We Don't Eat Our Classmates

Written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins

Book #1 in the Penelope Rex series

A young T. rex named Penelope starts school and learns that it's not acceptable to eat her classmates.

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 12,322 ratings

40 pages· 429 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud· AD500L

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Penelope Rex is excited for her first day at school, but making friends is tricky when her classmates seem like tasty snacks. When the tables turn, Penelope learns a surprising lesson about friendship and food chains. Will she find her place among her peers, or will her appetite get the best of her?

From the publisher

It’s the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can’t wait to meet her classmates. But it’s hard to make human friends when they’re so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. . . . Readers will gobble up this hilarious new story from award-winning author-illustrator Ryan T. Higgins.

Awards

The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2019)Cybils Award (2018)

At a glance

Format
Pages: 40
Words: 429
Reading age: 3–5
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD500L

Themes & topics

Books about empathy Books about starting school Books about school Books about the first day of school Books about dinosaurs

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.5

out of 7

7.0

“This title offers cleverness and wit that will make you laugh out loud. Higgins’ comedic timing is incredible. More impressive is that while being on par humor-wise with other funny children’s titles (like Dragons Love Tacos and The Day the Crayons Quit), it still shares a meaningful message about being a good friend that is sure to be understood and remembered by children.”

The Goodfather

Trusted reviewer

The author & illustrator