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Square Fish

The Search for Delicious

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Description

Natalie Babbit's memorable first novel, The Search for Delicious, about a boy who nearly causes a civil war in the kingdom all because of his work on the royal dictionary. Gaylen, the King's messenger, a skinny boy of twelve, is off to poll the kingdom, traveling from town to farmstead to town on his horse, Marrow. At first it is merely a question of disagreement at the royal castle over which food should stand for Delicious in the new dictionary. But soon it seems that the search for Delicious had better succeed if civil war is to be avoided. Gaylen's quest leads him to the woldweller, a wise, 900-year-old creature who lives alone at the precise center of the forest; to Canto, the minstrel who sings him an old song about a mermaid child and who gives him a peculiar good-luck charm; to the underground domain of the dwarfs; and finally to Ardis who might save the kingdom from havoc. The Search for Delicious is a 1969 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year. Featured in 4 episodes as part of the Jackanory BBC children's television series. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Square Fish


Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 21, 2007


Edition ‏ : ‎ Reissue


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 192 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0312369824


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 28


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.6 ounces


Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.15 x 0.55 x 7.55 inches


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Awesome book, wholeheartedly recommend!
Format: Paperback
I love Natalie Babbit, first of all--she's an excellent writer--but she seems to get very little of her deserved recognition! This is a perfect "off the beaten path" book that not many people have heard about or read, especially for young kids who are getting into high fantasy. It shows a very balanced, trusting, and loving relationship between a man and his adopted son, which I find to be somewhat rare in the realm of fiction. The man (if I'm remembering correctly) simply never married but still wanted a son, so if there's aces in the house, they might appreciate that aspect of it. :) There are dwarves and mermaids and magic; it honestly makes me think of CS Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia in the way that there is a real sense of wonder and magic in the world (and the world is so cute and neatly done, very interesting). However, that doesn't mean the world is perfect, devoid of problems, or free of darkness. People in The Search for Delicious are rude and mean and sometimes even cruel (and not only the antagonist)--yet people are also sweet and kind and sometimes even extraordinary. It's slightly reminiscent of origin fables in the premise / setting, which is always fun, and the story itself is well-executed and delightful. The book itself isn't terribly long and I would think the ease of reading it (though there are a few higher-difficulty words speckled throughout) would encourage younger readers. I'd absolutely recommend this book to you if you have children who are looking for some Narnia-esque reading (of a similar difficulty level), if you have a child you'd like to read a bedtime story to (over the course of a few nights or weeks, depending on your kiddo's staying-awake power), or if you yourself are looking for something fairly light, sweet, or genuinely unique. I've read it three times by myself and I know I'll read it again. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2019 by Jackie
    • A thoughtful and charming story.
Format: Kindle
This book was a childhood favorite of mine. I recently read it again and found it to be just as delightful and charming as an adult. The subject matter is wise and the story exceptionally well written, as you’d expect from an author as brilliant and gifted as Natalie Babbitt. Five stars all the way.
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2019 by Amazon Customer
    • Great read-aloud!
Format: Paperback
I bought this book on the advice of a fellow teacher. I'm reading it to my third-graders and they beg for another chapter each time we read. I'm enjoying the suspense of the mystery since this is a first read for me, too. Every so often, I pause to re-read a passage and point out some of the wonderful language that the author uses in her narrative. A real hit with 18 9 year olds and 1 55 year old! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2010 by Carol
    • Cute
Format: Kindle
I got this book because I sort of remembered it from my childhood. It's a cute story, and it's fairly well write. Good for younger readers.
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2015 by sarah
    • What is delicious for you? What is delicious for everyone?
Format: Kindle
This is a great book for kids! You've got adventure, a search for delicious, a mermaid, a war, and more. This is also a great book for adults if they slow down and enjoy everything this writer has to offer. It's delicious from the appetizer (start) all the way to dessert (finish)!
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2017 by Virginia hanslien
    • Fantastic Worldbuilding Based On Such a Simple Premise
Format: Paperback
I grew up reading this story, and loving how it takes a simple idea, like a prime minister trying to create a dictionary, and causing a rift in a small nation that brings the country to the brink of civil war. The storytelling is incredible, the narration is immersive and engaging, and the inclusion of the character Ardis brings a wonderful magic to the characters that remains one of my most favorite stories of all time. J. Delzer is the author of the Buccaneer of Nemaris book series. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2016 by J. Delzer
    • Awesomest, funniest, book EVER!
Format: Kindle
I loved the part when the Queen kept saying about pudding and daffidodills! And the mermaid getting her doll back and the minstrels songs were just beautiful! And it was SO FUNNY when they cleared up delicious, but started fighting over "golden"!
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2015 by K Payne
    • Okay book
Format: Kindle
This book is very interesting and filled with good vocabulary, but lacks a really great story plot so all in all I give it 3 stars
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2014 by Babs

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