The Trouble With Cauliflower
by Jane Sutton and (illustrator) Jim Harris
Summary
In a humorous tale about superstition and friendship, Mortimer the koala is invited to dinner by his friend Sadie the emu. Although he’s convinced that eating cauliflower results in bad luck, he has four helpings of her stew. Sure enough, the next day is filled with misfortune--from dropping soap in the toilet to failing his driving test. Sadie TRIES to teach him that his bad luck is due to his expectation, but to hilarious effect, her efforts are only partially successful.
Excerpt
When Mortimer got up the next morning, he stubbed his toe on the bedpost.
“Ouch! Ouch!” shouted Mortimer, jumping up and down on the foot that wasn’t stubbed. “Cauliflower IS bad luck! I never should have eaten that stew.”
At breakfast he spilled orange juice all over himself.
When Morimer was getting washed, he dropped his bar of soap in the toilet.
Then Mortimer remembered that it was the day of his driving test. If he passed, he would get his driver’s license. He could buy a bright purple sports car with green tires.
Mortimer was very nervous about the test. He wished he had not eaten that cauliflower.
The test was a disaster. First Mortimer drove too fast. Then he drove too slowly. He went backward when he was supposed to go forward.
Finally, Mortimer came to a sign that said: “Park Here at End of Test.” But he forgot to step on the brake.
Morimter did not pass the test. He would not be buying a bright purple sports car with green tires.
“I will never eat cauliflower again!” Mortimer moaned, although no one was listening.
Reviews
"A delightful tale about the mysterious relationship between food and fortune"−Kirkus
"Sutton's humorous story about overcoming superstitions is expanded by Harris' watercolor-and-pencil illustrations that are filled with whimsical details"−Booklist
"Kids will be taken with this title"−School Library Journal
Author's Biography
Sutton is the author of five other children’s books, including the popular ME AND THE WEIRDOS, and an as yet unpublished novel for adults. Sutton lives in Lexington, MA with her teacher/science author husband. She’s a writing tutor and gives author presentations to elementary through college-age groups.