This Is a Taco! - by Andrew Cangelose

About the Book

This hilarious send-up of a children's nature primer stars a taco-loving squirrel named Taco who teaches kids that the most important story is the one they write themselves. Full color.

Book Synopsis

This is a squirrel . . . "Hey, I may be a squirrel, but my name is Taco! And I don't eat nuts and tree bark--blech--I prefer tacos!" The natural predator of squirrels is . . . "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Who is writing this book? I do not like where this is going." This hilarious send-up of a children's nature primer teaches kids that the most important story is the one you write yourself.

Review Quotes

STORYWRAPS -- This is a really fun book that I know kids will just love. A little squirrel named Taco, because he loves tacos, narrates the story and speaks directly to the reader. The book begins by acquainting the young audience with realistic facts about squirrels, like how they are the cleanest rodents in the wild, are known for their silky fur, and how they love to eat nuts, acorns, and even tree bark. Hey wait!!! Where are the tacos that Taco was told would be available. Tree bark? You've got to be kidding....ya right... how could anyone eat that? After the fun facts of diet... (not)... Taco feels he has no choice but to step into the storyline and change the whole narrative in his favour. If he does then perhaps that might steer him towards getting the tacos that he was promised. Tree bark? Really? Yuk!!!!! The hilarious expressions that this adorable squirrel exhibits are truly uproarious. Taco steps into the writing process and takes charge. He swashbuckles a bright red pen and changes start to appear. He appoints himself his own editor-in-chief. Taco crosses out words and re-directs the story to be all about...him...TACO. Now he is satisfied with the plot and feels vidicated. He encounters a giant taco who is hungry for tacos too and wants to swoop in and gobble them all up. Not on Taco's watch. He decides the story needs one more correction to make it perfect. With a swoosh of his red pen he declares: "Taco, the squirrel (and not an actual giant, talking taco), is the natural predator of tacos." The moral of the story? If you want anything done right, do it yourself and most importantly the best story of all is the one you write yourself.... especially if you are the star. I highly recommend this book and I am sure kids will love it and want to read it again and again. Taco 'bout cute? This story's got it going on!

About the Author

Andrew Cangelose is an elementary school principal in Kansas City, MO. He has four children who are constantly "making" him play Legos with them.

Josh Shipley is an illustrator, designer, and animator currently living in Kansas City, MO. He has two sons who help push him to tell better stories, keep his illustration skills top notch, and remind him to always (and they mean ALWAYS) keep his silliness silly.