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Phoebe G. Green #1
Lunch Will Never Be the Same!
Phoebe loves her pet fish, Betty #2 (named after Betty #1, may she rest in peace), making lists, and her best friend Sage. But when Camille, a tall French girl, arrives at school with unusual lunches, Phoebe's friendship with Sage doesn't seem so important anymore. Thanks to Camille, Phoebe discovers goat cheese, butter lettuce, and cilantro (although she's convinced that's not a real word). She's determined to get invited to her new friend's house for dinner to see what other mysterious food Camille eats. But what about Sage? Can Phoebe make a new friend and keep an old one?
96 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2014
3 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Veera Hiranandani
23 books462 followersVeera Hiranandani is the author of THE NIGHT DIARY, THE WHOLE STORY OF HALF A GIRL, and the chapter book series, PHOEBE G. GREEN. She has an MFA in fiction writing from Sarah Lawrence College and spent six years as a book editor. She now teaches creative writing at The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College and lives in New York with her family. She is working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 13, 2020
Early chapter books weren't Veera Hiranandani's ticket to fame, but years before her 2019 Newbery Honor win for The Night Diary, she wrote a miniseries of chapter books about Phoebe Gertrude Green, junior foodie. Just starting third grade, Phoebe takes interest in Camille Durand, a new girl who recently moved to the United States. Sporting a naturally ruddy complexion and light French accent, Camille's lunches are like no other kid's in school: crumbly goat cheese, salad made with cilantro and duck meat, miniature tarts baked by her father, who is a professional pastry chef...Camille's everyday culinary experience is in a class by itself. She gladly shares a bite here and there with Phoebe, who imagines it would be wonderful to make friends with Camille and be invited to her house for dinner. What alluring cuisine might her mom and dad whip up in the comforts of their own home?
Phoebe has been best friends with Sage since they were two years old, but his mother's cooking doesn't seem as exciting as Mr. and Mrs. Durand's. His mother is Indian and makes some exotic dishes, but nothing like the fancy eats that Camille brings to school. Phoebe is sure Sage won't mind if she focuses for a while on her budding friendship with Camille, so she turns on the charm in hopes that her French classmate will invite her over for a home-cooked meal. When Phoebe's parents suggest she invite Camille for dinner at their house first, Phoebe hardly notices Sage's growing discontent; she's too busy preparing to host the perfect evening for Camille.
The Greens make an effort to impress, but they aren't used to cooking foods like beef bourguignon. Camille doesn't mind that the meal has to be scrapped, though; she eats fancy foods every day, so pizza really hits the spot. After enjoying the meal at Phoebe's house, Camille later invites her to sup at the Château Durand, but dining on fine foods comes at a cost: Phoebe is expected to try all the exotic options Mrs. Durand prepares, even roast duck. Can she get through dinner without spoiling the party? Being a gourmand means embracing the adventure of great food, tasting dishes you might not like, and Phoebe and Camille seem ready to embark on that adventure before their ninth birthdays. Will Sage want to join them, or has Phoebe so taken their friendship for granted that it has decayed beyond repair?
I've heard this series compared to Barbara Park's Junie B. Jones, but that doesn't do the Phoebe G. Green books justice. Barbara Park is one of the true brilliant comedians I've read; Veera Hiranandani's sense of humor isn't bad, but Lunch Will Never Be the Same! focuses more on the nuance of friendship and the joys of food, from basic American favorites to sophisticated fare that might grace the tables of European royalty. If you appreciate good food and close friendship, join Phoebe as she learns about both. Her third-grade school year is going to be fun.
Phoebe has been best friends with Sage since they were two years old, but his mother's cooking doesn't seem as exciting as Mr. and Mrs. Durand's. His mother is Indian and makes some exotic dishes, but nothing like the fancy eats that Camille brings to school. Phoebe is sure Sage won't mind if she focuses for a while on her budding friendship with Camille, so she turns on the charm in hopes that her French classmate will invite her over for a home-cooked meal. When Phoebe's parents suggest she invite Camille for dinner at their house first, Phoebe hardly notices Sage's growing discontent; she's too busy preparing to host the perfect evening for Camille.
The Greens make an effort to impress, but they aren't used to cooking foods like beef bourguignon. Camille doesn't mind that the meal has to be scrapped, though; she eats fancy foods every day, so pizza really hits the spot. After enjoying the meal at Phoebe's house, Camille later invites her to sup at the Château Durand, but dining on fine foods comes at a cost: Phoebe is expected to try all the exotic options Mrs. Durand prepares, even roast duck. Can she get through dinner without spoiling the party? Being a gourmand means embracing the adventure of great food, tasting dishes you might not like, and Phoebe and Camille seem ready to embark on that adventure before their ninth birthdays. Will Sage want to join them, or has Phoebe so taken their friendship for granted that it has decayed beyond repair?
I've heard this series compared to Barbara Park's Junie B. Jones, but that doesn't do the Phoebe G. Green books justice. Barbara Park is one of the true brilliant comedians I've read; Veera Hiranandani's sense of humor isn't bad, but Lunch Will Never Be the Same! focuses more on the nuance of friendship and the joys of food, from basic American favorites to sophisticated fare that might grace the tables of European royalty. If you appreciate good food and close friendship, join Phoebe as she learns about both. Her third-grade school year is going to be fun.
June 5, 2020
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss+ for an eARC of this book.
It appears that this book was originally published in 2014 by a different publisher, and I'm glad it will have an opportunity to reach new readers.
I love books that focus on food, so Phoebe and her desire to befriend a girl at school because she brings the best French food for lunch really peaked my interest. This is a younger middle grade read but will also appeal to older readers aren't ready for a dense middle grade read. I hope that the other previously published books in this series will also be re-released, and I look forward to reading them.
It appears that this book was originally published in 2014 by a different publisher, and I'm glad it will have an opportunity to reach new readers.
I love books that focus on food, so Phoebe and her desire to befriend a girl at school because she brings the best French food for lunch really peaked my interest. This is a younger middle grade read but will also appeal to older readers aren't ready for a dense middle grade read. I hope that the other previously published books in this series will also be re-released, and I look forward to reading them.
March 10, 2017
So I spotted this series and decided to read it. And I am quite glad I did, because this was sure fun!
It is about a girl named Phoebe, she is best friends with Sage, and then a new girl arrives at her school. A girl from France. Phoebe is immediately intrigued by the food, and so most of the book it is Phoebe planning to get in Camille's good graces so she might get invited to her house and eat dinner. Because hey, if her lunch is so good, dinner at her place must be terrific.
As you can already see from what I typed there, Phoebe is a foodie. She loves exploring and discovering new foods to try out. New foods to love.
However with all this she forgets one thing. She also has another friend. And while it is not a bad thing to have multiple friends, it is bad when you neglect one friend. When instead of hanging out with that person as well you just drop him and fawn over a newer, more exciting friend. I was quite frustrated with Phoebe about this. That she just was too dumb to see that she was hurting Sage. That she totally didn't get it until the end. That even her mom was just shaking her head at Phoebe.
And no making a schedule is definitely not the way to solve this problem. If anything that is just rude.
Of course, true children's book fashion, everything ends well. I won't tell you how or what happens, but happy endings will happen. Plus Phoebe learning that she is a foodie (which I could have told her from the start).
I did have to say I was looking quite weird at the book when people were weirded out by what Camille was eating, if anything it was more normal to me than those chicken nuggets and pizza that the other kids ate (and much more healthier too).
The book is peppered with illustrations, and I just LOVE the style, it is just so cute, so adorable, and so sweet. Ok, small confession, I mostly picked these books because of the covers (aka the illustrations). :P
Also am I am the only one who thought Sage was a girl? Sorry, in all my reading I have never encountered a male character named Sage. I know it was pretty obvious that he was a guy (she kept saying he and such), but for some reason my head couldn't wrap around the idea of a male Sage.
But all in all a fun book, and I did quite enjoy it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
It is about a girl named Phoebe, she is best friends with Sage, and then a new girl arrives at her school. A girl from France. Phoebe is immediately intrigued by the food, and so most of the book it is Phoebe planning to get in Camille's good graces so she might get invited to her house and eat dinner. Because hey, if her lunch is so good, dinner at her place must be terrific.
As you can already see from what I typed there, Phoebe is a foodie. She loves exploring and discovering new foods to try out. New foods to love.
However with all this she forgets one thing. She also has another friend. And while it is not a bad thing to have multiple friends, it is bad when you neglect one friend. When instead of hanging out with that person as well you just drop him and fawn over a newer, more exciting friend. I was quite frustrated with Phoebe about this. That she just was too dumb to see that she was hurting Sage. That she totally didn't get it until the end. That even her mom was just shaking her head at Phoebe.
And no making a schedule is definitely not the way to solve this problem. If anything that is just rude.
Of course, true children's book fashion, everything ends well. I won't tell you how or what happens, but happy endings will happen. Plus Phoebe learning that she is a foodie (which I could have told her from the start).
I did have to say I was looking quite weird at the book when people were weirded out by what Camille was eating, if anything it was more normal to me than those chicken nuggets and pizza that the other kids ate (and much more healthier too).
The book is peppered with illustrations, and I just LOVE the style, it is just so cute, so adorable, and so sweet. Ok, small confession, I mostly picked these books because of the covers (aka the illustrations). :P
Also am I am the only one who thought Sage was a girl? Sorry, in all my reading I have never encountered a male character named Sage. I know it was pretty obvious that he was a guy (she kept saying he and such), but for some reason my head couldn't wrap around the idea of a male Sage.
But all in all a fun book, and I did quite enjoy it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
February 17, 2022
Petite lecture jeunesse en anglais facile et rapide à lire! Bonne lecture mais pas plus... 😐
June 5, 2020
Great topics ; how to be friends with more than one good friend, how to value differences in people and what about foods you have never tried. Phoebe is third grader and has third grade likes and problems. She has a great family who understands her. I am looking forward reading next books in the series and start giving them to my grandchildren.
November 10, 2020
Third grader Phoebe is excited to go to school since she'll be in class with BFF Sage (a boy). Mom gave her a new sparkly notebook where she can write her lists. Even more exciting, a new student joins their class. Her name is Camille and she's from France. Phoebe is immediately interested to meet someone from far away, and when Camille opens her lunch, it's the most fascinating, yet strange thing Phoebe has ever seen.
Camille unwraps a tiny loaf of bread, a butter lettuce salad with DUCK in it and a smelly cheese with blue dots on it. Dessert is fresh strawberries she sprinkles with powdered sugar. Poor Phoebe! Her lunch is as boring as bologna. While Camille brings in upscale dishes with eccentric ingredients, Phoebe eats the same old stuff every day. Sage gets jealous because Phoebe is paying more attention to Camille and her wonderful lunches than to him, her lifelong friend.
Dinner at Phoebe's house is an afterthought. Like most working couples, Phoebe's parents use frozen and pre-packaged foods that are quick to cook but lack fun or finesse. Phoebe hopes to be invited to Camille's house where she is sure they must eat off china with linen napkins. Finally, Phoebe is invited to dinner!
Phoebe continues to be mesmerized by Camille's fantastic lunchbox, and she even tries to make her own lunch more upscale. When Sage begins sitting at another table, Phoebe decides to split her time with Sage and Camille. She makes one of her famous notes and gives each of them a copy. Every other day, Phoebe will sit with Sage. On the the other days, she'll sit with Camille. Sage is angry! When he makes fun of Camille's lunch, she runs to the bathroom in tears. Phoebe calms her and makes new lists.
Phoebe tells Sage no matter who has what interesting food, he is her friend forever. Phoebe invites both friends to a picnic lunch where she makes new dishes and the three of them decide food is for sharing no matter what!
Highly recommended! Easy to read, accessible font with handwritten notes from Phoebe and illustrations throughout. Quick chapters for emerging readers. Age 8 and up.
Camille unwraps a tiny loaf of bread, a butter lettuce salad with DUCK in it and a smelly cheese with blue dots on it. Dessert is fresh strawberries she sprinkles with powdered sugar. Poor Phoebe! Her lunch is as boring as bologna. While Camille brings in upscale dishes with eccentric ingredients, Phoebe eats the same old stuff every day. Sage gets jealous because Phoebe is paying more attention to Camille and her wonderful lunches than to him, her lifelong friend.
Dinner at Phoebe's house is an afterthought. Like most working couples, Phoebe's parents use frozen and pre-packaged foods that are quick to cook but lack fun or finesse. Phoebe hopes to be invited to Camille's house where she is sure they must eat off china with linen napkins. Finally, Phoebe is invited to dinner!
Phoebe continues to be mesmerized by Camille's fantastic lunchbox, and she even tries to make her own lunch more upscale. When Sage begins sitting at another table, Phoebe decides to split her time with Sage and Camille. She makes one of her famous notes and gives each of them a copy. Every other day, Phoebe will sit with Sage. On the the other days, she'll sit with Camille. Sage is angry! When he makes fun of Camille's lunch, she runs to the bathroom in tears. Phoebe calms her and makes new lists.
Phoebe tells Sage no matter who has what interesting food, he is her friend forever. Phoebe invites both friends to a picnic lunch where she makes new dishes and the three of them decide food is for sharing no matter what!
Highly recommended! Easy to read, accessible font with handwritten notes from Phoebe and illustrations throughout. Quick chapters for emerging readers. Age 8 and up.
March 21, 2022
Phoebe and Sage are best friends. That is until Camille, the new French girl arrives, and Phoebe becomes enthralled with her lunches. Camille is so focused on becoming friends with Camille so she can get an invite to her house and try a dinner cooked by Camille's family, that her friendship with Sage is on the rocks, and when she tries to fix things all her friendships are threatened. Can Camille learn how to be a good friend?
Phoebe learns an important lesson about friendship in this. While not every kid may be trying to get a friend so they can eat their parents' cooking, there are definitely kids who want to go to others' houses to bounce on trampolines, play on special video game consoles, swim in a pool, or other seemingly exotic experiences. Phoebe definitely is a little woman who knows what she wants and is quick to form her plan of how to get it. She has a rough road learning how to do so without hurting others' feelings (both parents and friends). But she does make progress. I liked the multicultural group of friends (Phoebe is Jewish, Camille is French, and Sage is of Indian heritage). Camille's lunch descriptions are definitely fun, and will likely be new to many readers. Hand this to little readers who like contemporary friendship stories and foodie stories.
Phoebe learns an important lesson about friendship in this. While not every kid may be trying to get a friend so they can eat their parents' cooking, there are definitely kids who want to go to others' houses to bounce on trampolines, play on special video game consoles, swim in a pool, or other seemingly exotic experiences. Phoebe definitely is a little woman who knows what she wants and is quick to form her plan of how to get it. She has a rough road learning how to do so without hurting others' feelings (both parents and friends). But she does make progress. I liked the multicultural group of friends (Phoebe is Jewish, Camille is French, and Sage is of Indian heritage). Camille's lunch descriptions are definitely fun, and will likely be new to many readers. Hand this to little readers who like contemporary friendship stories and foodie stories.
April 30, 2022
It's the start of the school year and Phoebe and her best friend Sage are in the same 3rd grade class. The new student is a tall French girl named Camille and Phoebe is enamored with her fancy French lunches. Phoebe tries to get herself invited to Camille's house because she wants to try some fancy French food herself, but in doing so she hurts Sage's feelings. Then, instead of getting to sit with either friend at lunch, Phoebe ends up alone. Will either friendship work out?
Phoebe is Jewish, Sage is Indian, and Camille is French so I enjoyed the multicultural characters, especially this unique combo. Phoebe gets to learn some lessons on friendship and that it's ok to have different friends and more than one close friend. Plus, with her love for new foods, Phoebe learns that she is a young foodie.
Phoebe is Jewish, Sage is Indian, and Camille is French so I enjoyed the multicultural characters, especially this unique combo. Phoebe gets to learn some lessons on friendship and that it's ok to have different friends and more than one close friend. Plus, with her love for new foods, Phoebe learns that she is a young foodie.
March 8, 2019
If you're looking for a good food adventure, you'll find it here. Pheobe finds she's curious about the new girl Camille's daily lunches, and soon feels French is fabulous! She wants nothing more than to go to dinner at her new friend's house.
There are so many wonderful things for children at this age to unpack: Trying new foods, getting to know other cultures outside your own, developing curiosity about things in a healthy way, making new friends while keeping the old ones--all done in an accessible, open, and fun way.
Two forks up for Pheobe!
There are so many wonderful things for children at this age to unpack: Trying new foods, getting to know other cultures outside your own, developing curiosity about things in a healthy way, making new friends while keeping the old ones--all done in an accessible, open, and fun way.
Two forks up for Pheobe!
November 1, 2020
This is a funny and cute book about good food, friendship and a cute little girl who is not afraid to be herself. This book is comparable to Junie B. Jones but less funny and more friendship/food focuses. As a kid, this would be a series that I would read through in a week because I was so hooked on it. Would definitely recommend, especially to my third graders!!
September 1, 2018
This was a great story about making new friends... and it made me really hungry because there's a lot of talk about food. There are also a lot of lists. It's the main characters "thing". I found them really entertaining, and I'm sure kids would like it too!
January 11, 2021
This was a good book.
Its about a girl names phoebe and a she has a best friend named sage. One day a new French girl comes to her school and sage and the new girl dont get along. and phoebe is in the middle of it.
Its about a girl names phoebe and a she has a best friend named sage. One day a new French girl comes to her school and sage and the new girl dont get along. and phoebe is in the middle of it.
February 7, 2021
ADORABLE. Such a strong voice in the narration. I love all of her lists. They really made the story come to life. Creative way of addressing keeping old friends while making new. Add it to your list!
November 29, 2022
Read with my 8 year old 3rd grader and we loved it. Phoebe is query yet kind and trying to make good choices, but of course she isn't always perfect. As a parent I Love that she is inclusive and adventuresome and obeys rules and respects authority.
November 23, 2017
Solid early grade chapter book - wasn't particularly funny or remarkable.
June 16, 2018
V. cute. A little drama, but not ridiculous. Lessons learned, but not preachy. Phoebe is relatable. I would have liked this book when I was a kid.
November 10, 2019
B. fiction, children's fiction, grade 2, friendship, food, new girl, series, (Phoebe G. Green, #1) Celia
January 29, 2020
This is one of the best. It's got great characters, a great plot. It's sensitive, and fun. And the illustrations are terrific; sweet and spirited and funny and full of heart.
July 11, 2014
This book doesn't talk down to kids about food, and life -- it suggests that sometimes different is good, even delicious. As Phoebe surprises herself with a passion for chickpeas and cilantro, she is on her way to becoming a foodie. Both my kids read it straight through, and loved it!
There's been so much talk about eating healthy, organic, local -- but it seems to all center around grown-ups. When I look at children's menus, all I always see is mac and cheese, chicken fingers, hamburgers -- and other uninspired options. This story disguises the joy of discovering unusual food choices with a narrative about a new friendship born at lunchtime. I loved her because she was funny -- usually accidentally so -- as she fumbles her way through the beginning of the end of her childhood.
There's been so much talk about eating healthy, organic, local -- but it seems to all center around grown-ups. When I look at children's menus, all I always see is mac and cheese, chicken fingers, hamburgers -- and other uninspired options. This story disguises the joy of discovering unusual food choices with a narrative about a new friendship born at lunchtime. I loved her because she was funny -- usually accidentally so -- as she fumbles her way through the beginning of the end of her childhood.
March 4, 2015
Third-grader Phoebe G. Green is tired of eating the same old food, so when a French girl joins the class and brings exotic homemade lunches, Phoebe angles for a dinner invitation. Anything to try some different cuisine! Unfortunately, Phoebe's best friend thinks she's shifting loyalties and becomes jealous. Pleasing both friends is difficult, but Phoebe hopes it'll be worth it.
Phoebe is a charming character, and her voice is laugh-out-loud hilarious. I love how she counts having freckles and curly, dark-brown hair as something lucky, and how much she longs to try new foods. Her dilemmas feel very authentic for the age group, as do her mistakes and triumphs. A wonderful start to a promising new series.
Phoebe is a charming character, and her voice is laugh-out-loud hilarious. I love how she counts having freckles and curly, dark-brown hair as something lucky, and how much she longs to try new foods. Her dilemmas feel very authentic for the age group, as do her mistakes and triumphs. A wonderful start to a promising new series.
October 28, 2014
Very short chapter book about Phoebe, a grade school-er, making friends with a new student. The big draw to this new student are her fancy lunches. She is French and her lunches reflect that, a huge change for a girl who eats the same 7 meals her parents cook every week accompanied by a bag salad. Along with making a new friend Phoebe navigates friendship and a developing palate. Recommended for picky eaters and developing foodies ages 5-9.
November 11, 2014
Phoebe is intrigued by the new girl in school. In particular she is fascinated by the food that is packed in Camille's lunch. Camille is from France so she is exciting in every way. But will Phoebe ruin her lifelong friendship with Sage just to get herself invited to Camille's house for dinner? This is a cute book about new friends and old friends. A sweet book for intermediate chapter book readers.
June 17, 2015
When a new girl arrives at school, Phoebe is drawn to her because of her unique lunches, at the expense of her old friends. Can Phoebe indulge her interest in new food and maintain all of her friendships at the same time?
I don't generally run into a lot of foodie kids... but I thought this book (first in a series) was pretty cute. Would be great for 1st-2nd graders who are reluctant to try new foods, or just girls looking for a new series.
I don't generally run into a lot of foodie kids... but I thought this book (first in a series) was pretty cute. Would be great for 1st-2nd graders who are reluctant to try new foods, or just girls looking for a new series.
November 19, 2014
When a new girl from France comes to school, Phoebe G. Green is interested in her lunches and tries to get an invitation to dinner. Because she spends so much time focusing on her dinner plan, her best friend feels left out and now it seems no one is speaking to her. Phoebe needs a better plan to unite her new friend and her old friend and to try some new food.
May 2, 2015
Another cute story with realistic elementary school characters. Phoebe has to learn how to be friends with both her best friend, Sage, and the new girl, Camille from France, without leaving anybody out. She also learns about trying new foods and loving your family for who they are. Good lessons, good illustrations, good food!
June 8, 2015
Phoebe G.Green is a third grader who becomes fascinated with the new girl from France, Camille, and the new and different things she brings for lunch. This doesn’t set well with Phoebe’s longtime friend Sage. The story moves along nicely for the newest chapter book readers. Black and white illustrations are just right for the story. First in a series.
December 28, 2015
My real rating is a 3 and a half. Nice book about a third grader Phoebe who is fascinated with the new French girl in school, Camille. Phoebe learns some important things about friendship in this story. I like that it has ethnic characters and also the food mentioned in the book is fun and unique!
December 8, 2014
Lunch will never be the same for Phoebe Green when a new classmate from France introduces her to different cuisine. A third grade foodie who also likes making lists? I'm hooked on this new, funny chapter book series!
February 25, 2015
Hooray for another great early chapter book! I read a passage out loud to my supervisor, and she laughed quite a bit. I think we'll both enjoy bringing this one with us during school visits this Spring.
April 21, 2015
What starts out as a blatant Junie B. clone quickly morphs into its own story. Phoebe is a charming and rascally narrator who does justice to all sorts of school age problems including: learning the difference between wants and needs as well as how to add a new friend and still keep your old ones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews