This wonderful children’s book by Diana Duda follows a girl named Jenny who falls asleep in her backyard and wakes up in a strange place called the Village of Ensalada. The town is full of vegetable people with names like Carrottina, Broc Coli, and Sheriff Cool Hand Cuke. Jenny gets swept into their fight against the All brothers who run greasy pizza parlors. After a wild showdown where everyone cooks their favorite foods, the village learns to mix healthy choices with fun treats. Jenny wakes up at home just in time for dinner and realizes maybe vegetables are not so bad after all.

I had a goofy grin on my face while reading this. The puns come flying fast, and the whole thing feels like a kid’s dream after eating too much at a salad bar. The writing leans into the silliness. It felt a bit chaotic at times, but in a way that works for a children’s book. I liked how the world was bright and weird and full of energy. The showdown scene cracked me up because it was so over the top. Pots and pans everywhere. People stuffing their faces. Total mayhem.

What surprised me was the message underneath all the jokes. It never hits you over the head, which I appreciated. Instead, it sneaks in while you’re laughing at characters like Miss Cauli Flower and the New Frond City Broc-ettes. The idea that moderation matters actually felt honest. It didn’t preach. It just showed both sides making something tasty and figuring out that they work better together. It felt warm and kind of comforting. The artwork is colorful and charming, and really captures how cute this story is.

I’d recommend this picture book to kids who enjoy silly stories and parents who don’t mind a little wordplay. It would be fun as a read-aloud since the names and jokes are playful. I think it’s especially good for picky eaters because it makes vegetables feel like characters you’d want to hang out with. It’s a lighthearted story with a sweet message, and it might even get kids to try a bite of something green.

Pages: 30 | ISBN : 1965390129