Only Ants for Andy

by Jashar Awan

Overview

This funny, satisfying picture book from the author of What a Lucky Day! gives a fresh spin to a familiar childhood theme: trying new things.

I’m Andy

And I like what I like! 

Andy is a very particular anteater. He has his favorite toys, his favorite song, his favorite food . . . 

Ants! They’re the best! 

But when Andy goes for a sleepover with his favorite friend, Sam Sloth, he’s faced with unfamiliar things to play with—and strange new foods for dinner. 

Jashar Awan’s winning and gently funny story celebrates trying something new and finding out it might be more fun—and tastier—than it looks.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781324016595
Publisher:	Norton Young Readers
Publication date:	10/26/2021
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	652,218
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 11.40(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Jashar Awan is a graduate of Pratt Institute who now lives in Ohio. His illustrations have appeared in such publications as The New Yorker, the New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Editorial Reviews

2021-07-14
A finicky anteater learns that tastes sometimes change.

With a long, stretchy tongue, Andy loves to slurp ants—but never any other food. Ants taste amazing. Why would Andy eat anything else? Andy also likes trucks: tow trucks, cement trucks, dump trucks…only trucks. When pal Sam invites Andy over for a sleepover at the Sloths’ house, Andy can’t wait. But shockingly, Sam’s room is filled with spaceships. There is not a single truck to be found. Andy soon realizes that spaceships are similar to trucks—but in space! Even better. At the dinner table, Andy is in for another surprise. The Sloths don’t eat ants (in fact, Sam is allergic); instead they eat grubs. With eyes squeezed tight in determination (and fear), Andy sticks out his long tongue and slurps. Grubs aren’t bad! He has learned that he can try new things. Awan builds Andy’s personal discoveries one atop the other, with a steady pace, culminating in a triumphant victory dance—until the furry algae dessert. “Wait. What?” Humorous details in the art will add to the guffaws. Mrs. Sloth of course drives incredibly slowly, happily oblivious to the traffic piling up behind her and the tortoise jogger that passes her; both ants and grubs sport tiny eyes as they crawl or squirm about the plates. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Trying new things can be hard, but it’s worth it (except maybe not furry algae). (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews