Anyone old enough to remember the 90’s show “Saved by the Bell“?  Well, this cute story was written by actor Mario Lopez (aka Slater) and his sister, Marissa Lopez Wong, based on their childhood memories of sweet times at their grandmother’s house.

“Mud Tacos” tells the story of a brother and his little sister who use their imagination to create a restaurant.  Mario serves mud tacos to Marissa with all the ingredients their grandmother’s backyard offers: leaves, mud and flower petals.   Those “wormy, squirmy, muddy, leafy” tacos lead to actual hunger and craving for their Nana’s delicious tacos.  But they have to make a trip to the grocery store for missing ingredients. 

On the way, they scoop up their 2 cousins, one of which who’s mean to them for the entire day.   However, the story ends with remorse, forgiveness, and a yummy taco meal!

This is a fun read aloud for young readers about family, food, and forgiveness.  The bright and vivid illustrations by Maryn Roos add to the fun.  It can also inspire children to use their imagination and create with nature or even cook special meals together, like yummy tacos!  (Side note: this book was how I got my picky child to eat tacos for the first time…and now she loves them. LOL)