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Feeling bad about himself "
This storybook for young children centers on Peanut Butter, who lives in the woodcutter's refrigerator. The peanut butter knows that he's good food, but the woodcutter doesn't seem to want to eat him, and Peanut Butter begins to feel bad about himself. He talks to Ketchup, Lemon, and Butter, who are supportive and offer him suggestions. He also talks to Hot Sauce, but Hot Sauce is mean to him.
The woodcutter gets a cold, and a new elderly neighbor, Sadie Grady, brings a basket of goodies—chicken soup, grape jelly, and an apple pie—and says the jelly tastes great with peanut butter. The woodcutter is grateful for the gifts, and Peanut butter and friends celebrate as sandwiches are made. The woodcutter invites two friends and Sadie to a party with the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Ketchup, Lemon, and Butter confront Hot Sauce for being mean to Peanut Butter, and he sees how what he did was wrong. Peanut Butter is happy as he goes to live with Sadie and her jam.
The author has crafted a cute, unique story in rhyming form that will engage young listeners. It is creative in its use of food as the topic, and its themes of friendship and bullying are important. Children can learn about feeling sad and bad about themselves, feeling abandoned at times, and realizing that there are those who can be supportive, as well as those who will try to hurt them further. Seeing that having others who will stand up for them at times is important in their development. Also, the book features expressive art that is engaging. This imaginative tale will surely leave its young audience smiling.