A truly delightful fairy tale awaits within the pages of this book. It is not only scrumptious in its storytelling, I kid you not, this book often made me feel hungry!

But it is also subtly profound in how it tackles some rather complex issues. On the surface, it may seem simple, but it deftly handles the concept of politicizing ideas or taking well-intentioned things and using them to evoke fear or strong emotions in others.

Despite dealing with such weighty matters, the book remains a sweet and wholesome read. It is a timely parable for our times, offering valuable lessons and insights in a charming and engaging way. Whether you are a child or an adult, this fairy tale is sure to capture your imagination and leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

So, pick up this book, immerse yourself in its magical world, and discover the joys and wisdom it has to offer.

Babbitt can do better, if I recall correctly. Even the young me would have regarded the problem and the solution of the quest as ridiculous.

Moreover, some kids might form the impression that the world is even more terrifying than it actually is, simply because adults are depicted as being even stupider than they truly are.

Nevertheless, there are still some lovely aspects to it. The story has an enchanting vibe that can draw readers in. Additionally, the delightful pen and ink drawings by the author add another layer of charm to the whole experience.

Despite its flaws, there are certain elements that make it somewhat appealing and worth considering.

Rating: 3.5 stars


Affectionate is your dog,
Annoying is a loose boot in a muddy place ...
Bulky is a big bag of boxes ...
Delicious is fried fish


Fried fish! Delicious? I think not. Every person had a different opinion. So exactly what is delicious?

In the search for delicious, 12-year-old Gaylen sets off on a quest. This quest, of course, consists of a series of adventures.

One take-home lesson from Gaylen's adventures is that wars can start because of misunderstandings and/or for ridiculous reasons. It's a thought-provoking concept that makes us realize how important it is to communicate clearly and avoid jumping to conclusions.

Gaylen's journey not only helps him discover what he truly believes is delicious but also teaches him valuable life lessons along the way.

As we follow Gaylen's adventures, we are reminded that the search for something as simple as delicious food can lead to unexpected discoveries and profound insights.

I thoroughly enjoyed Natalie Babbitt's captivating fantasy.

It transports us to a remarkable kingdom where mythological creatures seek refuge from ignorant and quarrelsome humans.

Here, a 12-year-old boy, Galen, plays a crucial role in bridging the divide.

Galen, an orphan, holds a deep love for the Prime Minister who raised him and is a loyal subject of the King.

When the King tasks him with taking a poll of everyone in the Kingdom to determine the most delicious thing in the world, he doesn't hesitate.

However, he soon discovers that in this land, there is no acceptance of diverse tastes.

No one can reach an agreement on what is the most delicious, and almost all the residents become enraged while defending their views.

At his impressionable age, Galen begins to realize that humans are often absurd, constantly arguing about the most trivial matters and even going to war over nothing.

He also understands that nature and a belief in the wonders beyond human comprehension can offer an escape and a means of renewal.

This story beautifully explores the themes of acceptance, the folly of human nature, and the power of nature and imagination.

I have a special affection for this book. Ever since I was a child, it has held a dear place in my heart, and that love has endured over the years.

Even now, as an adult, it still manages to capture my attention and imagination.

It's truly remarkable how a single book can have such a lasting impact.

Interestingly, I find myself thinking about this book almost every time I take a sip from a glass of water.

There's something about that simple act that triggers a memory or a thought related to the story within those pages.

Perhaps it's because the book is so deeply ingrained in my psyche that it has become a part of my daily life, a constant reminder of the joy and wonder it brought me as a child.

Whatever the reason, I'm grateful for this connection and the continued love I have for this wonderful book.

Quirky is an engaging and entertaining read-aloud that is perfect for 3rd and 4th graders.

It takes young readers on a journey that delves into the fascinating topic of how conflict can escalate, both on a personal and a societal level.

The story presents relatable scenarios and characters that children can easily identify with, making it an effective tool for teaching valuable life lessons.

As they listen to the story, students will be able to observe how small disagreements can quickly turn into larger conflicts if not managed properly.

They will also gain an understanding of the importance of communication, empathy, and compromise in resolving conflicts and maintaining healthy relationships.

Overall, Quirky is a must-read for any child in the 3rd or 4th grade, as it not only provides an enjoyable listening experience but also helps to develop their social and emotional intelligence.

Rated based on my memory of reading this 20 years ago.

Even after all these years, I still vividly remember it.

The vibes it gives off are truly remarkable, worthy of a 5-star rating.

This piece must have had a profound impact on me back then.

Perhaps it was the engaging storyline, the well-developed characters, or the beautiful prose.

Whatever it was, it left a lasting impression that has endured through the years.

To this day, I can still recall certain scenes and moments with clarity.

It's rare to find a work that can have such a lasting effect on one's memory.

Based on my experience, I would highly recommend this to others.

It's a true gem that is sure to delight and inspire.

Overall, I would rate it a solid 5 stars.

I read this on a strong recommendation, and yet, I find myself rather underwhelmed.

I first listened to this book on tape. Oh yes, do you remember those tapes? They were such a common way to enjoy audio content back then. But then, unfortunately, my library made a switch to CDs and got rid of all the tapes. It was a bit of a disappointment for me. Now, I have no choice but to settle for reading the book instead. However, it's just not quite the same as listening to it.

The reader of this audio book did an absolutely amazing job on the voices. This is really rare in the world of audio books. In fact, I think this book was the only one that I actually listened to with such great enthusiasm. The different voices brought the characters to life and made the story even more engaging.

Anyway, I truly LOVE this book. I don't think I'll ever outgrow it. No matter how old I get, I'm sure I'll still enjoy reading it. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a passion for fantasy and fairy tales. It's a wonderful book that will transport you to a magical world and keep you entertained from start to finish.

The Search for Delicious is a remarkable children's classic penned in 1969 by the exceptionally talented Natalie Babbitt.

Her writing style is as fresh and clear as the babbling brooks in her imagined idyllic world, a kingdom of country towns that exudes a unique charm, feeling both contemporary and historical simultaneously.

However, all is not as peaceful as it seems. The Prime Minister is engaged in writing a dictionary, and a dispute has arisen regarding which food should be used to exemplify the meaning of "delicious".

It is then decided that Gaylen, the Prime Minister's adopted son, must embark on a journey to visit the local towns, conduct a poll, and seek the consensus that will prevent a potential war. Gaylen's adventures lie at the heart of this captivating story.

During his travels, he uncovers a nefarious plot by the evil Hemlock to dethrone the king by poisoning the minds of the people against him. He encounters the Woldweller, a mysterious figure who is a staggering 900 years old and resides deep within the forest.

He also listens to the poignant tale of Ardis, a mermaid child. And, of course, he undertakes the poll to determine the ultimate meaning of "delicious".

These seemingly straightforward adventures are intricately woven together with a subtle political message about how easily small differences can escalate into all-out war.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it is always a delight to be a reader in the capable hands of a great talent like Natalie Babbitt.

My only criticism pertains to the conclusion of the Ardis tale, which I felt did not quite measure up to the rest of the story. It was the one weak point in an otherwise subtle, gentle, and well-plotted novel.

Nevertheless, The Search for Delicious remains a timeless classic that continues to engage and inspire readers of all ages.

I decided to read this book with the intention of determining if it would be a great choice for a read-aloud session. As I delved into the pages, I discovered that a significant portion of the book was truly clever and funny. It also contained valuable lessons that could be imparted to children. The main character was not only brave and courageous but also kind-hearted, which added to the overall charm of the story. I thought that a lot of it would indeed be enjoyable for kids.

However, to my great disappointment, the ending left much to be desired. I was really bummed when, at the conclusion, the grownups were still arguing over petty words and seemingly hadn't learned their lesson. In my opinion, a fairy tale should conclude in a more traditional fairy tale manner.

****** Spoilers *****

Admittedly, a good part of the story did end in a fairy tale way. The problem was resolved, the bad guy was thwarted, war was averted, no one died, the mermaid was freed, and there was a very sweet epilogue. But moments after the definition of "delicious" was decided, they were already bickering over the next one. This made me feel as if I had wasted my time because there was no character growth. Lol, perhaps I'm being too sensitive, but it does mean that I won't be using this as a read-aloud until my kids are older.

I gave it a try. However, I didn't truly take pleasure in the process of reading this particular one. And here's the strange part - I typically have a penchant for fairytale-like stories.

The conflict in the story seemed extremely exaggerated and yet was resolved in an instant. The main character was nice enough, but the plot seemed to progress regardless of his actions. He didn't really contribute much to the overall narrative.

Moreover, the mermaid didn't even make an appearance until the last ten or so pages.

I really desired to like this book, but unfortunately, it just sort of failed to meet my expectations and left me feeling rather disappointed. It lacked the depth and engagement that I was hoping for, and as a result, it fell flat for me.