Bengt (Benny) Shoats wants to be like other kids, and be liked by other kids. In his quest to gain a pet, make the baseball team and diffuse the town bully, Benny also discovers what it means to be an individual and to stand up for what’s right.
The first publication from PV Lundqvist and publisher Stick Raven Press, Not Just For Breakfast Anymore fills a need of books for boys that call to mind classic children’s books that feature kids in real world scenarios.
Benny’s Dilemmas
If Benny Shoats was asked what the biggest problem in his life was, he probably wouldn’t know where to begin. Would it be with his odd mother, who insisted on giving him an unpronounceable Swedish name? Or would be it be with his desire for a pet, a dog or a cat who he could love? Certainly receiving a pet pig for his birthday, rather than the longed for furry pet could be reason to complain. And there is that issue with Danny Doodlesak, the town bully stealing his lunch money and making life on the baseball team almost not worth living.
Throughout these numerous obstacles, though, Benny’s individualist spirit comes through. As he learns to roll with the punches, and discover the solutions to his problems along with the joy of becoming oneself, the reader will discover right along with him why it can be better to figure things out on your own, rather than simply follow the crowd.
Standing Up For What You Believe In
On the surface, Not Just For Breakfast Anymore could be seen as a simple story of a boy having to first accept, and then fight for, a pet he never asked for or wanted. What gives the story such depth, and brings to mind classic coming of age stories, is the journey Benny must take, not just in acceptance of his pet, but in acceptance of himself and his family as well.
Benny’s pet mini pig might not have been what he wanted, but the friendship and admiration of his peers the pet brings is. When he decides to accept his pig Fletcher, he finds that this is not as easy as it sounds. Nor is keeping these new friends, many of whom are alienated by the fight that Benny’s family must engage in with their neighbors, the Doodlesak’s to keep Fletcher.
As Benny discovers that standing out is better than backing down, and fighting for what you believe in is worth the consequences, the reader is taken on a journey of self discovery along with him. Benny might not be a wizard, a super hero or a spy, but he’s a hero that kids can believe in all the same.
New Direction From Stick Raven Press
With their first publication, new publisher Stick Raven Press is taking a new direction in the publication of children’s literature by offering Not Just For Breakfast Anymore as an ebook first. According to Stick Raven’s founder and President, Par South, publishing ebooks for kids is a priority of the company along with the desire to publish books that feature children in real world scenarios. For this reason and to celebrate their publication, Stick Raven will be offering Not Just For Breakfast Anymore with a special introductory price of $1.99 in eBook form until the print version becomes available in February of 2010.
Not Just For Breakfast Anymore is a classic book for modern kids. Middle grade readers and some older kids as well will find a lot to interest them in Benny’s world.
Sarabeth Asaff - Sarabeth Asaff is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for cooking and good food. Growing up in the kitchen of her Lebanese ...
