ARE YOU A CHEESEBURGER?

Grub the raccoon just can’t wait for Seed the seed to grow into a cheeseburger plant.

Grub loves cheeseburgers, although his real-life cheeseburger experience is limited. When Grub finds Seed in the garbage, he plants him in the hopes of growing a cheeseburger plant. Seed isn’t exactly sure what he’s going to grow into, but he wants to make his new friend happy. When he finally blooms, he’s not quite what Grub had been hoping for. This utterly charming book is full of humor in both the text and the adorable illustrations. Grub’s expressive face is delightful, whether he’s disappointed, deep in contemplation, or giving a hard side-eye. The primary moral of the story is that we should accept our friends for who they are, not try to change them. But the author also incorporates some more subtle and sophisticated lessons. Seed’s calm, cheerful attitude toward his unknown future models an open-minded acceptance of change. Grub’s initial disappointment and ensuing loving acceptance feel emotionally authentic and sweet without being saccharine, highlighted by the affecting double-page illustrations. Both characters experience growth and discovery in their identities, demonstrating that it’s OK to not know exactly what the future holds for you. Don’t mistake these messages for preachiness, though. It is enjoyable purely as a funny and touching story about a raccoon and a seed who are friends. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Silly and heartwarming in equal measure.