"You ate the story?" says one mouse to the other in this thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt read-aloud with pitch-perfect repartee and Barney Saltzberg's signature take on the perils and pleasures of creativity.

Two mice-one big and one small-have a terrible problem in this satisfying comedic journey that parents and children will want to take together again and again. Little Mouse is looking for a story-they're in a book after all!-and Big Mouse has to admit the truth. The story is gone. And (gasp!) he ate it. That is not okay with Little Mouse, who expects his story and will settle for nothing less. What follows is an improvisational dialogue that showcases both the patience and discipline required of true creativity and the dazzling on-the-spot storytelling that can happen when you get in the flow. Parents, teachers, and kids alike will cheer for these heroic mice as they work out the kinks in their friendship and make the reader realise that they've been delivering a story all along.

About the Author
Barney Saltzberg is the author of more than 30 books for children, including Beautiful Oops!, My Book of Beautiful Oops!, Good Egg, and the best-selling Touch and Feel Kisses series. Additionally, he's recorded four albums of songs for children. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, two dogs, and a pond full of fish. His books have won numerous awards, including NAPPA Gold Awards, and received Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews starred reviews. Most recently, Melinda Gates chose Beautiful Oops! as one of the top three books every child should read.

Reviews
A Bank Street Best Children's Book

"This book IS delicious. Pun WAY intended. Imaginative and connecting." - Jamie Lee Curtis, Bestselling author of Today I Feel Silly and Other Moods that Make My Day

"Ideal for reading aloud, this title should be a hit." -- School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

"Exceptional.... Clever and fun ... will be a new favorite read-aloud and is sure to spark many storytelling experiences." - Imagination Soup

"Children will giggle; many will be inspired to craft their own tales....Rib-tickling for many beginning readers and writers." - Kirkus Reviews

"Barney Saltzberg has done it again! A DELICIOUS STORY is hilarious, delightful, and . . . DELICIOUS! Kids will eat this one up!" - Peggy Rathman, Caldecott Winner for Officer Buckle and Gloria

"Sweet and silly, this book reminds us that everyone is hungry for a good story." - Sherri Duskey Rinker, New York Times Bestselling author of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site

"A delightful picture book that is a doorway to much for kids! From learning about what a story is, to thinking about characters and their feelings, to making new friends, this picture book has it all. Wonderful illustrations and use of space on the page put it over the top!" - Lorie Barber, Anderson's Bookshop

"A fun story about stories!" - Kate Reynolds, Colgate Bookstore

"Sure to be a kid pleaser...[and] to elicit plenty of laughs from kids and adults." - Suzanne Corner, Fairview Elementary School, Maryville TN

"A great discovery is underway....Simple, engaging illustrations with great splashes of color make the book a great read. A Delicious Story would make a great read aloud for toddlers and preschool children, as well as a story for early readers who like to laugh. A book about creativity, imagination, and the power of a story." - Tiffany Rehbein

"Great book for younger elementary level readers. They can read and share this with others." - Pam Gombert, Kentwood Public Schools (MI)

"A spunky, laugh-out-loud picture book for fans of "The Book with No Pictures." A great book for story time!" - Amanda Zirn Hudson, Bethany Books

"A super cute book that would be great for story times. Perfect for fans of Elephant and Piggy books. The surprise ending will delight young readers." - Lauren Wilder, Jefferson County Library

"A delightfully meta-story perfect for the early elementary audience. The use of dialogue is a popular choice for students raised on Mo Willems and aspiring to the graphic novels older students devour around them. The illustrations are also delightful, both both and clear and sketchy lines. Very successful." - Erin Tobiasz, Youth Services Librarian, C. C. Mellor Memorial Library

"Clever, fun, and a perfect read for all ages." - Storymamas

"All the earmarks of a winner...My 3rd grade students had a blast reading this..a perfect read-aloud that kids will gobble up." - Storywraps

"Kids who like simple, funny stories will appreciate this one." - Youth Services Book Review



Book Information
ISBN 9781662640162
Author Barney Saltzberg
Format Hardback
Page Count 64
Imprint Hippo Park
Publisher Astra Publishing House