A Heartfelt and Hilarious Adventure: Review of Friends Do Not Eat Friends by Jill Esbaum

Introduction: A Delightful Dive into Early Graphic Novels

If you’re searching for a book that effortlessly blends humor, heart, and early literacy skills, Friends Do Not Eat Friends: Ready-to-Read Graphics Level 1 (Thunder and Cluck) by Jill Esbaum is a must-read. This charming graphic novel is part of Simon & Schuster’s Ready-to-Read Graphics series, designed to help young readers transition from picture books to more structured storytelling.

With vibrant illustrations, witty dialogue, and a surprisingly deep message about friendship, Friends Do Not Eat Friends stands out as a fantastic choice for kids (and parents!) looking for an engaging, visually rich story. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

Plot Summary: A Predator, a Prey, and an Unlikely Friendship

The story follows Thunder, a big, burly dinosaur who’s very proud of being the “mightiest, meatiest, meanest” predator around. His world is turned upside down when he meets Cluck, a small but clever bird who refuses to be intimidated. Instead of running away (or becoming lunch), Cluck challenges Thunder’s assumptions—starting with the idea that friends definitely don’t eat friends.

What follows is a hilarious back-and-forth as Thunder struggles with his instincts while Cluck uses humor, logic, and a surprising amount of sass to convince him that friendship is far more rewarding than a quick snack. The plot is simple but effective, making it perfect for early readers while still keeping adults entertained with its clever wordplay and expressive artwork.

Character Analysis: Thunder and Cluck’s Dynamic Duo

Thunder: The Reluctant Softie

Thunder is the epitome of a tough guy with a hidden soft side. He’s loud, proud, and very set in his ways—until Cluck disrupts his worldview. His character arc is subtle but meaningful, showing how even the fiercest creatures can learn kindness (with a little persistence from a tiny, feathered friend).

Cluck: The Fearless Optimist

Cluck is the heart of the story. Small but mighty, she refuses to be seen as prey. Her quick wit and unwavering confidence make her an excellent role model for young readers—she proves that brains and bravery can outmatch brute strength.

Their dynamic is reminiscent of classic odd-couple pairings (think Fox and the Hound or Toy Story’s Woody and Buzz), but with a fresh, modern twist that keeps the humor light and relatable.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Perfect for Budding Readers

Jill Esbaum’s writing shines in its simplicity. The dialogue is snappy, the jokes land effortlessly, and the pacing keeps young readers engaged without overwhelming them. The Ready-to-Read Graphics format is ideal for kids transitioning to independent reading:

  • Short sentences with bold, expressive fonts emphasize tone.
  • Visual storytelling helps reinforce comprehension.
  • Speech bubbles guide natural reading flow.

The illustrations (by Miles Thompson) are bright, dynamic, and packed with personality—Thunder’s exaggerated grumpiness and Cluck’s mischievous expressions add layers to the humor.

Themes & Deeper Meanings: More Than Just a Funny Dino Story

Beneath the laughs, Friends Do Not Eat Friends carries a surprisingly poignant message about:

  • Friendship vs. Fear – Can natural enemies become friends?
  • Breaking Stereotypes – Thunder learns that being “mean” doesn’t make him happy.
  • Courage & Confidence – Cluck stands her ground without aggression.

It’s a great conversation starter for parents and teachers about empathy, overcoming differences, and why kindness matters—even when instincts say otherwise.

Personal Reading Experience: Why My Kids (And I) Loved It

As a parent, I adore books that make my kids laugh while sneaking in a lesson. My 5-year-old giggled at Thunder’s over-the-top growling, while my 7-year-old loved reading Cluck’s lines with dramatic flair. The book’s length (about 40 pages) was perfect for bedtime—engaging but not exhausting.

I also appreciated that it didn’t talk down to kids. The humor works on multiple levels, making it enjoyable for adults reading aloud, too.

Comparisons to Similar Books

If your child enjoys:

  • Elephant & Piggie (Mo Willems) – Same humor + friendship focus.
  • Narwhal and Jelly (Ben Clanton) – Another odd-couple aquatic duo.
  • Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (Mo Willems) – Similar interactive, expressive style.

Friends Do Not Eat Friends fits right in with these beloved series but stands out with its prehistoric twist.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Humor that lands – Both kids and adults will chuckle.
✅ Strong visual storytelling – Perfect for reluctant readers.
✅ Great message – Subtle but impactful lessons on kindness.

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ Very short – Some parents might wish for more pages.
❌ Predictable for older kids – The ending is sweet but unsurprising.

Target Audience: Who Will Love This Book?

✔ Ages 4-7 – Ideal for early readers (Level 1).
✔ Graphic novel newbies – Great introduction to the format.
✔ Parents/teachers – A fun read-aloud with discussion potential.

Memorable Quotes & Passages

“Friends do NOT eat friends. It’s Rule #1.” – Cluck
“But I’m a MEAN dinosaur! MEAN dinosaurs EAT things!” – Thunder

These lines perfectly capture the book’s playful tone.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Young Readers

Friends Do Not Eat Friends is a standout in early graphic novels—funny, heartfelt, and brilliantly crafted for budding book lovers. Whether you’re looking for a classroom read, a bedtime story, or just a way to make your kid laugh, this book delivers.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers

  1. Would you be friends with someone very different from you?
  2. How does Cluck convince Thunder to change his mind?
  3. What other animal pairs would make funny unlikely friends?

Have you read Friends Do Not Eat Friends? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🦖🐥

Get this book on Amazon

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