When I was growing up, I was one of those kids who had no problem eating their vegetables. Cooked or raw, most vegetables tasted pretty good to me, and if there was one I didn’t like, there was always a substitute I could try.
So, while I can’t relate to Kristin Blakely’s picture book title, No Veggies in Mummy’s Tummy personally from the point of view of its protagonist, I was drawn to its main character and the Halloween theme. Below is my review of No Veggies in Mummy’s Tummy followed by an interview with Blakely. Then, enter to win one of 10 PDF copies of her activity pack by following the author on Instagram.
No Veggies in Mummy’s Tummy plot summary
In No Veggies in Mummy’s Tummy, a young mummy is called downstairs for dinner after splurging on his trick-or-treat haul. He’s excited to eat some “spook-getti” but not so thrilled about the next course which is a plate of green vegetables. At first he downright refuses, intent on skipping the greens and going straight for pie. But as his mom gently pushes the issue, he eventually tries some peas, and the results surprise him.
The story
Told in a sing-song rhyme, No Veggies in Mummy’s Tummy is an adorable picture book that blends a spooky tone with an ages old conflict- getting kids to eat healthy. The Halloween theme isn’t necessary to the story, but it gives it a unique and exciting twist, making it a spooky version of Green Eggs and Ham, complete with a headstrong character who learns something about himself when trying something new.
Most of the story takes place over the span of one meal where the nuclear family gathers around their table to share an ordinary, everyday meal. It feels very traditional and classic. The setting and details help to sell it as a “typical” family with a very familiar dinnertime conflict with an Addams Family-like spin.
The rhyming lines also give it a classic picture book feel. It also helps to build the tension as to whether the young mummy boy will or won’t try some vegetables. There seems to be no convincing him until finally, he does, which is very true to life of the picky eaters I’ve been around.
I did find the rhymes to be a little clunky rhythm-wise. I had trouble figuring out the correct rhythm to some pages, but I like how it kept the energy going and helped to transition from one moment to the next.
I like too how it’s pointed out that vegetables don’t have to be eaten one way. They can also be incorporated into other foods so that they don’t have to be eaten so plain. We can’t help what we like or don’t like, but we owe it to ourselves to try out different versions to see what works, for our own health and maturity.
The characters
The story mainly centers around the boy mummy and picky eater of the family. There’s got to be at least one, and there’s usually only one. It’s also usually up to the mom to talk the picky eater into it. So, the mummy mom shares equal page time with our protagonist.
I wish that the characters had been given distinct names as it appears that both the mother and son are both named Mummy. This makes things a little confusing at times.
Also present are a sister and dad mummy who sit by and watch the drama play out. They don’t have much to do with the story, but they help to fill out the traditional family dynamic.
The illustrations
The illustrations by Carolyn Williams are so eye-catching and help to sell the mix of cute and scary. The deep purple backgrounds give it an eerie yet colorful tone.
The characters are designed with so much personality for individuals who are wrapped up, but there’s just enough of their faces showing and enough movement in their body language to easily pull off what the text is trying to convey.
It’s the details that really cause you to pause and study the illustrations further. I love how the wraps on each mummy character, including the dog, resemble different clothing and hairstyles. I also love the goblet cups they drink out of, the mom’s Halloween-themed apron, and the little critters in jars and on shelves watching the conflict play out along with the reader. But I especially love the boy mummy’s little monster doll who makes more than one appearance on the page.
My recommendation
I recommend No Veggies in Mummy’s Tummy to readers who love classic monsters, rhyming books, and of course, eaters of all types. Kids are influenced by others, and if they happen to love mummies and other Halloween creatures, I could see it inspiring them to want to be like them by eating like them.
My rating
Enter the giveaway!
The first 10 readers to follow Kristin Blakely on Instagram will win a PDF of her activity pack related to the book.
An interview with Kristin Blakely
What was the easiest part of writing the book? The hardest?
No Veggies in Mummy’s Tummy came together quite quickly. I like books with odd pairings – mummies and vegetables?! As soon as I got the initial idea and the hook, “No thanks, not this mummy, no veggies in my tummy!” – the book came together quite quickly.
The easiest part was having loads of fun with the mummy and monster word play like “spook-ghetti,” “wrapped,” and “gauze.” The hardest part was trying to make the veggie battle feel relatable with a healthy amount of struggle and resistance from the lil’ mummy while balancing gentle, clever consistency from Big Mummy.
I did not want the outcome to feel forced so that took some work to get that across. Ultimately, I do want little monsters to eat their veggies and hope that the book can serve as a helpful tool for picky eaters.
What advice do you have for those who want to write and publish a picture book? Did you get any good advice from any authors, editors, or publishers during the process of publishing this book?
Write what you like, what you like to read (or like to read to kids), not what is on trend or you think will be sellable. Fads and trends come and go and the book market is vast.
The world of children’s literature is diverse and ever-growing. There is always room for more creative stories to expand our learnings, our curiosities, and our hearts. So my advice is go for it! Write, edit, pitch, query…try!
A fellow children’s author suggested that I visit Josh Funk’s Resources for Writers on his website. Josh has succinctly and ever so kindly put together 12 must-read lessons for writing picture books. I highly recommend spending some time with this guide.
How did you come up with the idea to make your characters mummies versus another classic horror character? Do you have a favorite type of monster or horror creature?
Picky eating is a common challenge especially when it comes to vegetables. Many kids resist trying greens like broccoli or peas, and they often experience frustration, pressure, or anxiety around mealtime.
I chose a mummy because monster characters can be a safe proxy for kids to work out complex and challenging feelings. This story gives children a relatable character in the lil’ mummy, who isn’t exactly thrilled about veggies.
Through a calm, pressure-free experience, the lil’ mummy explores new foods without force or bribery. The story models a calm, positive approach to trying new things, fostering an environment for young veggie-resistors to feel seen, understood, and encouraged.
I like using all different types of monsters in my stories (I don’t have any favourites I’m afraid). I’m really pumped about the monster books that I have coming out! Stay tuned for a bedtime-battling werewolf in Night, Night Wolfie and a haircut-opposing bigfoot in Little Bigfoot’s Haircut.
Did you have any specific directions for the illustrator, Carolyn Williams? Was there anything she came up with that surprised you and exceeded your expectations?
Carolyn is so super talented and came up with adding the mummified pets, all the spookified elements in the kitchen such as the skeleton goblets, the ghost in the cannister, and the teeny mouse on the shelf.
Do you have a favorite page in the book?
Absolutely – the mummy family dance party is my fav! The post-dinner Monster Mash is such a fun scene and I love that we are celebrating lil’ mummy and his veggie successes.
Were you a picky eater growing up? What is your favorite vegetable? Your least favorite?
I was a pretty consistent eater and so are my three kids, but picky phases happen and I appreciate a good picture book to act as a resource during those choosier times.
My favorite veggie changes, but lately, I’ve been really into arugula and enjoying it in sandwiches, in pastas, and of course, in salads – yum! I also love beets and they are just delicious drizzled in olive oil accompanied with goat cheese.
My least favorite veggie is fennel. I’m not a fan of its licorice/anise taste and if it’s mixed into a salad of assorted greens, then no, thank you to the entire dish! I suppose that makes me a picky salad eater!
What’s next for you?
I have the two more monster books on the way. Additionally, I hope to enter into the early reader genre. My plan is to continue to put out stories for kids that contain humor and heart with relatable, loveable characters.
Author Links
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Also read Blakely’s guest post, Halloween Books All Year Long!
Buy it!
Buy a copy of No Veggies in Mummy’s Tummy here, and help support local bookstores!
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