I read this book for a co-op activity. To be honest, I'm not entirely certain if I would have gone out of my way to pick it up and read it on my own. However, as I delved into the pages, I discovered that it had some rather humorous elements. These little touches of humor added an unexpected charm to the story.

What really made it special was the ending. My kids were completely engaged throughout the reading, and when we reached the conclusion, they were thoroughly entertained. The ending had a certain appeal that left them with smiles on their faces and a sense of satisfaction.

Overall, while it might not have been a book that I would have chosen without the co-op requirement, it did have its redeeming qualities. The humorous parts and the enjoyable ending made it a worthwhile read for both me and my kids.

Y’all.

1969? How on earth did Natalie Babbitt manage to predict the kind of year we’d have in 2020 way back in 1969? This allegory is truly remarkable and seems applicable to so many aspects of our lives. It really spoke to me when I thought about the last four years. We’ve seen a desperate and well-connected power-grabber plot against the government, trying to gain control for himself. He turned a simple and non-nefarious census poll into what almost felt like a civil war, using misinformation, dividing people against one another, and spreading outright lies. He selfishly cut off resources to the entire country just so he could position himself as the answer to people’s prayers. And when he didn’t get what he wanted, he resorted to manipulation to try to force his way. Hmm. For some reason, all of this sounds eerily familiar.

This whole thing serves as a beautiful reminder that we can all come together, with our whole selves, all our opinions, and everything else. We need to remember what is truly valuable beneath all the chaos - and that is one another. It reminds us that people sometimes say and think silly things not because they are stupid, but because they have been carefully led to believe those things by others who want to use them for their own purposes and gain. And it also reminds us that every single one of us could have our buttons pushed in similar ways and buy into falsehoods. This is not a “both sides are exactly the same” kind of thing. I think it’s just a call into the chaos for more of what truly breaks down walls, rather than accidentally reinforcing them - and that is compassion. I believe that when we get down to it, most of us are just trying to take care of the people we love. Sometimes, we forget about the other folks who are also trying to take care of the people they love, but have different needs than our own. Maybe if we all took better care of one another, as best we can, in our own little corners of the big wide world, both “our people” and the strangers - perhaps we wouldn’t need all the flim flam and hullabaloo about who is the best candidate or who is the worst candidate, or which party is the “right” one. Maybe, just maybe, we could actually make some real progress.

Anyway - read this.

There was a time once when the earth was still very young, a time some call the oldest days.

In this ancient era, a seemingly simple yet crucial question arose. Could something as seemingly insignificant as choosing which food should represent the word DELICIOUS in a dictionary tear a kingdom apart? Perhaps. Gaylan, the Prime Minister's adopted son, was entrusted with the task of traveling the kingdom and polling the people. This came after asking the question among the royal court proved to be so problematic.

Does it really matter at the end of the day if it is an APPLE or CHRISTMAS PUDDING or APPLE TART or FRUIT CAKE or a hundred different other options? This kingdom's future seemed to hang in the balance.

My thoughts on this are that I thought this was a treat of a children's book! It has a charm that makes it a great choice for a classroom read aloud. It almost compels readers to conduct a poll of their own. I also enjoyed the cozy feel it exuded. I would definitely recommend this one to others, as it offers not only entertainment but also the opportunity for thought and discussion.

In "The Search for Delicious", the Prime Minister of the kingdom is engaged in writing a dictionary. The King gives his approval for it, yet he has an issue with the entry "Delicious is fried fish". The King firmly believes that apples are delicious, while the queen is of the opinion that Christmas pudding is the most delicious. Soon enough, the entire town finds itself in the midst of a heated argument regarding what the most delicious food truly is.

The King then makes the decision to dispatch the Prime Minister's son, Vaungaylen, to visit all the people in the kingdom and conduct a poll. Vaungaylen embarks on this task, and along the way, he experiences numerous adventures.

I have a genuine liking for this book. It imparts a valuable lesson to people, teaching them not to undervalue what they already possess. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those individuals who have a penchant for reading about the medieval times. It offers an engaging and thought-provoking narrative that takes readers on a journey through a world filled with different opinions and adventures.

I read this book as part of a "literary discussion group" for my 5th grader's class. Each week, the kids would gather and engage in lively discussions about the reading. They had not only weekly assignments but also a "discussion worksheet" to fill out, which helped to promote in-depth discussion.

It was truly remarkable to witness these fifth graders embark on the journey of analyzing and critically thinking about the books they were reading. It was a ton of fun for both the kids and me.

As for the book itself, it is an entertaining read with some thought-provoking themes and principles. The story begins with the prime minister of a kingdom attempting to write a dictionary for the realm. For each definition, he provides an example. When he reaches the word "Delicious," everyone has a different opinion on what truly embodies the term... apples, nuts, pies, and so on.

So, the young hero Gaylen is dispatched into the kingdom to conduct a survey of every citizen and determine, by majority vote, what is the most delicious. However, the disagreements within the castle soon prove to be a microcosm of the kingdom at large, and it becomes clear that there will be no common consensus.

Adding to the "delicious" problem, there is a power-hungry man roaming the country, causing trouble in the hopes of eventually seizing the kingdom for himself.

An intriguing parallel story thread is introduced in the prologue, where we are given definitions of mystical/magical creatures that still exist but have been forgotten or ignored by humans. We are presented with the story of a mermaid named Ardis, who possessed a magical key that opened and closed the door of a house at the bottom of a lake. The key was taken from her by a human and has been lost forever.

Throughout Gaylen's journey across the kingdom, he discovers more about these mythical beings and the role they may still play in the kingdom.

Overall, this was a fun and engaging story. It is a simple tale that is easily accessible to children, yet it contains themes and ideas that can also captivate adults. It highlights the absurdity of some of our arguments and the outrageousness of our behavior. It also touches on the importance of creativity and imagination, which are often lost as we grow from youth to adulthood.

This is a delightful fairy tale that can be enjoyed by parents and children alike.

****

3.5 out of 5 stars

A nice, fun little story that truly stands out with its delightful quirkiness and intriguing plotting. The unique elements and twists within the narrative keep the reader engaged and curious about what will happen next. However, there is a certain aspect that makes it feel a little lackluster. Maybe it's the pacing in some parts or perhaps a bit more depth could have been added to the characters. Despite this minor drawback, overall, it is still a nice read. It has the ability to bring a smile to your face and provide an enjoyable escape for a short period of time. It's the kind of story that you can pick up, relax with, and simply enjoy the ride, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of absolute brilliance.

April 2014 review:

This is a book that my family came across through an audio recording. We listened to it just once or twice, and for the most part, it slipped our minds. I chanced upon it in a used bookstore and picked it up. To my surprise, my siblings were also excited about it!

I have just re-read it. It is an extremely delightful and simply told story. It reveals a great deal about humanity, both the good and the bad. Technically speaking, it is exaggerated and would never occur in real life, yet it also reflects what happens all the time. I suppose it is like most fairy-tales in that regard.

I truly enjoy this book. It has a certain charm that keeps drawing me back to it. The simple language and engaging plot make it a pleasure to read. It makes me think about the different aspects of human nature and how we interact with one another. Overall, it is a wonderful find that I am glad to have rediscovered.

Update, June 2021:

I read this aloud to the kids earlier this month and they absolutely LOVED it.

Particularly Gabriel, who had a great appreciation for much of the more subtle humor within the story.

It was truly a delightful read that I sincerely hope to share with them again in the future.

------------

November 2020:

This was yet another thrift store find that I had never heard of before.

However, I was immediately drawn to it and couldn't wait to read it aloud to the kids.

Despite being such a short little book, with around 160 pages and frequent page breaks, Gaylen's little world is very well developed.

The plot unfolds like a beautiful fairytale, with a thorough introduction that grabs the reader's attention.

It then takes the reader on adventures that are interspersed with quiet reflections, creating a wonderful balance.

And the ending is a not-overly-saccharine happily ever after that leaves the reader feeling satisfied.

Babbitt never talks down to the reader, which is refreshing.

She also doesn't feel the need to explain absolutely everything, leaving plenty of room for the reader to speculate and decide a few characters' fates for themselves.

This is truly a memorable book that I'm so grateful I grabbed at the last moment.

I really liked "The Search for Delicious".

It was an extremely entertaining story that managed to combine both humor and excitement in a wonderful way.

The characters were well-developed and their adventures kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

The author's use of language was vivid and engaging, making it easy for me to imagine the scenes and events as they unfolded.

The humor in the story added an extra layer of enjoyment, making me laugh out loud at several points.

Overall, "The Search for Delicious" was a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun and exciting story.

It's a book that will appeal to readers of all ages and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

It was truly awesome.

This statement holds a great deal of truth. If you haven't had the opportunity to read it yet, then by all means, READ IT!

You are missing out on something truly remarkable. The content within is sure to captivate your attention and leave you in awe.

It has the power to transport you to another world, filled with excitement, adventure, and new ideas.

Don't let this chance pass you by. Open the book, turn the pages, and let yourself be immersed in the wonderful experience that awaits.

You won't regret it.

What is delicious for you? What is delicious for everyone? This is a profound question that often elicits different answers. For kids, a great book might be filled with adventure, the search for something delicious, a mermaid, and even a war. It's like a magical world that captures their imagination and takes them on an exciting journey.

However, this book is not just for kids. Adults can also find great pleasure in it if they are willing to slow down and truly enjoy everything that the writer has to offer. It's like a gourmet meal that starts with a delicious appetizer and ends with a scrumptious dessert.

From the very beginning, the story grabs your attention and keeps you engaged until the very end. The characters are well-developed, the plot is full of twists and turns, and the writing is beautiful. It's a book that you can read over and over again and still discover new things each time.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for both kids and adults. It's a delicious treat that will satisfy your appetite for adventure, mystery, and romance. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up a copy today and start reading!

We read this book once for third grade Language Arts. At that time, I was deeply impressed and thought it was one of the greatest books in the world.

Even now, after so many years, I still have a great affection for this book. It holds a special place in my heart.

The story is so engaging and the characters are so vivid that it makes me want to pick it up and read it again and again.

Each time I read it, I discover something new and gain a deeper understanding of the story and its themes.

This book is truly a classic that will stand the test of time and continue to be loved by generations to come.