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The Marshmallow Incident

(2009, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Judi Barrett, Illustrated by Ron Barrett)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 3, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 5.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Silly food fight yarn teaches lesson on settling disputes.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    People from both towns meet together to debate ending their feud; citizens put aside old differences and become good neighbors.

  • Role models:

    Characters reflect on the silliness of the dispute, then reasonably discuss whether they should make peace.

  • Illustrations:

    Detailed pen-and-ink drawings offer much to explore and enjoy.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Knights react swiftly to minor infraction, though their weapons are loaded only with marshmallows.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Marshmallow Incident

Parents need to know that this goofy fable makes a good case for settling disagreements with open-minded debate, rather than striking out with whatever you’ve got on hand. Knights react swiftly and strongly when someone accidentally crosses the line separating the towns of Left and Right, unleashing a volley of marshmallows on both towns. The situation is obviously ridiculous, however, and the marshmallows are soon put to various good uses. 

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about resolving disputes. Have you ever tried to talk through a disagreement with someone? Were you able to agree? What do you think would have happened if the people of Left and Right couldn’t agree on what to do?
  • Look closely at the pages where the citizens discuss whether to erase the line -- not everyone agrees with the final decision. How does it feel to be on the losing side of a vote? Do you think the people who said they wanted to keep the line would feel the same way or view it differently after the line was erased?
  • Have you ever felt a rule was pointless and unnecessary? How would you go about challenging it?
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