Review by bdu15062 -- Four Funny Potatoes! by Len Foley

[bdu15062]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Four Funny Potatoes!" by Len Foley.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Four Funny Potatoes written by Len Foley, is a children's book that is entertaining with its bright pictures and striking words. The story explores different foods part of a show that runs at night where each individual has their own act. There are four 'potatoes' that each have their own speciality. Dancing, wearing funny pants, and juggling tomatoes. The fourth potato called Benny is actually a banana and tries to make everyone understand throughout the book, but the foods just think this is an act. Finally Benny has enough and interrupts rehearsal (much to the Bean's disliking) by saying "NO!! I told you guys I am not a potato, so I can't be in your show." The other foods recognise that Benny is not a potato as he compares himself and they realise that the show can still go on.

I think Four Funny Potatoes is a book every child should read. Many techniques were used to portray themes important to a child as they grow up. The story is in rhyme which makes it more interesting for a child listening to an adult reading to them or reading it themselves. The books first words are "Eenie meenie miney mo" which is a little saying most children know which instantly draws them in. Lots of adjectives were used throughout the book especially when Benny was explaining how he wasn't a potato which could be a fun way of teaching children new words. The text was also very inviting as there were different fonts used of many sizes and colours which brought a lot of energy to the story being told. The pictures of food with faces was also very creative, and they were bright and clear enough to appeal to any child. Foley gave each food their own personality which highlights how food is fun to eat which could encourage children to eat their fruit and veggies. Though the book was simple, it was very effective and left a lasting impression on the reader on how it is okay to be different and sometimes you have to stand up for yourself to be your own individual.

There was only a minor thing in the story that could have been changed but I understand that it may have been there for entertainment. There was a man at the end who ate some of the characters which helped finish the story but I felt it wasn't necessary. The story could have ended with the foods all "... singing as a team."

There were no spelling or grammar errors and it appeared to be professionally edited. I give Four Funny Potatoes a 4 out of 4 star rating because it is a book that would grab the attention of any child's mind with its bright pictures and words. It teaches children that everyone's difference can be combined to create a strong team or in the foods case a spectacular show. I think it also reminds adults who may read this to their children that our differences make us who we are. I could not give this book a lower rating because the editing was exceptional and only one minor problem I felt didn't impact the overall rating.

Four Funny Potatoes is a book I would recommend to any child as it is entertaining and great to have a laugh. Foley has done a superb job at combining both rhyme and outstanding pictures for a book that is encouraging in embracing one's differences. I would encourage parents to pick this up for their children as they too may also be entertained with the thought of different foods having hilarious personalities.

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Four Funny Potatoes!
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