In the whimsical world of children’s literature, few stories manage to meld humor with heartwarming lessons as effectively as Ryan T. Higgins’ We Don’t Eat Our Classmates: A Penelope Rex Book. This delightful book revolves around Penelope Rex, a young dinosaur eager for her first day of school. However, Penelope faces a significant hurdle in her quest for friendship—her classmates are humans, and to her, they are irresistibly tasty.

Higgins, known for his knack for crafting engaging narratives with lovable, quirky characters, brings Penelope to life with both wit and sensitivity. The core dilemma Penelope faces is presented in a lighthearted manner but resonates deeply with fundamental themes of empathy, diversity, and acceptance. Through Penelope’s challenges and mistakes, Higgins artfully navigates the complexities of social integration in a school setting.

The illustrations in We Don’t Eat Our Classmates are as much a part of the storytelling as the text itself. Higgins’ artwork, characterized by its bold lines and vibrant colors, captures the emotional arc of Penelope from excitement to frustration, and eventually, understanding. The visual humor, particularly in the expressions and reactions of Penelope and her classmates, adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making the predicaments and resolutions more relatable to young readers.

One of the book’s standout features is its ability to address the perspective of the “other” through Penelope’s experiences. When the tables are turned and Penelope experiences what it feels like to be considered a snack, children learn alongside her the importance of considering others’ feelings. This message is subtly woven through comedic scenarios and dialogues that keep the reader engaged and entertained.

Moreover, Higgins does not just write for laughs; he understands the anxieties that accompany a child’s first day at school and the desire to fit in. By juxtaposing Penelope’s dinosaur qualities against her very human emotions, Higgins allows children to find common ground with an ostensibly outlandish character, thereby broadening their empathetic skills.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates is a triumph in its genre, successfully balancing humor with educational values. Ryan T. Higgins has crafted a story that not only entertains but also imparts a valuable lesson about compassion and understanding across differences. For parents seeking a book that entertains and educates, while also opening up conversations about school life and social skills, this book is a delectable choice.