THE FRY WHO FELL IN THE AIOLI

A nervous but adventurous french fry learns to expand his horizons in Dooley-Panko’s picture book.

Crispy french fry Spud Russet lives in his basket at a restaurant, cozy among his many friends. His dream is to have an adventure someday, but it isn’t until a bowl of creamy aioli dip, smelling of “garlic and sunshine,” lands just outside of his container that he has the opportunity to act. As he strains to see into the bowl, he falls out of his basket and into the aioli, headfirst. His initial reaction is fear, but as he adjusts to his surroundings, he comes to love his new flavors and bask in the awe of his french fry, onion ring, and carrot stick companions. (“I’m not just a regular fry anymore. I’m a fry who’s been on an adventure!”) Even the waitress is impressed. Sometimes, he decides, it is important to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. An enticing story for young readers who may find themselves craving a snack after reading, Dooley-Panko’s debut picture book is playful and happy in tone. The plot could be better developed, given the narrative’s overemphasis on Spud Russet’s success compared to the time spent clarifying his initial fears (and his inevitable fate as he arrives on a restaurant patron’s plate). Shobaru’s illustrations are boldly outlined and colorful, adding quirkiness and character to everyday foods.

An enjoyable, if slightly unbalanced, story about trying something new.