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Only Ants for Andy
This funny, satisfying picture book from the author of What a Lucky Day! gives a fresh spin to a familiar childhood trying new things. I’m Andy And I like what I like! Andy is a very particular anteater. He has his favorite toys, his favorite song, his favorite food . . . Ants! They’re the best! But when Andy goes for a sleepover with his favorite friend, Sam Sloth, he’s faced with unfamiliar things to play with―and strange new foods for dinner. Jashar Awan’s winning and gently funny story celebrates trying something new and finding out it might be more fun―and tastier―than it looks. Full color throughout
48 pages, Hardcover
Published October 26, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 19, 2021
Highly enjoyable book about Andy the Anteater and his friend Sam the Sloth. Andy is a very happy and particular young anteater who likes music, toys and food, but only certain music, toys and food. He LOVES ants and can eat them for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. One day he is invited for a sleepover at his friend Sam the Sloths house. When he arrives he discover Sam likes different things than him, and Andy learns to like them also. Be it spaceships or even grubs!! Yep, Sam only eats grubs and Andy shows his support for Sam's ant allergy by eating slugs and finding out they are pretty good!
A good story about friendship, differences, trying new things and not being picky! Fun illustrations, and the one with Andy sitting back and burping after a hearty meal of ants made me laugh out loud. Very good book for parents to read to children and helps explain why everyone has different likes and to try those things might very much prove to be a delightful experience!
A good story about friendship, differences, trying new things and not being picky! Fun illustrations, and the one with Andy sitting back and burping after a hearty meal of ants made me laugh out loud. Very good book for parents to read to children and helps explain why everyone has different likes and to try those things might very much prove to be a delightful experience!
October 27, 2021
This is a children's book that I read to my twin boys. This book is great for any kids that does not like to try new things. I love this book, and my boys really loved this book. The pictures was so cute, and I think the pictures made the story come to life. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Norton Young Readers) or author (Jashar Awan) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
October 25, 2021
This was a very cute picture book and perfect for children aged 3-6 years old. In this picture book, Andy goes to visit his friend Sam and Sam is a sloth. At home in his own house, Andy has his favorite things like toys, music, and food. He also does things differently in his house than Sam the Sloth. At Sam's house, everything is different and Andy is a bit nervous and unsure about things. However, he will soon discover that trying new things can be a fun experience and doesn't need to be scary and hard. This is a good book for children to introduce them to differences as everywhere they go will be a different and new experience and with Only Ants, for Andy, you can show them to be like Andy and embrace the differences and try new things without being frightened and scared. Be Brave like Andy. Also what is important with all picture books is the illustrations and the inside is just as cute as the cover.
September 15, 2021
A beautifully written, engaging narrative with cute illustrations. Sure to be a hit with young children and parents alike, looking for references to trying new foods.
Ants for Andy is a heart warming tale of an anteater set in his ways. Can his friend persuade him to try something new?
Ants for Andy is a heart warming tale of an anteater set in his ways. Can his friend persuade him to try something new?
November 5, 2021
Cute and colorful picture book about trying new things while still being accommodating of people who have allergies.
July 15, 2021
I read it to my kids, and the 6 year old really liked it and easily picked up on the book’s message. The illustrations are simple and lovely. It’s nice to read a book about being hesitant of change without an adult talking the kid into trying the new things. Could definitely encourage some kids to branch out!
April 1, 2022
If you have a picky eater, this is a book that deals with the issue in a sweet and funny way.
August 27, 2021
Just as the title says, Andy only likes ants. No other foods will do. Unfortunately, he is sleeping over at his friends house who is allergic to ants. What will Andy do? This cute story is perfect for your own little picky eater. Maybe they will listen and learn from Andy. I especially loved the amazing and amusing illustrations. I laughed out loud when the jogging turtle passed the sloths driving slowly in their car. Kids of all ages will enjoy it. Thank you to NetGalley for providing the free eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
August 22, 2022
A great option for introducing kids to try new things with the help of a good friend!
November 5, 2022
Adorable story and way too cute illustrations! We cANT get enough of Andy!
September 6, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Norton Young Readers for an advanced e-ARC to review. I adore "Only Ants for Andy," from its fun and absurdly cute illustrations to its incredible positive messaging about giving things a try.
The vibrant illustrations are so precious and engaging that the whole story comes to life on the page. Andy the Anteater is a delight, and so is his friend Sam the Sloth. But I'm so thrilled with the overall theme of this book. Andy's obviously an Anteater, so he thinks he likes eating ants and that's about it. He's never even thought about branching out until he shares a meal with a friend, and realizes that not everyone's exactly like him. He thinks he likes his own toy trucks until he encounters his friend's toy spaceships, and decides they're pretty cool. So why wouldn't food be the same thing? He decides to try out grubs, something very new for him, since Sam has an ant allergy (precious!!) and isn't let down. But the best part of this book is there's no parent intervention or any guilt-tripping about the food choices. No one is forcing Andy to clear his plate, he just hesitantly decides to give new things a go to support his friend. (After all, he can always go back to eating ants at home if he doesn't like it.) He also doesn't have to have an epiphany moment where he forever incorporates grubs into his life as an anteater - it was just nice to try. That decision-making is all Andy, and it offers a strong message that I'm totally behind.
The vibrant illustrations are so precious and engaging that the whole story comes to life on the page. Andy the Anteater is a delight, and so is his friend Sam the Sloth. But I'm so thrilled with the overall theme of this book. Andy's obviously an Anteater, so he thinks he likes eating ants and that's about it. He's never even thought about branching out until he shares a meal with a friend, and realizes that not everyone's exactly like him. He thinks he likes his own toy trucks until he encounters his friend's toy spaceships, and decides they're pretty cool. So why wouldn't food be the same thing? He decides to try out grubs, something very new for him, since Sam has an ant allergy (precious!!) and isn't let down. But the best part of this book is there's no parent intervention or any guilt-tripping about the food choices. No one is forcing Andy to clear his plate, he just hesitantly decides to give new things a go to support his friend. (After all, he can always go back to eating ants at home if he doesn't like it.) He also doesn't have to have an epiphany moment where he forever incorporates grubs into his life as an anteater - it was just nice to try. That decision-making is all Andy, and it offers a strong message that I'm totally behind.
August 30, 2021
This was such a great book!
Andy acknowledges from the beginning that he is picky. He only likes certain things - trucks, ants; and his friend, Sam. One day he goes to visit Sam who is a sloth. Sam doesn't eat ants. He eats grubs. In fact, Sam is very allergic to ants! Oh no! Can Andy broaden his horizons and learn to eat new things?
Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who know what they like and don' t want to deviate from their favorites, this book also does a great job of including kids that are allergic to certain foods. I also really enjoyed how slowly Mrs. Sloth was driving. You don't realize it until you turn the page - but there is a line of traffic behind her and the even the jogging tortoise is faster than she is.
I think this would be a wonderful book to pair with Every Night is Pizza Night by J. Kenji López-Alt for story time.
A big thank you to W. W. Norton & Company for the e-ARC!
Andy acknowledges from the beginning that he is picky. He only likes certain things - trucks, ants; and his friend, Sam. One day he goes to visit Sam who is a sloth. Sam doesn't eat ants. He eats grubs. In fact, Sam is very allergic to ants! Oh no! Can Andy broaden his horizons and learn to eat new things?
Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who know what they like and don' t want to deviate from their favorites, this book also does a great job of including kids that are allergic to certain foods. I also really enjoyed how slowly Mrs. Sloth was driving. You don't realize it until you turn the page - but there is a line of traffic behind her and the even the jogging tortoise is faster than she is.
I think this would be a wonderful book to pair with Every Night is Pizza Night by J. Kenji López-Alt for story time.
A big thank you to W. W. Norton & Company for the e-ARC!
July 13, 2021
So cute! Andy likes what he likes and doesn't see the need to try other things when he knows he has the best. Then, at a sleepover with his best friend, he's thrust into a new world with different toys, different songs, and especially different food!
What I love the most about this book is no one is shamed. No one tells Andy he's wrong or bad for sticking to his preferences and what he likes. When Andy starts to bend and expand his horizons, it's because he wants to be a gracious guest and considerate friend, not because he was forced or punished. No big deal is made of his trying new things either--the reward is simply finding something new to like.
This has a great message for kids and will be super relatable. I'm sure it's going to be a hit at circle time in my pre-K class!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
What I love the most about this book is no one is shamed. No one tells Andy he's wrong or bad for sticking to his preferences and what he likes. When Andy starts to bend and expand his horizons, it's because he wants to be a gracious guest and considerate friend, not because he was forced or punished. No big deal is made of his trying new things either--the reward is simply finding something new to like.
This has a great message for kids and will be super relatable. I'm sure it's going to be a hit at circle time in my pre-K class!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
July 22, 2021
*Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*
I really liked Awan's first book What a Lucky Day, and i'm happy that this one is just as good. The art style is bright and cute, and the amount of words on the page makes it easy for young readers to follow. Andy the anteater is a very picky eater, and that tends to spill into his other choices as well (he only listens to one song, only plays with toy trucks, etc). This all changes when he spends the night at his friend's house and tries all sorts of new things. Andy's excitement at realizing he actually likes these new things translating into a new bravery towards trying new things is a good lesson and done well. This is a great story time type of book, and I can see it appealing to parents and kids alike.
I really liked Awan's first book What a Lucky Day, and i'm happy that this one is just as good. The art style is bright and cute, and the amount of words on the page makes it easy for young readers to follow. Andy the anteater is a very picky eater, and that tends to spill into his other choices as well (he only listens to one song, only plays with toy trucks, etc). This all changes when he spends the night at his friend's house and tries all sorts of new things. Andy's excitement at realizing he actually likes these new things translating into a new bravery towards trying new things is a good lesson and done well. This is a great story time type of book, and I can see it appealing to parents and kids alike.
August 10, 2021
Title: #OnlyAntsforAndy
By: #JasharAwan
Source: #NetGalley
Read on: Kindle Paperwhite
Published by: W. W. Norton & Company, Norton Young Readers
Pub Date: 12 Oct 2021
Genre: Children's Fiction
Rating: 4/5
Thank you to #NetGalley for providing me and my 5-year-old an ARC for #OnlyAntsforAndy by #JasharAwan. Thanks to W. W. Norton & Company, Norton Young Readers as well for approving my request on NetGalley.
Only Ants For Andy is a delightful picture book that talks about this little ant eater's adventure in trying out new things. I read this book together with my 5-year-old since he's starting to read books now. We both enjoyed the story and we can definitely relate to Andy being such a picky eater as my son has the tendency to be one at times. The illustrations were so adorable and my son loved them. The lesson that my son learned from the book was a bonus too.
Thank you to #NetGalley for providing me and my 5-year-old an ARC for #OnlyAntsforAndy by #JasharAwan. Thanks to W. W. Norton & Company, Norton Young Readers as well for approving my request on NetGalley.
Only Ants For Andy is a delightful picture book that talks about this little ant eater's adventure in trying out new things. I read this book together with my 5-year-old since he's starting to read books now. We both enjoyed the story and we can definitely relate to Andy being such a picky eater as my son has the tendency to be one at times. The illustrations were so adorable and my son loved them. The lesson that my son learned from the book was a bonus too.
July 11, 2021
“Only Ants for Andy” is a charming picture book about a young anteater who is resistant to try new things. He only likes playing with trucks, listening to his favorite song, and eating ants. However, a sleepover with his best friend Sam Sloth challenges him, albeit gently, to move a little outside his comfort zone and try new activities (and new foods!) There is no criticism of Andy’s narrow interests, but there is a very powerful scene when Andy realizes that he can try new things, that he has that agency. I think this is a book that will help many parents and teachers impart that same lesson to children.
September 7, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for this review.
Only Ants for Andy is a book about a young anteater pretty set in his ways. He likes what he likes and that is that.
He is perfectly happy with his preferences and feels no need to branch out, until.... until he is invited for a sleepover and has to try new and unfamiliar things.
This book was a delight. The story flows nicely, the language used is appropriate for the audience, the illustrations are adorable and the message is on point! This will go into my classroom library the day it is released!
Only Ants for Andy is a book about a young anteater pretty set in his ways. He likes what he likes and that is that.
He is perfectly happy with his preferences and feels no need to branch out, until.... until he is invited for a sleepover and has to try new and unfamiliar things.
This book was a delight. The story flows nicely, the language used is appropriate for the audience, the illustrations are adorable and the message is on point! This will go into my classroom library the day it is released!
August 11, 2021
arc provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Only Ants for Andy is an adorable story about an anteater who discovers that it’s okay to like what you like but that trying new things can be great too.
The art in this is fantastic, it really captures your attention and holds it. I also loved all of the little details like the car lineup behind the Sloth’s car. It just added an extra element that made this book such a joy to read.
Highly recommend this one!
5/5⭐️
Only Ants for Andy is an adorable story about an anteater who discovers that it’s okay to like what you like but that trying new things can be great too.
The art in this is fantastic, it really captures your attention and holds it. I also loved all of the little details like the car lineup behind the Sloth’s car. It just added an extra element that made this book such a joy to read.
Highly recommend this one!
5/5⭐️
June 10, 2025
In his second book, Awan tackles the frustrations of those set in their ways.
Andy is an anteater with definite tastes in foods, toys, and music...until he spends the night with his best friend Sam Sloth - who has decidedly different taste in each of these things. How can they get along?
Awan must have a picky eater at home. He nails this! Andy is charming and he wants to be a good friend, so he does what is needed to do to keep the peace. The artwork is the very simple shapes and wonderful lines we have come to appreciate.
Recommended for PreSchool-K.
Andy is an anteater with definite tastes in foods, toys, and music...until he spends the night with his best friend Sam Sloth - who has decidedly different taste in each of these things. How can they get along?
Awan must have a picky eater at home. He nails this! Andy is charming and he wants to be a good friend, so he does what is needed to do to keep the peace. The artwork is the very simple shapes and wonderful lines we have come to appreciate.
Recommended for PreSchool-K.
August 25, 2021
This is a picture book about being particular about what you like but finding yourself trying new things. Andy likes things the way he likes them, be it what he eats, music he listens to, toys he plays with, etc. When Andy sleeps over at his friend Sam’s house he finds himself trying new things. I liked that a big deal wasn’t made about Andy trying new things, he just did it. The art is super cute and the story flows nicely. (Read a digital ARC via Netgalley.)
February 18, 2025
With a cover that adorable, I expected picture book perfection. It was a cute read about a friend going to another friends house to spend some time hanging out. This adventure brings new toys, new ways of doing things, AND.....new food! I did like that this book introduced what a food allergy is.
July 13, 2021
A cute story about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things. Andy is very particular about what he eats and who and what he plays with but learns from his friend Sam that there are other interesting and fun things out there.
August 11, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and W.W. Norton & Company, Norton Young Readers for a free digital copy.
Such a cute picture book about learning to like things even when we think we already know what is best. Handled in a gentle and heartwarming way.
Such a cute picture book about learning to like things even when we think we already know what is best. Handled in a gentle and heartwarming way.
September 15, 2021
A sweet book about an anteater that only likes specific toys, food, songs, etc., but he tries new food, toys, and songs while visiting a friend for a sleepover. Definitely going to try this out with my stubborn toddler!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC!
May 7, 2022
This was a fantastic little book about broadening a child's interests. Andy has a lot of favorite things that he likes to do. When he goes to visit his friend he learns to try new things like foods and music!
June 9, 2022
"Ewwwwwww, I don't eat ANTS." My four year old missed the message about trying new things as she was too distracted by the ant and grub eating. Oh well. At least my two year old seemed to enjoy the illustrations and story.
March 19, 2025
A creative way to encourage kids to try new things, as told from Andy (the anteaters) perspective. Fun, brief, colorful, and humorous.
Themes: ants/insects, anteaters/animals, friendship
Ages: preK-1st grade
Pub year: 2021
Themes: ants/insects, anteaters/animals, friendship
Ages: preK-1st grade
Pub year: 2021
August 9, 2021
This clever, witty book gives children the opportunity and visuals to learn that they can like or try something new! The pictures help demonstrate this story tremendously.
November 5, 2021
Featured in October 2021 Check It Out!
November 21, 2021
Cute little aardvark learns that he can like new things. Good book for super-picky eaters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews