Such a cute picture book about learning to like things even when we think we already know what is best. Handled in a gentle and heartwarming way.

Only Ants for Andy is an adorable story about an anteater who discovers that it’s okay to like what you like but that trying new things can be great too.

The art in this is fantastic, it really captures your attention and holds it. I also loved all of the little details like the car lineup behind the Sloth’s car. It just added an extra element that made this book such a joy to read.

Highly recommend this one!

5/5⭐️

This clever, witty book gives children the opportunity and visuals to learn that they can like or try something new! The pictures help demonstrate this story tremendously.

Title: #OnlyAntsforAndy
By: #JasharAwan
Source: #NetGalley
Read on: Kindle Paperwhite
Published by: W. W. Norton & Company, Norton Young Readers
Pub Date: 12 Oct 2021
Genre: Children's Fiction
Rating: 4/5

Thank you to #NetGalley for providing me and my 5-year-old an ARC for #OnlyAntsforAndy by #JasharAwan. Thanks to W. W. Norton & Company, Norton Young Readers as well for approving my request on NetGalley.

Only Ants For Andy is a delightful picture book that talks about this little ant eater's adventure in trying out new things. I read this book together with my 5-year-old since he's starting to read books now. We both enjoyed the story and we can definitely relate to Andy being such a picky eater as my son has the tendency to be one at times. The illustrations were so adorable and my son loved them. The lesson that my son learned from the book was a bonus too.

Only Ants for Andy is a pure delight from start to finish. Anyone who has had a picky eater in their life will recognize the particularity Andy has for all his things. He only likes one kind of toy, one song, one friend and of course, only one food. But when he gets the chance to spend time at his friend’s house, he has to make some choices about how to deal with new things.

One of the wonderful things about this story is there is no parental coercion related to expanding Andy’s choices or the battle over dinner that so many parents face. The story is told by Andy who is matter of fact about what he likes and why. In the end the choice to expand his options comes from within himself. He realizes he needs to try something new for the sake of his friend Sam, who has a severe allergy to his favorite food. He thinks about the options and decides he can take the risk to try something new because the new things he has tried up to this point have all worked out okay.

It's actually my 3 year old who is reviewing this book not me. So here goes:

Z: MUMMY! MUMMY! HE'S EATING AAAAANTS!!!! HAHAHAHAHHAHA that's so silly he's eating ants!
Me: It's not that silly, he's an anteater after all!
Z: Oh yes. That's so funny! Ants are all SCRITCHY (????)
Z: Hey I want to play with those trucks too!
Z: I love Sam's room! That's really good!
Z: HAHAHAHA GRUBS! ANT EATERS DON'T EAT GRUBS! That's 'sgusting!! Grubs are squishy and ants are scritchy.
Me: He tried the grubs and he like them!
Z: Oh yeah! Maybe anteaters can eat squishy grubs too. HAHA THAT IS SO FUNNY!
Me: So do you think you might like to try eating something you don't like.... maybe tomatoes?
Z: EWWWW NO WAY I HATE TOMATOES
Z: ...... maybe I like broccoli though? That kind of looks like ants! I can be like Andy!

So the moral of the story is? This book is engaging and very funny for three year olds!

Disclaimer - he still doesn't like broccoli.

I really liked Awan's first book What a Lucky Day, and i'm happy that this one is just as good. The art style is bright and cute, and the amount of words on the page makes it easy for young readers to follow. Andy the anteater is a very picky eater, and that tends to spill into his other choices as well (he only listens to one song, only plays with toy trucks, etc). This all changes when he spends the night at his friend's house and tries all sorts of new things. Andy's excitement at realizing he actually likes these new things translating into a new bravery towards trying new things is a good lesson and done well. This is a great story time type of book, and I can see it appealing to parents and kids alike.

I read it to my kids, and the 6 year old really liked it and easily picked up on the book’s message. The illustrations are simple and lovely. It’s nice to read a book about being hesitant of change without an adult talking the kid into trying the new things. Could definitely encourage some kids to branch out!

Andy the anteater loves trucks, one song-"Daddy Long Legs;" and ants. What happens when his friend Sam invites him over to play and stay for dinner? Andy learns to try new things at Sam's and learns that he likes them. This would be a great book for preschool and young children! Talk about trying new things-you might like them!

A cute story about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things. Andy is very particular about what he eats and who and what he plays with but learns from his friend Sam that there are other interesting and fun things out there.

So cute! Andy likes what he likes and doesn't see the need to try other things when he knows he has the best. Then, at a sleepover with his best friend, he's thrust into a new world with different toys, different songs, and especially different food!

What I love the most about this book is no one is shamed. No one tells Andy he's wrong or bad for sticking to his preferences and what he likes. When Andy starts to bend and expand his horizons, it's because he wants to be a gracious guest and considerate friend, not because he was forced or punished. No big deal is made of his trying new things either--the reward is simply finding something new to like.

This has a great message for kids and will be super relatable. I'm sure it's going to be a hit at circle time in my pre-K class!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

Only Ants for Andy by Jashar Awan has unique, colorful artwork that will catch the eyes of children looking for a picture book. Andy's eyes draw the reader into the book, and the lessons Andy learns when he visits his friend Sam Sloth and begins to enjoy new experiences are clear and easy to understand.

“Only Ants for Andy” is a charming picture book about a young anteater who is resistant to try new things. He only likes playing with trucks, listening to his favorite song, and eating ants. However, a sleepover with his best friend Sam Sloth challenges him, albeit gently, to move a little outside his comfort zone and try new activities (and new foods!) There is no criticism of Andy’s narrow interests, but there is a very powerful scene when Andy realizes that he can try new things, that he has that agency. I think this is a book that will help many parents and teachers impart that same lesson to children.