Reviews

The Search for Delicious by Natalie Babbitt, Marlene Bernstein Samuels

bdfarber13's review against another edition

3.0

This book is adorable. I have remembered this story for years and kept trying to remember the title. So here it is. I'm a little sad it is so male-centric, especially since the author is a woman. But it is sweet, funny, and well-written. Definitely a classic, and this proves that young adult literature does not have to be trash or written poorly.

rebelbelle13's review against another edition

3.0

The Search for Delicious feels like and builds up as a fairy tale, but without the satisfying payoff at the end. Babbitt's opening line is magical: "There was a time once when the earth was still very young, a time some call the oldest days." The prologue is actually the best part of this novel. The premise is a little silly- finding the definition of the word 'delicious' for the royal dictionary- and folks are actually fighting about it. The villain isn't the least threatening, the mermaid only makes brief appearances, and there isn't enough world-building here to make the story memorable. There's no reason for certain characters to make the choices they do, and it's a little frustrating. All in all, it's a cute, short story, but the ending feels rushed, and there's no big reveal or lesson to be learned, no secret royalty or happily ever after. It just is. If you're looking for a brief fairy tale that's a little different, this is it.

literallykalasin's review against another edition

3.0

This is a book that kids and adults alike will devour (pun only partly unintended.) When the Prime Minister presents the definitions in his new dictionary to the King, the entry for "delicious" threatens to tear the court apart as no one can agree that delicious is a fried fish. So the Prime Minister sends his young secretary Gaylen to poll the kingdom and discover the true definition for delicious. What enfolds is a classic adventure and coming of age story complete with a little fantasy and a lot of heart.

abigaillaurawriter's review against another edition

5.0

"Natalie Babbitt . . . Babbitt . . .oh, Tuck Everlasting! I'm definitely going to check this one out!" That was my thought process in the library when I stumbled across The Search for Delicious." Side note: I think I have a weakness for books with "delicious" in the title . . .this is the second book in two months with that word in the title and I've devoured them both!! I have a very fond place in my heart for books by Natalie Babbitt. I loved Tuck Everlasting and I also loved The Search for Delicious. It was such a short, sweet, lovely story. I got swept away and read it in a day! Her characters' names are witty and the story mysterious enough to keep you captive through to the end. My personal opinion is that a truly "good" children's book is one that adults can enjoy as well as kids. I have two sons and I'm pretty choosy with what books I actually buy for them. This book is making it on the list for when they get older! I can't wait to read it to them or watch them read it for the first time. I really appreciate and enjoy that Babbitt has little jewels in her stories . . .nice reminders about what's important, even in a lighthearted little book! I hope you get a chance to read this one for yourselves or to your little one(s).

Summing it up: I loved this delightful little book and I absolutely recommend it!

prahayu's review against another edition

3.0

The Search for Delicious
by Natalie Babbitt

3.5 of 5 stars

To be honest, I always like to read a children book. If we have grown up, we would realize how much children book could give a lot of moral lessons.

So, in attempt to enrich my vocabulary in English, I decided to try to read a classic children book. Actually, I borrowed this book from my senior. She suggested me to read this book if I want to learn more about English.

The Search for Delicious

Gaylen is the King's messenger. He carried a mission to search the definition of delicious. It seems it would be an easy task, but in the fact it isn't. DeCree the Prime Minister is creating a dictionary. Every alphabet has its own definition. Unfortunately, everything doesn't go well when DeCree tried to define 'D'. There's a disagreement between him, the King, the Queen, and the General. As ridiculous as it sounds to be, those argument will lead to civil war if it's not handled well.

More review could be read through this link https://www.theredglowofthedawn.com/2020/06/the-search-for-delicious-another-simple.html

dixiet's review against another edition

5.0

I have owned this book since I was a child. What fun to reread it as an adult. It just seems to me to be a clever, perfect little gem of a fairy tale.

djahatimisor's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

mneiger's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

greenhearted101's review against another edition

4.0

Short and sweet; read it in a day. It was just what I wanted: an easy to read yet fun fantasy book. Even though the book is short and the characters aren’t complex, the adventure and story does not feel lacking and it does feel like you went on a big journey. The author managed to fit a lot into this short book and it was super enjoyable and sweet. Wonderful and great for a comfort read.

embo970's review against another edition

4.0

The Search for Delicious is an amazing book that I can read again and again, even as an adult. Whenever I drink water to this day, I think of how delicious it is, and to not take clean drinkable water for granted.