Since both the book’s cover says this book includes “easy sight words,” I was confused/amused by “trilobite” in the title. I would bet very few people know the word–and many adults will be hard pressed to explain it (and might have a harder time explaining how a bug and an extinct arthropod like a trilobite are talking together).
The core story, though, of Jonathan Fenske’s 2023 picture book Try a Bite, Trilobite! is otherwise told in quite simple words, and simple, colorful images. The premise is likewise simple. Bug has a snack (apparently a cup cake, though with green icing). Bug praises it to Trilobite, and offers a bite. Trilobite declines, praising noodles instead. However, when Bug takes a bite and clearly enjoys it, Trilobite tries a bite–and then gulps down the whole thing. He admits it was better than noodles and wants more. Bug doesn’t have more, so Trilobite shares his noodles.
This takes small, familiar actions and interactions and makes them new and fun with oddly shaped characters.
Beyond that blend of recognition and fun, though, there’s not much here–few lessons beyond “try new stuff” and “sharing is good”–but kids will enjoy looking at this and chomping along.
