I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A grocery store comes alive at night in author Daphne Herlihy’s “Oatis and Muriel: A Grocery Story”.

The Synopsis

“What happens at night in the grocery store when the lights are out and the customers have gone home?” This is the question that the author asked her children that inspired this heartwarming and charming story. Together, they imagined a whimsical world in which the foods come to life and engage in play. The oats wear fancy coats, the fruits don formal suits and music is played by the string cheese quartet. But nobody could have predicted what happened one night. When Oatis stumbles, it is up to mopey Muriel to see if she can be brave and creative enough to save the day. Together, the friends learn that sometimes helping a friend in trouble is the best way to find out that you can shine brightly too.

The Review

This was a fun and playful story for children to get lost in. The vibrant illustrations and use of grocery store foods as the cast of characters were both imaginative and engaging, allowing children to interact with different food groups and have fun with the scenes of dancing and laughter that the foods displayed. 

This book plays well with the themes of friendship and overcoming the odds through teamwork. Oatis’s work to cheer up Muriel and how Muriel snaps out of her funk when Oatis is in danger are great lessons for children to appreciate life’s small things and not take our friendships and relationships for granted. 

The Verdict

Memorable, fun, and entertaining author Daphne Herlihy’s “Oatis and Muriel: A Grocery Story” is a must-read children’s book. The fast pace of the narrative and the balance of humor and heart will keep young readers engaged and prove to be the perfect bedtime story for parents. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10