Marvelously revolting recipes

Gr 2--5--This delightfully gruesome collection of recipes, inspired by the writing of Roald Dahl and featuring art from a variety of well-known children's illustrators, includes 26 new dishes and a dozen from previous editions of the "Revolting Recipes" books. With everything from Whoopsey Splunkers to Scarlet Scorchdroppers, these treats will elicit a spark of recognition from Dahl fans as they peruse the book. Illustrations are a pastiche of art and photography and splash joyfully across the pages, making this a real feast for the eyes. On the topic of feasting: while some of the recipes are straightforward and appealing, others are more befitting of the title (anyone care for prawns in rice paper, billed as "Earwigs cooked in slime"?). Some of the ingredients are less common, and at least a few of the recipes lean more toward fantasy than something that a young cook could successfully pull off; but there is so much fun to be had here that this feels like a small price to pay. VERDICT A book that lives up to its title, recommended for school and public libraries with a Dahl fanbase.--Kate Newcombe