What’s for Dinner?
Michael McClellan
BookBaby (2026)
ISBN: 979-8317826789
Reviewed by Rachel Dehning for Reader Views (09/2026)
The age-old question that comes up at various times in the day, depending on the family’s schedule, is “What’s for dinner?” It’s a daily question in my house. Michael McClellan presents What’s for Dinner? a fun, humorous picture book for younger readers that is mostly about what the title suggests, with a slight twist. The story begins with Mac and his two best friends, Caitie and Howard, riding the school bus home and talking about what they hope for dinner that evening, each getting hungry and eager to get home. When he gets inside, Mac is disappointed that his dad won’t tell him what’s for dinner! Dad says they are having “Nun-Ya;” what is that?! Dad refuses to explain, so Mac consults his best friends; their suggestions are more outrageous and hilarious than the last, but unfortunately, they assume the worst ideas, so no one is excited to find out the real definition of “Nun-Ya.” When Mac gets home, he learns the real meaning of “Nun-Ya” and the importance of patience and not assuming things until you find out the truth.
What’s for Dinner? offers humor and a different way to consider the daily evening meal from the viewpoints of kids and adults. I am not familiar with anyone who, in my past or present, used the term “Nun-Ya,” so I learned something that might work with my kids, too, when they ask the dreaded question, “What’s for dinner?” Reading this story with my kids, ages 12 and 10, they laughed out loud at times, especially when the friends work to deduce what the term means. I can definitely see this story sparking an idea for them to use in future situations when I make them guess what I’m making. I love how the story shows a proper and entertaining use of imagination that will hopefully get more kids using their imaginations, unlike many of the current generation that tends to spend more time on screens than in their heads. Mac is presented as a normal, elementary-aged kid, making him and his friends relatable. I also enjoyed the bright, colorful, and cheery art work by collaborating illustrators Emily Close and Jennifer A. Wijaya.
Early readers aged 5 to 7 will likely finish Michael McClellan’s book with a smile on their faces, feeling happy, and quite possibly asking their closest adult or guardian, “What’s for dinner?”
At a Glance: A humorous children’s picture book about three friends trying to solve the mystery of an unfamiliar answer to the everyday dinner question. Their wild guesses lead to a playful lesson about patience, assumptions, and discovering the truth.
Best for Readers Who Enjoy: humorous picture books, family read-alouds, elementary-age stories, imaginative kids, friendship stories, books about patience, silly misunderstandings, everyday family life