Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lively illustrations share message of self-love, diversity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In I WANT TO BE SPAGHETTI, Ramen sits on the supermarket shelf, and sees promotions showing how wonderful different types of pasta are, the sauces and meats that go with that envious long pasta. All this celebration makes Ramen think they should change who they are and become spaghetti so people will love them just as much. But when someone brings Ramen home and starts preparing it with skill and care, nestling it in warm broth with nori, chashu, egg, and more, Ramen sees just how wonderful it is to be exactly who they are.
Is It Any Good?
Playful illustrations with faces on foods and colorful settings give a bright setting for an important message of self-acceptance and embracing what makes us each unique. I Want to Be Spaghetti! is fun to read aloud because it works on several levels. It's a charming story about how Ramen finds its place in the kitchen and a deeper lesson about cultural identity and self-love. The subtle contrast of ramen and spaghetti is a gentle introduction to cultural differences for the youngest readers and could prompt conversations about guarding against the idea that one culture is better or more desirable than others. Readers new to the world of instant noodles can learn about other ingredients to add, and everyone can delight in the silly facial expressions the food makes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes Ramen feel insecure in I Want to Be Spaghetti! What makes you feel unsure about yourself? How do you feel when other people are celebrated and you aren't?
What makes you unique? What should people celebrate about you?
What other books about food have you enjoyed?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Claudia Lam
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Cooking , Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Gratitude
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Kokila
- Publication date : July 11, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 56
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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