Book Summary
In their debut picture book, TV personality Emme and motivational speaker Phillip Aronson craft a whimsical exploration of childhood cravings that goes beyond physical hunger. The story follows a red-haired narrator through a day of seeking satisfaction—sometimes through pizza or ice cream, other times through laughter, birthday parties, or cuddles with a pet on a rainy day. Erik Brooks’ bold, playful illustrations bring this journey to life, depicting a diverse cast of round-faced children and adults in vibrant scenes that shift between food-fueled joy and emotional warmth.
While the Kirkus Review critiques the pacing as “potentially confusing” for preschoolers transitioning between concrete and abstract concepts , the book succeeds as a conversation starter about emotional intelligence. The Aronsons’ background in self-esteem advocacy shines through in their celebration of “feeling warm, safe, happy, and satisfied—in other words, just right!” . This 32-page hardcover, published by HarperCollins, targets ages 4-8 but resonates with adults through its subtle message about holistic fulfillment.
Key Themes
Emotional vs. Physical Hunger: The book cleverly contrasts tangible treats (like pizza) with intangible ones (like a sister’s joke or a parent’s goodnight kiss). This duality mirrors Emme’s real-life work as a National Eating Disorders Association ambassador, gently introducing the idea that not all fulfillment comes from food—a nuanced take for a children’s book .
Self-Esteem Through Choice: Each page empowers the child protagonist to identify and articulate her needs, whether for play, comfort, or nourishment. The illustrations’ shifting settings—from kitchens to parks to cozy bedrooms—visually reinforce that happiness has many sources, aligning with Phillip’s expertise in depression advocacy .
What Makes It Unique
Celebrity Perspective Meets Authenticity: Unlike many celebrity-authored children’s books, this project draws deeply from the Aronsons’ personal journeys. Emme’s experience as a body-positive icon and Phillip’s mental health advocacy (detailed in their memoir Morning Has Broken) inform the story’s emphasis on emotional well-being . The husband-wife collaboration adds a layer of familial warmth rarely seen in the genre.
Illustrative Storytelling: Brooks’ artwork compensates for the text’s occasional abrupt transitions by maintaining visual continuity. The dog—described as having “genuine appeal” by Kirkus—becomes a silent emotional barometer across pages, while food items are rendered with equal exuberance whether they’re the focus or background detail .
Reader Reactions
While professional reviews were mixed (Kirkus called it “barely palatable” for its saccharine tone ), parent readers praise its ability to spark conversations. One Amazon reviewer noted: “My picky eater finally understood that ‘full’ and ‘happy’ don’t always mean the same thing”—highlighting its utility for teaching emotional literacy .
The book’s strongest appeal lies in its versatility. Educators use it for social-emotional learning curricula, while therapists recommend it for children grappling with emotional eating—a testament to the Aronsons’ ability to translate complex themes into accessible metaphors .
About the Authors
Emme Aronson, a groundbreaking plus-size model and former host of Fashion Emergency, has long championed self-acceptance through her Emme® doll line and Glamour’s “Woman of the Year” platform. Phillip Aronson, a singer-songwriter and mental health speaker, co-founded initiatives addressing depression. Their collaborative works—including their memoir about overcoming Phillip’s clinical depression—reflect a shared mission to nurture emotional resilience .
This picture book marks their first foray into children’s literature, distilling their advocacy into a format suitable for preschoolers. As parents themselves (dedicating the book to daughter Toby), they bring authenticity to its depictions of family dynamics .
Memorable Quotes
“Sometimes I’m hungry for… a big sister’s silly face that makes me laugh until my tummy hurts!”
This line exemplifies the book’s strength in validating non-food joys, with Brooks illustrating the sister mid-goofy dance—a moment Kirkus ironically found confusing but children adore .
“What are YOU hungry for? Maybe… just maybe… it’s a cuddle with someone you love.”
The closing refrain, paired with an image of the narrator hugging her dog under a blanket, encapsulates the Aronsons’ core message: fulfillment is multifaceted .