At-A-Glance
Title: Rot, the Cutest in the World
Author-Illustrator: Ben Clanton
Series: Rot, the Mutant Potato
Series #: 1
Genre: Picture Book
Audience: Ages 4-8
Release Date: December 19, 2017
This book reminds me of:
Content: Picture of a potato with a butt.
Review
Rot is over confident in the beginning until he sees the other contestants. He compares himself to them and self-doubt settles in, shrinking his confidence. Trying to look cuter, he imitates the others: adding bunny ears, whiskers, and even painting himself pink. But his attempts fail. In the end, he decides to just be himself.
Rot, the Cutest in the World uses humor and fun illustrations to relay the importance of being yourself. The story opens an opportunity to discuss behaviors like comparing to others, jealousy, and a healthy level of self-confidence. It also reinforces the lesson that to the right people you’ll have great value.
Storyline
A mutant potato learns that he’s pear-fect just the way he is in this bright, fun, and silly picture book from the creator of It Came in the Mail that will have kids collapsing in giggles (and rescuing the contents of the vegetable drawer).
Rot is a mutant potato. Like most mutant potatoes, Rot loves all sorts of games and contests. So when he sees a sign for the “Cutest in the World Contest,” he can’t wait to enter.
But when Rot realizes who he’s up against—an itty-bitty baby bunny, a little-wittle cuddly kitten, and an eenie-weenie jolly jellyfish—he loses confidence. Will the judges find room in their hearts for an adorable mutant potato?
*** View more book reviews here. ***
Thanks to Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Text for hosting #IMWAYR. Check out the other It’s Monday! What Are You Reading posts!
K.A. Cummins 
Cute picture book. There’s a spinoff early reader series now.
I didn’t know that, but will have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!