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I Want to Be Spaghetti!

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( 570 ratings, 91 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
I Want to Be Spaghetti! by Kiera Wright-Ruiz is a delightful children's book that follows the whimsical dreams of a small piece of pasta who desires to be something more than just macaroni. Through charming illustrations and playful text, the story captures the pasta's imaginative journey and adventures, appealing to the creativity and curiosity of young readers.
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Format: Hardback
$5200

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This title is in-stock with overseas suppliers. While it is not available locally, we fly books in weekly from the US and UK to our Auckland warehouse for immediate dispatch.

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This delightful children's book may appeal to you if you enjoy heartwarming stories that celebrate the magic of imagination and the joy of individuality. It's perfect for young readers who love adventures filled with creativity and humour, as it encourages embracing one's unique desires and dreams.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A funny debut picture book about how one little ramen packet finds self-love and belonging in a spaghetti-obsessed world.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A funny debut picture book about how one little ramen packet finds self-love and belonging in a spaghetti-obsessed world.

Even from Ramen's small shelf in the supermarket, they see spaghetti propaganda everywhere. They want to be celebrated, too. Maybe, Ramen misguidedly thinks, I have to change to be loved like that. I want to be spaghetti! they proclaim to the dismay of the rest of the instant noodle section.

But when Ramen is brought home and placed in a warm bowl of broth alongside new friends like Chashu, Narutomaki, and Nori, they realise they've always been perfect exactly the way they are. Colourfully illustrated by Claudia Lam (@theforestmori), this heartwarming story about identity and community from food writer Kiera Wright-Ruiz (@kierawrr) celebrates the beauty of being yourself—and being recognised for who you are.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

I Want to Be Spaghetti! has received praise for its engaging storytelling and delightful illustrations. It has earned titles such as Amazon Best Book of the Month and made it to Good Housekeeping’s 2023 Kids’ Book Award list. Reviewers commend it for its creative narrative and celebration of individuality, with Kirkus Reviews highlighting its clever and fun approach, and BCCB emphasizing the story's appreciation for uniqueness.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780593529874

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 11 July 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Kokila

Illustration: FULL-COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Claudia Lam

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 236.0mm

Height: 236.0mm

Weight: 408g

Pages: 56

About the Author

Kiera Wright-Ruiz is a writer and recipe developer. She has written for publications like The New York Times, Food52, Serious Eats and The Kitchn. Her work explores the diversity of food and amplifies underrepresented communities. Her debut recipe book, The Half-Latinx Cookbook, publishes in 2025 from Harvest. When not writing, she is probably eating onigiri with her husband and dog somewhere in Tokyo, where she is based. Find more about her work @kierawrr and kierawrightruiz.com. Claudia Lam, also known as The Forest Mori, is an independent illustrator, designer, and ceramic artist. From painting and pottery to digital art and graphic design, Claudia works with various creative mediums to explore colours and art styles that convey a sense of relatability. It is her focus to bring joy to people through her artwork by selling it worldwide, curating creative content for brands, and becoming a children's book illustrator. Find more about her work @theforestmori and theforestmori.com

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