Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
40(40%)
4 stars
32(32%)
3 stars
28(28%)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Another children's book that I unfortunately missed out on during my childhood.

This particular book was filled with adventure and humor, making it an absolute delight to read.

The story took me on a thrilling journey, filled with exciting escapades and unexpected twists.

The characters were vivid and engaging, and I found myself completely immersed in their world.

From start to finish, I was entertained and couldn't put the book down.

I truly loved this children's book and wished I had discovered it earlier in my life.

It has now become one of my favorite reads and a wonderful addition to my collection.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and engaging children's book.
July 15,2025
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The Search for Delicious seems to resemble and develop into a fairy tale, yet it lacks the fulfilling conclusion at the end.

Babbitt's opening line is truly enchanting: "There was a time once when the earth was still very young, a time some call the oldest days." The prologue is, in fact, the most outstanding part of this novel. The premise might seem a bit absurd - determining the definition of the word 'delicious' for the royal dictionary - and people are actually arguing about it.

The villain poses no real threat, the mermaid makes only fleeting appearances, and there is insufficient world-building to make the story truly memorable. There is no justifiable reason for certain characters to make the choices they do, which can be rather frustrating.

All in all, it is a charming, short story. However, the ending feels hasty, and there is no grand revelation or moral to be learned, no hidden royalty or happily ever after. It simply exists. If you are seeking a brief fairy tale that offers a slightly different twist, then this is it.
July 15,2025
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The Search for Delicious by Natalie Babbitt is an extremely interesting book that combines elements of medieval times and mythology. It follows the quest to find the definition of "delicious" for the world's first dictionary. Just like all great fantasy books, it features an evil character who attempts to thwart the plot. The story is filled with adventure and excitement, making it highly entertaining and difficult to put down. The vivid descriptions of the medieval setting and the unique characters add to the charm of the book. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or just looking for a good read, The Search for Delicious is definitely worth checking out.



  The Search for Delicious by Natalie Babbitt

  Natalie Babbitt
July 15,2025
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The best children's fantasy exists within the same traditions of fairy tales.

These are seemingly (almost deceptively simple) stories. They mask more complex ideas that a child can roll around and play with in their minds without even realizing that they are.

As an adult reader, you spot these right away. You might be tempted to dismiss such art for kids because of its simplicity.

However, given how vapid a lot of art for kids is, I have an appreciation for anything that at least introduces children to complex ideas.

Children's fantasy literature has the power to engage young minds and spark their imagination. It allows them to explore different worlds, meet unique characters, and encounter various situations.

Even though the stories may seem simple on the surface, they often contain hidden meanings and lessons that can have a profound impact on a child's development.

By reading these types of stories, children can learn about empathy, kindness, courage, and other important values.

Moreover, they can expand their vocabulary, improve their reading comprehension skills, and enhance their creativity.

So, the next time you come across a seemingly simple children's fantasy story, don't be too quick to judge.

Take a closer look and you might be surprised by the depth and complexity that lies within.
July 15,2025
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I read this book when I was a child. It was such a memorable experience that I have carefully kept it and moved it countless times. The reason for this is that I vividly remember it being truly magical.

However, as time has passed, my perception has changed. Now, it may not hold the same level of magic for me as it did before. Nevertheless, it remains a good story. It is a tale about a journey, a journey to discover what is truly delicious.

Obviously, this book means different things to different people. What one person may find enchanting and life-changing, another may view simply as an entertaining story. But that's the beauty of literature - it has the power to touch each of us in unique ways and evoke a wide range of emotions and interpretations.
July 15,2025
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We really enjoyed reading this aloud as a family.

It was such a wonderful experience. The words came alive as we took turns reading, and the story seemed to unfold in a whole new way.

The children were completely engaged, their eyes wide with excitement and anticipation.

We laughed together at the funny parts and felt a sense of unity as we shared in the emotions of the story.

Reading aloud as a family not only brought us closer together but also enhanced our love for literature.

It was a memorable moment that we will cherish for a long time.

We will definitely make it a regular activity in our family, looking forward to many more enjoyable readings in the future.

July 15,2025
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Of course it's silly, said the Prime Minister impatiently. But a lot of serious things start silly.

"The Search for Delicious" is a classic fantasy for young readers or someone older looking for light reading. The writing is simple, and it paints most of the characters that young Gaylen meets more as memorable caricatures than actual people.

The storyline is straightforward with a happy ending, taking place within a relatively short timeframe and space. This suits the younger audience and makes the 12-year-old hero's story more attainable for a boy of his age.

Despite all these aspects, the book still conveys a deeper message. It shows that some things are truly worth fighting for, and we should search for the common experiences that bring us all together. "Delicious" doesn't take itself overly seriously, and each conflict serves as a reminder for us not to take ourselves too seriously either.

Particularly for young readers, "The Search for Delicious" is a great admonition of what to do when we, too, exclaim, "People are unbearable, and I have had enough!" It offers them a gentle nudge to look beyond the surface and find the good and the unity that lies within.
July 15,2025
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Sometimes a book doesn't have to be long or complicated to have tremendous didactic value.

The Search for Delicious is such a book. Written for a younger audience, but not lacking in poignant insights, this little book offers plenty to ponder.

Why would one little word, surely subjective in nature, cause such a tumult? Why would so many care so much about the meaning of the word "delicious"? Well, words matter, and their impact can be profound. Such heady themes are sprinkled throughout this gem of a book.

The premise is straightforward, seemingly absurd, but quickly becomes importantly relevant as you enjoy the story. Setting out to create a dictionary, the Prime Minister, DeCree, satisfactorily defines all words right up until "delicious." He defines it as fried fish. To his disappointment, the King defines it as apples, to the Queen's disappointment. As one might expect, none of the royal court can agree on the definition and intractable debates ensure.

In order to solve this vernacular puzzle, Gaylen is sent to poll the people. In true democratic fashion, let the majority decide. But, as we know, democracy is often not a clean but a chaos-filled process. The story follows Gaylen's efforts to discover the elusive definition of delicious.

The plot is entertaining enough, but it's the commentary on human nature, democracy, and other important themes peppered throughout the story that give it real vitality. I couldn't help but think of the many petty conflicts which play out in politics or even family relationships because involved players can't agree on the definition of a single word.

For example, in the story, if the King decides that apples are the definition of delicious, what then, therefore, happens with all the orange growers? Who would want to be seen eating an obviously non-delicious fruit? Again, The Search for Delicious is deceptively simple but offers many, many insights.

For such a small book, there is actually quite a bit more to be said about it. However, I'll restrain myself from commenting on each theme, which would take far too long and wouldn't be much fun for the reader. There are enough fantastical elements to keep young readers entertained, even if they don't appreciate the many nuances in the story.

With the book being as short, accessible, and readable as it is, I strongly recommend it to any reader. I think you'll find plenty to enjoy, and I hope you find it as delicious as I did.

https://thethousanderclub.blogspot.com/
July 15,2025
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This wasn't bad by any means.

However, it's a super-simple tale that doesn't offer much in terms of complexity or depth. The stakes are rather low, which means there isn't a great sense of urgency or excitement.

Moreover, there's a distinct dose of silliness that might appeal to some readers, but it also detracts from the overall seriousness of the story.

While it may be an easy read and perhaps a bit of fun, it doesn't have the staying power or the impact that a more substantial and engaging narrative would have.

It's the kind of story that you might enjoy for a moment, but it won't leave a lasting impression or make you think deeply about anything.

Overall, it's a passable but ultimately forgettable little tale.
July 15,2025
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Anne finished reading it for school.

It was truly a perfect fantasy book. It was not only clever but also made you think deeply.

The story is filled with a wonderful cast of characters, including kings and queens, mermaids and dwarfs, wild wolves, and wandering minstrels.

Interestingly, the prime minister is creating a dictionary for the king. The dictionary is so clever that one can't help but want to read the full version.

However, the definition of "delicious" causes a major controversy within the kingdom, even threatening to start a war.

Thankfully, the ending definition for "delicious" was just perfect. It was so cleverly thought out that it resolved the conflict and left the readers in awe.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy and enjoys a good story that challenges their mind.
July 15,2025
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What a truly fabulous little book!

It is so engaging and full of charm that one can't help but think it would make an outstanding movie.

The story centers around Gaylen, the assistant to the Prime Minister. He is given the rather unusual task of polling the entire kingdom to determine which food is the most delicious.

As he embarks on this adventure, Gaylen encounters all sorts of strange and wonderful beings.

These encounters not only add excitement and mystery to the story but also lead him to accomplish something even greater than he could have imagined.

The book is a delightful read that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

It's a story of discovery, adventure, and the power of following one's curiosity.

So, if you're looking for a fun and entertaining read, this little book is definitely worth checking out.

Enjoy!
July 15,2025
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**Funny Story**

One day, a man was driving along a country road.

He was in a hurry to get to his destination. Suddenly, he saw a pig running across the road.

The man swerved to avoid hitting the pig, but in doing so, he drove his car into a ditch.

The man was unhurt, but his car was stuck.

He got out of the car and looked around. There was no one in sight.

Just then, the pig came over to him and said, "Thanks for not hitting me."

The man was shocked. He couldn't believe that the pig could talk.

He said, "How can you talk?"

The pig replied, "I was just lucky. You see, I used to be a human, but I made a lot of mistakes in my life. So, I was turned into a pig as a punishment."

The man was even more surprised. He said, "Well, what kind of mistakes did you make?"

The pig thought for a moment and then said, "I used to tell a lot of lies."

The man laughed and said, "Well, that explains it. I guess I'll have to find a way to get my car out of this ditch now."

And with that, the man started to push his car out of the ditch, while the pig watched and laughed.

It was a very funny and strange encounter that the man would never forget.

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