional ending. Readers who prefer their comedy on the dark side à la Jon Klassen's I Want My Hat Back (2011) or Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross' Tadpole's Promise (2005) will relish this alternative outcome.Gives "friend" a disquieting nuance. (Picture book. 5-7)

Kirkus Reviews