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Tater Tales #1
The Greatest in the World!
Two spud siblings face off in a series of epic challenges in this first “delightful laugh-on-every-page” (Booklist) installment of a hilariously silly graphic novel chapter book series from the bestselling creator of the Narwhal and Jelly books.
Rot is a mutant potato who wakes up feeling great, maybe even…the greatest in the world! But that only makes Rot’s brother Snot the grumpiest in the world. The only solution? An epic contest to prove who is the greatest once and for all, judged by the only impartial party they can find—their small fry little sister, Tot.
But as the stakes get higher through the muddy potato sack race, sacred hot potato roll, and a hilarious laughing contest, their rivalry spirals out of control. Suddenly Rot’s not feeling so spudtacular anymore. Will this tater trio ever be able to determine who the greatest in the world really is?
Rot is a mutant potato who wakes up feeling great, maybe even…the greatest in the world! But that only makes Rot’s brother Snot the grumpiest in the world. The only solution? An epic contest to prove who is the greatest once and for all, judged by the only impartial party they can find—their small fry little sister, Tot.
But as the stakes get higher through the muddy potato sack race, sacred hot potato roll, and a hilarious laughing contest, their rivalry spirals out of control. Suddenly Rot’s not feeling so spudtacular anymore. Will this tater trio ever be able to determine who the greatest in the world really is?
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2022
30 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Ben Clanton
53 books459 followersBen Clanton is the author/illustrator of the Narwhal and Jelly series as well as a number of other books as IT CAME IN THE MAIL, MO'S MUSTACHE, and TATER TALES. When Ben isn't doodling up stories (and often when he is) he likes to cook, explore outdoors, and play basketball. Ben lives in Seattle, WA with his wife and kids. Find out more about Ben at www.benclanton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
December 25, 2022
Featured in a grandma reads session.
Competitions within families can be divisive and troublesome.
"Who's the Greatest???"
"I'm the Greatest!"
"No, I'M the Greatest!!!"
This book presents the everyday struggle many have amongst family members, whether it is about who is greatest, or who is first, or who is . . . you name it - someone else will chime in and push back at the declarant! Then the fight is on!
Our group was happy to find the sweet little peacemaker at the end, and recognize they have one in their families, too, and often that soft little voice is the wisest one around.
Competitions within families can be divisive and troublesome.
"Who's the Greatest???"
"I'm the Greatest!"
"No, I'M the Greatest!!!"
This book presents the everyday struggle many have amongst family members, whether it is about who is greatest, or who is first, or who is . . . you name it - someone else will chime in and push back at the declarant! Then the fight is on!
Our group was happy to find the sweet little peacemaker at the end, and recognize they have one in their families, too, and often that soft little voice is the wisest one around.
October 12, 2022
Mutant potato Rot Poe Tater is a happy guy, and is having an awesome day. So much so that he declares that he is the greatest in the world, This doesn't go down well with his older brother Snot (wonderfully appropriate name!) To settle matters, they decide to have a contest, and their younger sister Tot will judge the results.
Much silliness and punniness ensues, with illustrations that fairly jump off the page.
I love this author's Narwhal and Jelly stories, which strike just the right balance between funny and cute. This book didn't work as well for me as the sea-based stories do. But the physical humour, onomatopoeia and general goofiness should appeal to a younger audience.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Simon & Shuster Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Much silliness and punniness ensues, with illustrations that fairly jump off the page.
I love this author's Narwhal and Jelly stories, which strike just the right balance between funny and cute. This book didn't work as well for me as the sea-based stories do. But the physical humour, onomatopoeia and general goofiness should appeal to a younger audience.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Simon & Shuster Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
December 11, 2022
This book consists of 5 related stories or chapters. It’s a hilarious but heartwarming story with a great message or moral of potato siblings fighting to be the greatest. It’s simple and would make a good book for a new reader. I love that it includes clear instructions for a game and also directions on how to draw one of the characters.
May 13, 2023
it was so cute and funny omgg
April 27, 2024
Cute, kids would enjoy it I think.
It is funny. The illustrations are simple but detailed enough.
It is funny. The illustrations are simple but detailed enough.
December 17, 2022
I thought it was okay, though the older brother potato was a little less mature than I thought he would be. I am also not a fan of the giant nostrils artwork that some people put into children's books and cartoons.
November 4, 2022
The Greatest in the World! by Ben Clanton is the first installment of a new and hilariously silly graphic novel chapter book series that is currently scheduled for release on November 8 2022. Rot is a mutant potato who wakes up feeling great, maybe even…the greatest in the world! But that only makes Rot’s brother Snot the grumpiest in the world. The only solution? An epic contest to prove who is the greatest once and for all, judged by the only impartial party they can find—their small fry little sister Tot. But as the stakes get higher through the muddy potato sack race, sacred hot potato roll, and a hilarious laughing contest, their rivalry spirals out of control. Suddenly Rot’s not feeling so spudtacular anymore. Will this tater trio ever be able to determine who the greatest in the world really is?
The Greatest in the World! is a well drawn and written graphic novel for some of the youngest readers, and that will hold appeal to older readers and their adults as well. I thought the relationship between the three wacky potatoes was fairly accurate based on my own childhood (not as a potato) and from what I see in my own kids (also not root vegetables). I thought the illustrations were charming, and will capture the attention and interest of readers. I think the lesson woven in the story about sibling connections and behavior is subtle enough that kids will relate to it, and just maybe see themselves in some of the less stellar moments of behavior in the book and make some adjustments, or at least be more aware of how it makes the other person feel. I also loved the random potato facts and drawing tutorial included at the end of the book. This is an all around fun book for young readers.
The Greatest in the World! is a fun and engaging graphic novel that I think many young readers will enjoy.
The Greatest in the World! is a well drawn and written graphic novel for some of the youngest readers, and that will hold appeal to older readers and their adults as well. I thought the relationship between the three wacky potatoes was fairly accurate based on my own childhood (not as a potato) and from what I see in my own kids (also not root vegetables). I thought the illustrations were charming, and will capture the attention and interest of readers. I think the lesson woven in the story about sibling connections and behavior is subtle enough that kids will relate to it, and just maybe see themselves in some of the less stellar moments of behavior in the book and make some adjustments, or at least be more aware of how it makes the other person feel. I also loved the random potato facts and drawing tutorial included at the end of the book. This is an all around fun book for young readers.
The Greatest in the World! is a fun and engaging graphic novel that I think many young readers will enjoy.
August 29, 2022
Rot Poe Tater is a mutant potato is having a good day and feels like he's the greatest in the world, but his happy song wakes up his big brother Snot who is not in the best mood. Snot tells Rot that he can't be the greatest when it's obvious that Snot is the greatest, and so starts a contest to see who is the greatest with their little sister Tot as the judge.
The contest is filled with lots of silliness and punny jokes that may or may not be caught by the youngest readers but the fun illustrations will surely be enjoyed by many.
I'm a huge fan of Clanton's Narwhal and Jelly series (as are my students in my elementary school library) so I had pretty high hopes for what I assume will be a new series, but Rot, Snot and Tot felt like they were trying a bit hard to be funny which tends to fall flat for me. As I said though, Narwhal and Jelly are massively popular and are always checked out so I will definitely be buying a copy of this for my library. The language is easy to read and the graphics are for sure going to appeal to a number of earlier readers.
I received a digital ARC of this title from NetGalley.
The contest is filled with lots of silliness and punny jokes that may or may not be caught by the youngest readers but the fun illustrations will surely be enjoyed by many.
I'm a huge fan of Clanton's Narwhal and Jelly series (as are my students in my elementary school library) so I had pretty high hopes for what I assume will be a new series, but Rot, Snot and Tot felt like they were trying a bit hard to be funny which tends to fall flat for me. As I said though, Narwhal and Jelly are massively popular and are always checked out so I will definitely be buying a copy of this for my library. The language is easy to read and the graphics are for sure going to appeal to a number of earlier readers.
I received a digital ARC of this title from NetGalley.
July 3, 2022
This graphic novel style early chapterbook tells the story of Rot Poe Tater, a mutant potato who wants to be the greatest potato in the world, and he might just be if it weren't for a tough sibling rivalry between him and his brother and sister. Through the course of the five chapters and a number of contests, they realize that the greatest in the world could also be a trio of siblings. The book ends with some fun potato facts and a step by step learn to draw tutorial to teach readers how to draw their favourite potato friend. This book is sure to be a favourite among early readers who are ready for slightly longer stories with chapters, but still rely on pictures as a strategy when reading. As a grade 3 teacher, I could definitely see this book in my class library and would recommend it to parents and teachers of children in the age 5-9 range. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!
April 6, 2023
Oh look! Our favorite mutant potato has a graphic novel! One morning, he wakes up in a super great awesome mood and declares that he is the greatest tater in the world. His brother Snot disagrees (of course!) so they decide to compete in a potato sack race. Their little sister Tot is the judge. There is a bit of Tortoise and Hare vibe here but it ends up in a tie. So Tot decides they should have a hot potato race, rolling down the hill to try to catch Tot. By this time, observant readers will have decided who the best potato is.... but there are still a few surprises in store. There are a few true potato facts at the end and a drawing lesson.
Reading level wise - this is a slight step above Narwhal and Jelly. If you like DogMan, this should hit the spot!
Reading level wise - this is a slight step above Narwhal and Jelly. If you like DogMan, this should hit the spot!
August 14, 2023
Brothers Rot and Snot both think they deserve the title Greatest in the World. They have a bit of a disagreement over this, and decide the only way to settle it is a series of competitions judged by their little sister Tot with Worm there to cheer them on. Who is the Greatest?
This was clever. Those paying attention may be able to predict the outcome. In the end, I appreciated Rot's wonderful example of humility, and I also love Tot's attitude through the whole thing. This is a silly sibling rivalry story that ends in a big group hug, which is spectacular. My one and only qualm with the book is the occasional use of a wonky handwritten font that may be hard from some beginning readers and readers with any kind of eye issue to read.
This was clever. Those paying attention may be able to predict the outcome. In the end, I appreciated Rot's wonderful example of humility, and I also love Tot's attitude through the whole thing. This is a silly sibling rivalry story that ends in a big group hug, which is spectacular. My one and only qualm with the book is the occasional use of a wonky handwritten font that may be hard from some beginning readers and readers with any kind of eye issue to read.
January 10, 2023
I didn't dislike this book and found that it was cute in a lot of ways. The artwork is consistent with Narwhal and Jelly, and the story is pretty simple. I would have given it a 4 star, but my son actually made the effort to tell me that he found it too weird and that he didn't really enjoy it. This coming from someone who loves Narwhal and Jelly. So, while I would have been inclined to bump it up, I got peer pressured into dropping it down because it wasn't as good as the other series.
It was not a surprise ending at all, and I think that any reader will catch on pretty quickly as to who is the winner in all the competitions. But there is a nice message and getting to the end was fun.
It was not a surprise ending at all, and I think that any reader will catch on pretty quickly as to who is the winner in all the competitions. But there is a nice message and getting to the end was fun.
July 20, 2024
First sentence: This is Rot Poe Tater. He's a mutant potato.
Premise/plot: Rot, Snot, and Tot are siblings. This graphic novel chapter book series chronicles a series of contests to see who is THE GREATEST in the world. Tot, the little sister, is the judge of these contests. Rot and Snot are brothers fighting it out.
My thoughts: I really did not like this one at all. Just not a good fit for me personally. But a good example of how a book can be not for you and still might be for someone else. This book no doubt will have fans from its target audience. There's an age group that will likely get the giggles over the names Snot and Rot.
Premise/plot: Rot, Snot, and Tot are siblings. This graphic novel chapter book series chronicles a series of contests to see who is THE GREATEST in the world. Tot, the little sister, is the judge of these contests. Rot and Snot are brothers fighting it out.
My thoughts: I really did not like this one at all. Just not a good fit for me personally. But a good example of how a book can be not for you and still might be for someone else. This book no doubt will have fans from its target audience. There's an age group that will likely get the giggles over the names Snot and Rot.
January 2, 2023
Read book out loud with my daughter. It is fun and silly and the type of graphic novel that you can actually read out loud as the story line is mainly done through dialogue. The drawings have the simple hand drawn feel that are similar to the narwhal books.
Story is about two brothers, Rot and Snot, who want to decide which is the best. Snot is aptly named and Rot is just the happy younger brother. Their little sister judges them in several competitions to decide who is best. Overall a lighthearted look at sibling rivalry.
Story is about two brothers, Rot and Snot, who want to decide which is the best. Snot is aptly named and Rot is just the happy younger brother. Their little sister judges them in several competitions to decide who is best. Overall a lighthearted look at sibling rivalry.
July 8, 2022
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What an adorable story story, I wouldn't have expected any less from the author of Narwal and Jelly series. My daughter adored this book, she said the art work reminded her of a set of little figures called : Grossery Gang, and she loved all the potato jokes. She also said the how to draw your own art instructions was cool and easy to follow along.
What an adorable story story, I wouldn't have expected any less from the author of Narwal and Jelly series. My daughter adored this book, she said the art work reminded her of a set of little figures called : Grossery Gang, and she loved all the potato jokes. She also said the how to draw your own art instructions was cool and easy to follow along.
January 13, 2023
A very cute series opener! Potato brothers Rot and Snot get in an argument over who is the greatest in the world, and they ask their younger sister Tot to be the judge through various contests. Those familiar with Clanton's Narwhal and Jelly series will find a similar sense of humor here. This series isn't nearly as cute as Narwhal and Jelly, but it has a good heart, and kids will find it hilarious.
March 7, 2023
As much as I like the Narwhal and Jelly series, I was not a fan of this book. It’s illustrations are poor quality and its colors are ugly and dull. I also was upset that the little sister wasn’t given the credit for winning. The mother of three, with my daughter having two older brothers, I felt that the littlest one should get credit. It’s not often that my daughter can beat her brothers at something, but when she does she should get praised for it.
March 11, 2022
This was such a fun chapter book. I love Rot, Snot, and Tot. I could tell from the beginning that Tot was going to be awesome and she was.
I love that the siblings don't let their competitiveness get in the way of family or fairness.
The "how to draw" instructions were right up my alley; simple shapes and additions.
I love that the siblings don't let their competitiveness get in the way of family or fairness.
The "how to draw" instructions were right up my alley; simple shapes and additions.
February 3, 2023
Silly fun when a pair of mutant potato siblings, Rot and Snot, challenge each other to determined who is the greatest spud in the world. With their little sister Tot as the judge the contest begins. The competition is stiff, but the real winner emerges in the end. Potato facts are provided at the end of the tale.
August 28, 2023
Rot and Snot disagree on who is the greatest in the world, and so they decide to have a race to see who wins. Their little sister Tot is the judge. Will Rot or Snot win?
I loved the ending to this. Some kids with siblings will be able to really identify with the sibling rivalry and competitive fun.
I loved the ending to this. Some kids with siblings will be able to really identify with the sibling rivalry and competitive fun.
March 18, 2024
Dette er en super bra bok!🤩
Enkel å lese, veldig morsom og den handler om ✨️POTETER✨️!!!
Jeg vil anbefale denne for de som liker enkle tegneserier med humor og bilder.👌🏻
De som har lest en av Narve bøkene og likte den kan man veldig enkelt si at man burde prøve ut dette. 🐳🦄
Jeg ELSKER Narve bøkene og jeg ELSKER denne og!👍🏻😍
Super bra bok. 10/10✨️✨️✨️🤩
Enkel å lese, veldig morsom og den handler om ✨️POTETER✨️!!!
Jeg vil anbefale denne for de som liker enkle tegneserier med humor og bilder.👌🏻
De som har lest en av Narve bøkene og likte den kan man veldig enkelt si at man burde prøve ut dette. 🐳🦄
Jeg ELSKER Narve bøkene og jeg ELSKER denne og!👍🏻😍
Super bra bok. 10/10✨️✨️✨️🤩
July 2, 2024
I happened to see this on the shelf when I was looking for graphic novels for George, and then it came up again when I looked up easy reader graphic novels. So I put it on hold!
George loved this silly chapter book about a competition to decide which potato sibling is the greatest in the world. It was fun and engaging and I think it would make for a decent chapter book read aloud.
George loved this silly chapter book about a competition to decide which potato sibling is the greatest in the world. It was fun and engaging and I think it would make for a decent chapter book read aloud.
December 12, 2022
Graphic Novel
Upper elementary readers will love the humor as these two rotten potatoes compete to see who is the greatest in the entire world (or their area). The brothers do their best but a surprise champion is crowned. Part of the tater Tales series by Clanton.
Upper elementary readers will love the humor as these two rotten potatoes compete to see who is the greatest in the entire world (or their area). The brothers do their best but a surprise champion is crowned. Part of the tater Tales series by Clanton.
January 1, 2023
Not only is Rot the cutest and bravest (in his picture books) he is now trying to be the greatest of his siblings. Reminiscent of The Tortoise and the Hare at the beginning, with a favorite “roll down the hill” game, they all decide that together they are the greatest. Love Tot’s nod to RBG.
July 26, 2023
Typical Ben Clanton, silly and simple. A bit more to this story than Narwhal and Jelly. Nods to the tortoise and hare fable (and Jack and Jill? if you stretch it). My favorite parts are the potato facts in the end.
May 25, 2024
It’s cute. Predictable, but speaking as a teacher this can be a good thing when discussing predictions about what happens next. I wanted Tot to get the win, but it seems to fit the character that she would share it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2022
ARC Copy...for fans of Narwhal and Jelly big time and the same style of humor (only felt abit more...well its talking ugly but cute potatoes) with a side dish of potato related facts at the end.
November 9, 2022
Loved it!
November 11, 2022
I lovvvvvve all of the Tater Tales… oh Rot and family, you really are the Greatest in the World!
November 26, 2022
Not quite as humorous as the Narwhal and Jelly series, but Rot, Snot, Tot, (mutant potato siblings) and Rot's friend Worm are still entertaining.
newly independent readers, early graphic novels
newly independent readers, early graphic novels
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews