The Condiment Chronicles ... Please Pass the Ketchup

Can you imagine a meal without condiments?  Never!No Ketchup on your hamburger and fries?  No way!How about condiments walking off the counter?  WHAAAT!Well, it's happening at The Diner and there's not a condiment in sight. Tripp, his dad, his sister, and all the patrons are in disbelief. Condiment complaints of misuse, prejudice, bullying and more are scrawled on paper napkins spread across the counter.  Mayo asks, "Why do they hate me?"Relish sadly proclaims, "People say I'm too sweet and ignore me ... or just scrape me off."Can management and the condiments work out their issues? If not, it will be a sad day and dining disaster for all!S.H. Wood, first time children's author, and Nic Gregory, talented Australian illustrator and animator, carry the reader through The Diner showcasing the humorous and at times emotionally charged personalities of each of these "famous" condiments. Adults and children of all ages will smile and laugh as they recognize their favorite, or not so favorite, condiment come to life. Turning every page reveals each condiment in a new light: one might even begin to feel sorry for Relish? If you like The Day The Crayons Quit you may just become a fan of The Condiment Chronicles ... Please Pass the Ketchup.The back story, titled The Condiment Chronicles ... The Family Portrait, reveals historical facts/stories about when, where, and how each condiment arrived on our counter, our kitchen table, and in our fridge. Who would have thought condiments could stir up images of family, diversity, tolerance, competition, and individuality all resulting from and ever growing insatiable love for a variety of tastes?Condiments and condimentours, be on alert! Creativity is on the rise. There is always room for one more hot, spicy, sweet, or savory condiment.Experimentation is all part of self expression and being an individual. Don't hold back. Go ahead and spread that peanut butter and jelly on your hamburger ... as a condimentour that is your choice. Remember, variety is the spice (or in this case the condiment) of life.Cheers!