The Fruits Get Political

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Fruits Get Political is a funny, tongue-in-cheek illustrated chapter book for youngsters by Adam Musselmani. Due out 26th March 2024, it's 162 pages and will be available in hardcover format. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, the first two books in the series are currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. There's no information about the availability of this, the third volume, on KU (it's still pre-release).

This is the third outing for the VIP fruits, and this time, the fruits are entering the political arena. It's a simple chapter book, with humor that will entertain most 8-12 year olds. The author himself is a young person (11, according to his facebook page), although gifted with an above average vocabulary and impressive storytelling skills.

The illustrations are appealing and in color throughout. The art, by Laura Liberatore, is simple, colorful, and absolutely full of whimsy. It doesn't overpower the story, but does a good job of supporting and helping move the story along.

The book *does* read as though written by an (undeniably talented) 12 year old. It's authentic and exuberant, but also unpolished and earnest.

Four stars. It will likely be the subject of book challenges in public and school library collections (see cover), but the humor is not vicious in any way, or unwarranted. No fruits or vegetables are harmed in the process and everyone learns some good lessons. Recommended for gift giving, school and library groups, read-alongs, and gift giving.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Fun and realistic first exposure to politics. It is honest with the questionable candidate behavior and reactions

Interesting book where fruits and vegetables inhabit a world. This is a series, and in this installment the president, Ronald Bacon, is retiring and a new president must be elected.

I didn’t really enjoy the book that much. The plot felt a little disjointed and it seemed that you needed the first couple books in the story to understand what the backstory was between the two main characters. That being said, my seven year old loved it, so I would give this book four stars. She enjoyed the pictures and we finished the 160 pages in one sitting.

Overall I think this book hits its mark and appeals to its target audience. Also very impressive that a twelve year old wrote this book.