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Yummers
Yummers!
Emily Pig accepts Eugene Turtle's advice to walk as a way of losing weight but runs into too many tempting edible diversions.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
1 person is currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
James Marshall
149 books141 followersJames Edward Marshall (October 10, 1942 – October 13, 1992), who also wrote as Edward Marshall, was a children's author and illustrator.
His father worked on the railroad, was a band member in the 1930s, and his mother sang in the local church choir. His family later moved to Beaumont, Texas. Marshall said: "Beaumont is deep south and swampy and I hated it. I knew I would die if I stayed there so I diligently studied the viola, and eventually won a scholarship to the New England Conservatory in Boston."[1] He entered the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, but injured his hand, ending his music career. He returned to Texas, where he attended San Antonio College, and later transferred to Southern Connecticut State University where he received degrees in French and history.
It is said that he discovered his vocation on a 1971 summer afternoon, lying on a hammock drawing. His mother was watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and the main characters, George and Martha, ultimately became characters in one of his children's books. Marshall continued as a children's author until his untimely death in 1992 of a brain tumor. In 1998, George and Martha became the basis of an eponymous animated children's television show.
In addition to George and Martha, the lovable hippopotami, James Marshall created dozens of other uniquely appealing characters. He is well-known for his Fox series (which he wrote as "Edward Marshall"), as well as the Miss Nelson books, the Stupids, the Cut-ups, and many more. James Marshall had the uncanny ability to elicit wild delight from readers with relatively little text and simple drawings. With only two minute dots for eyes, his illustrated characters are able to express a wide range of emotion, and produce howls of laughter from both children and adults.
His father worked on the railroad, was a band member in the 1930s, and his mother sang in the local church choir. His family later moved to Beaumont, Texas. Marshall said: "Beaumont is deep south and swampy and I hated it. I knew I would die if I stayed there so I diligently studied the viola, and eventually won a scholarship to the New England Conservatory in Boston."[1] He entered the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, but injured his hand, ending his music career. He returned to Texas, where he attended San Antonio College, and later transferred to Southern Connecticut State University where he received degrees in French and history.
It is said that he discovered his vocation on a 1971 summer afternoon, lying on a hammock drawing. His mother was watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and the main characters, George and Martha, ultimately became characters in one of his children's books. Marshall continued as a children's author until his untimely death in 1992 of a brain tumor. In 1998, George and Martha became the basis of an eponymous animated children's television show.
In addition to George and Martha, the lovable hippopotami, James Marshall created dozens of other uniquely appealing characters. He is well-known for his Fox series (which he wrote as "Edward Marshall"), as well as the Miss Nelson books, the Stupids, the Cut-ups, and many more. James Marshall had the uncanny ability to elicit wild delight from readers with relatively little text and simple drawings. With only two minute dots for eyes, his illustrated characters are able to express a wide range of emotion, and produce howls of laughter from both children and adults.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 31, 2017
Hi, I LOVE James Marshall. He was my favorite as a kid, and despite sounding like a 50 year-old who's upset with the music all these teenagers are listening to today, it's honestly upsetting to me that children today don't appreciation or understand Marshall's books. His style--both in illustration and prose--is short and sweet and simple. And it's hilarious. Even as an adult, I'm laughing out loud. Though I mostly remember George and Martha, I'm glad to remember Eugene and Emily, too. Truly, Yummers! is underappreciated, and it deserves more recognition. It's about two friends who support each other despite the plot twists that come along, and there's hardly anything sweeter than that.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
September 5, 2018
This book is out of print - Emily Pig is overweight so I guess it’s no longer “politically correct”!! - but I was able to get a used copy on amazon. It is my go-to read aloud! Love love love it!!
June 23, 2020
My lovely mum, Jane, an early-childhood educator, always bought new books for her students - my sisters and I have fond memories of reading through many children's books, well into adulthood; A magical practice which keeps the "Inner Child" truly alive and well!
"Yummers" is one such book from my Teen Years - and one of the most magical children's books ever: Sweet, charming, lovely; with delightful, instantly iconic, yet fully relatable characters - it's message on healthy eating so charmingly, cleverly and delightfully delivered, the delighted child reader will not even notice taking it in!
Besides this, Emily, the perennially over-eating Pig, is never vilified, never the object of derision or scorn, never the butt of a joke, despite all of the (Deliciously) amusing and funny situations, which are rendered with the beauty of the best children's books. Her character is just as beautifully written (and drawn) as Eugene, the nibbling and grazing Turtle (not to mention the other characters, such as the Penguin selling - of course - Eskimo Pies).
No, The two friends may be at opposite ends of the eating spectrum, but are always that - Friends.
Emily Pig, the Gourmand, the Connoisseur, the Bon Viveur, will always end up over-indulging in absolutely Every Food, in vast amounts (then feeling the after-effects - and of course Never Understanding Why!)
Eugene Turtle is her polar opposite, the Ascetic, the Extremely Disciplined Eater, the Abstainer, who takes delight in slowly nibbling at a single Girl Scout Cookie (whereas Emily instantly Devours as entire pack in one go)!
Neither character is seen as better (or worse) than the other. Just different from one another.
The fact that Eugene (and the book) never comments on Emily's eating habits, weight, or her post-indulgence queasiness, only makes the story all the sweeter, particularly then end, where he sits by Emily's bedside (with all of her cookbooks on her shelves!), serving Emily with bicarbonate of soda for her indigestion, and never commenting on her inability to understand Why she feels SO Unwell!
I Love a children's book that can deliver a positive Health message, without belittling anyone.
And Yummers! is one of the best.
"Yummers" is one such book from my Teen Years - and one of the most magical children's books ever: Sweet, charming, lovely; with delightful, instantly iconic, yet fully relatable characters - it's message on healthy eating so charmingly, cleverly and delightfully delivered, the delighted child reader will not even notice taking it in!
Besides this, Emily, the perennially over-eating Pig, is never vilified, never the object of derision or scorn, never the butt of a joke, despite all of the (Deliciously) amusing and funny situations, which are rendered with the beauty of the best children's books. Her character is just as beautifully written (and drawn) as Eugene, the nibbling and grazing Turtle (not to mention the other characters, such as the Penguin selling - of course - Eskimo Pies).
No, The two friends may be at opposite ends of the eating spectrum, but are always that - Friends.
Emily Pig, the Gourmand, the Connoisseur, the Bon Viveur, will always end up over-indulging in absolutely Every Food, in vast amounts (then feeling the after-effects - and of course Never Understanding Why!)
Eugene Turtle is her polar opposite, the Ascetic, the Extremely Disciplined Eater, the Abstainer, who takes delight in slowly nibbling at a single Girl Scout Cookie (whereas Emily instantly Devours as entire pack in one go)!
Neither character is seen as better (or worse) than the other. Just different from one another.
The fact that Eugene (and the book) never comments on Emily's eating habits, weight, or her post-indulgence queasiness, only makes the story all the sweeter, particularly then end, where he sits by Emily's bedside (with all of her cookbooks on her shelves!), serving Emily with bicarbonate of soda for her indigestion, and never commenting on her inability to understand Why she feels SO Unwell!
I Love a children's book that can deliver a positive Health message, without belittling anyone.
And Yummers! is one of the best.
March 30, 2020
Yummers could we'll have been a cautionary tale about overeating. But James Marshall is one author that will not have it. Yummers instead is a celebration of eating, and living a life, and if this causes concern with health officials, let it. Health officials are more concerned with control of the person than in helping the person actually live. With that, let's review:
A pig and her turtle friend are on a jaunt and sampling different treats, the pig, Emily, more so than the more turtley Eugene. But Eugene let's Em get free reign to snack her heart out. Emily is one piggy that really does go to market AND have roast beef! By days end, she gets a tummy ache...and is ready for seconds!!! Boom! Marshall tells health officials to suck it with this awesomely rebellious book that kids should eat up...in a manner of speaking!!!
Five stars
Readers, digest THIS: Emily and Eugene ROCK!!!
A pig and her turtle friend are on a jaunt and sampling different treats, the pig, Emily, more so than the more turtley Eugene. But Eugene let's Em get free reign to snack her heart out. Emily is one piggy that really does go to market AND have roast beef! By days end, she gets a tummy ache...and is ready for seconds!!! Boom! Marshall tells health officials to suck it with this awesomely rebellious book that kids should eat up...in a manner of speaking!!!
Five stars
Readers, digest THIS: Emily and Eugene ROCK!!!
September 23, 2025
I don't know. I mean, I think this book is super cute. I'm a big fan of James Marshall. BUT, (a big butt), as one who was bullied for size/weight and developed a severe eating disorder, I can't help hearing the little voice screaming inside that perhaps we've outgrown this sort of thing. For it was not the embracing of eating yummy foods whenever wanted which put on weight, but an endless shaming of a normal body that led to the YEARS of unhealthy restrictive eating and consequent binge episodes. And I fear I'm being much too reactive! But still...
June 11, 2023
Emily decides she must lose weight by exercising. At first, she jumps rope but doesn’t like it. Eugene suggests they go for a walk. On the walk, they find all kinds of food to sample. Emily ends up with a tummyache.
A bit dated.
A bit dated.
November 20, 2023
James Marshall has created an endearing friendship between Emily, a hungry pig and her practical friend Eugene, the turtle. This children’s classic speaks of patience and kindness for silly friends who bounce between diets and sweets on a never ending journey of self destructive habits.
April 13, 2020
Emily Pig is me and Eugene Turtle is my conscience HAHAHAHA
August 30, 2020
I just can't get enough of James Marshall's humor. This is a wonderful tale that can open discussions about self control.
December 20, 2024
Fat pig eats too much and gets sick.
She blames her tummyache on having tried to exercise.
Hmmmmm
She blames her tummyache on having tried to exercise.
Hmmmmm
August 3, 2013
Author James Marshall is known for his silly stories and this book is no exception. He is perhaps best known for his series featuring George and Martha, a pair of lovable hippopotami. This book features two friends also; this time, the unlikely pairing of a pig and a turtle.
The narrative is short and the illustrations are colorful and cartoonish. The story is a bit predictable, but it's fun to read aloud. We enjoyed reading this book together. We read Yummers Too! after this one.
The narrative is short and the illustrations are colorful and cartoonish. The story is a bit predictable, but it's fun to read aloud. We enjoyed reading this book together. We read Yummers Too! after this one.
June 23, 2015
This book is about a pig who eats too much. And her friend the turtle helps her exercise, but she just keeps eating all the way around town. Eventually she feels really sick because she has eaten too much food.
I like this book because the pictures are very inviting. The text is on the left side of the page and the pictures are on the right side of the page. This helps the reader read, and the listener look at the picture. I like that this book’s pictures are all in pastel colors. It makes the book feel soft and easy to read.
I would use this book with my children. They would enjoy the story and also learn about eating too much. They would know that food is good in moderation, and that exercising is good to do as well.
I like this book because the pictures are very inviting. The text is on the left side of the page and the pictures are on the right side of the page. This helps the reader read, and the listener look at the picture. I like that this book’s pictures are all in pastel colors. It makes the book feel soft and easy to read.
I would use this book with my children. They would enjoy the story and also learn about eating too much. They would know that food is good in moderation, and that exercising is good to do as well.
August 11, 2011
My new favorite children's book discovery! We have loved George and Martha: the Complete Stories of Two Best Friends for years but just checked Yummers out from the library. This is a story for the "foodie in training" and those of us who just love to eat! James Marshall's dry wit will have you chuckling all the way through this clever story of a two friends, a pig and a turtle, as they share an afternoon stroll. Marshall has uncanny insight into the nuances of friendships that are familiar and dear.
September 25, 2008
This story about a pig and an alligator was like a tour of my family! The high rating is completely reflective of the incredible conviction I felt in reading to my mildly interested little guy. A hilarious story with a great moral that is applicable to all of us in a culture struggling with obesity. If anyone knows my family... it's really amazing we all are in fairly good health and of appropriate weight because... we are the piggy! :0
April 24, 2009
This was one of my favs as a kid and was just as amusing when I read it again a couple years ago. I plan to check it out for Alex! Funny story about a pig who wants to lose weight so talks a walk with her friend turtle. She can't figure out why the exercise doesn't help her lose weight and doesn't seem to think there is a connection to the fact that she buys a snack at every restaurant she passes!
December 28, 2012
Emily the pig, concerned about her weight, attempts to exercise with the help of her friend Eugene the turtle. When the friends talk a walk, Emily encounters temptations right and left, and indulges in every one with enthusiasm.
A funny tale about friends and yummy treats. Simple drawings colored in a palette that includes vivid blue, green, and pink mirrors every page of text.
All in all, a picture book I think adults will get more out of than kids, but a good read nonetheless.
A funny tale about friends and yummy treats. Simple drawings colored in a palette that includes vivid blue, green, and pink mirrors every page of text.
All in all, a picture book I think adults will get more out of than kids, but a good read nonetheless.
August 12, 2013
Emily (the pig) tries to be healthy by exercising but each time she sees food she just has to have too much. Eugene (the turtle) has little helpings and eats slow. This reminds me of the tortoise and that hare (slow and steady) except with food. In the end Emily gets a stomach ache and figures that it was the exercise that made her sick. To me its not a very good example for kids linking exercise to getting sick.
July 20, 2010
Great book to use for teaching in nutrition classes in middle and high school. Liked the book, but was kind of disappointed at the ending because the story made it sound like it was okay to eat, and eat, and eat some more.
December 1, 2012
Emily the pig decides she needs to lose some weight and resolves to start exercising. Her friend Eugene suggests she go walking with him, but along the way she encounters all kinds of delicious things to eat – Yummers!
March 8, 2016
a little dated but a cute story about a pig and a turtle. The pig complains she is getting too fat so the turtle suggests they walk around town but all Emily does as they walk is stop to eat then she has a belly ache that night. Was it the walking?
March 6, 2009
I need to nosh just thinking about Yummers.
July 20, 2010
So cute! Emily pig can't stop eating - she goes for a walk to exercise, but sees all kind of food, eats it, and gets sick. So, she concludes the walking made her sick.
July 21, 2010
One of my all time favorites.
July 25, 2010
Emily Pig is such a great character and the wit of Marshall brings this tale of exercise and eating to a satisfyingly somehow sad yet obvious conclusion.
October 3, 2010
Hilarious book about a pig being a pig... She doesn't realize that that is why she is sick. Story of my life. Picture Book
December 2, 2010
A favorite from my childhood that N. seemed to like, too.
March 18, 2011
A long-time family favorite, now a favorite with the grandkids. Funny and fun to read out loud. This book is just Yummers!
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October 11, 2024This is a cute picture book about a pig who loves to eat, and her turtle friend who tries to help her have some control.
November 16, 2011
Emily Pig accepts Eugene Turtle's advice to walk as a way of losing weight but runs into too many tempting edible diversions.
April 25, 2015
okay, the pig is a pig when it comes to eating. the turtle is smart. it kinda makes a good point, but otherwise there's just not that much going on or that much humor
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews