Benji’s
young owner often wishes he could be more like his dog. This
is because Benji will eat almost anything, from Brussels sprouts
to daffodils, ice cream to crunchy bugs. He mooches food from
anybody he sees eating and is totally unfussy. Maybe he might
inspire the narrator to be a bit more adventurous?
This is a lovely book to share with any child who might need
a bit of encouragement when it comes to eating a wider variety
of food. Although nobody would want them to take up munching
bugs and bulbs, maybe there are some other ways they might
try and emulate the variety-loving dog? Mr Henderson’s
lovely pictures fill the pages and are a perfect match for
Mr Carter’s succinct and discussion-provoking script.
In muted tones, they depict a town in New Zealand where Benji
frolics in the park, gazes soulfully at the fridge and floats
happily amid a solar system made of fruit and vegetables.
My own favorite scene is when he is spending time at the posh
neighbors’ party, complete with canapés, wine
drinking guest and piano playing hostess. This is one for
the adults to smile at, a scene in a trendy intellectual’s
home. I can imagine a family (or classroom) having plenty
to talk about with this book, and I love the way it shows
the sheer fun of being a bit adventurous with your food.
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