The Incredible Shrinking Lunchroom

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Published by: Charlesbridge Publishing
Release Date: Jul 26, 2022
Contributors: Illustrated by Paula Cohen
Pages: 32
ISBN13: 978-1623542948

 
Overview

This modern retelling of the classic Yiddish folktale and Caldecott Honor book It Could Always Be Worse asks: What do you do when the school lunchroom gets too crowded?

The students at Parley Elementary have a hard time using the space in their lunchroom efficiently. When they get tired of shoving and arguing, they write a letter to their principal asking for help. She responds by moving all the science projects into the lunchroom. Now it's even more crowded! Through a series of letters and increasingly hilarious scenarios, the lunchroom gets more and MORE chaotic. When the principal finally announces that the lunchroom is once again only to be used for lunch, the students are overjoyed with the result.

Praise & Reviews

“The author’s note mentions that this story was inspired by a wise, witty Yiddish folktale, which serves as the basis for Margot Zemach’s It Could Always Be Worse. This book succeeds as an updated, equally humorous parable that conveys the realities of today’s schools and educators while emphasizing the moral to put life in perspective and be grateful for what one has. Children will relate to the students’ predicament and chuckle over the extremes they undergo to achieve a “fix.” The riotous digital illustrations capably match the comical shenanigans. Students are depicted diverse as to race, ethnicity, and physical ability. Ms. Mensch is light-skinned; some children wear kippot, and one child wears a patka.

Sage, farcical wisdom for lunchtime or any time.”
—Kirkus Reviews (read the full review)

“[A] rol­lick­ing book, with its amus­ing, car­toon-like illus­tra­tions and straight­for­ward yet delight­ful prose.... This charm­ing take on the clas­sic sto­ry can be used by par­ents and teach­ers to pro­mote dis­cus­sion, but it is also just plain fun.”
—Jewish Book Council (read the full review)

“In this retelling of a classic Yiddish folktale, young readers will learn gratitude and perspective. This timeless story will appeal to readers of all ages.”
—Children's Literature

“The Incredible Shrinking Lunchroom is a warm, smart, and funny demonstration of the importance of gratitude and a positive perspective. Young children, guardians, and teachers will relate to the setting (crowded school spaces), and they’ll laugh out loud at the riotous illustrations of the hijinks. Students are shown as diverse – varying in color, physical ability, and religion. Highly recommended for home, school and library.”
—The Sydney Taylor Shmooze (read the full review)

“The text is witty, smart, funny and certain to make children gasp and laugh. The illustrations are bright, fun, diverse and clever, showcasing the chaos in the lunchroom.... Highly recommend for every home and classroom.”
—Liza Wiemer, award-winning author of The Assignment (read the full review)