Delicious Story, A

Reach for this book when your child is in a silly mood, struggling with a creative block, or needs a gentle lesson on how to handle mistakes and 'ruined' things. This meta-fictional story turns the concept of reading on its head as Big Mouse explains to Little Mouse that the story they were supposed to read has literally been eaten. Through sparse dialogue and expressive cartooning, it explores the idea that stories can be made and remade, even after they seem to have disappeared. Ideal for preschoolers and early elementary students, the book uses humor to address the mild guilt of 'messing up' while celebrating the collaborative nature of imagination. It is a lighthearted pick that helps children understand that stories are living things we create together, rather than just static words on a page. Parents will appreciate the way it invites children to participate in the storytelling process rather than just being passive listeners.