Recently on BuzzWorthy Radio, I had the opportunity to sit down with Lily Rosenthal to talk about the newest book in the Phil and Lil series, Just Try It: Someplace New.
The book, written by Lily and her father Phil Rosenthal and illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Luke Flowers, is aimed at children — but honestly, it carries a message that adults can learn from too.
At its core, the story encourages readers to step outside their comfort zones and experience new things, whether that means traveling somewhere unfamiliar or trying a food they’ve never had before.
The Power of Trying Something New
One of the things that stood out to me while reading the book is how relatable its message really is. As we talked about during the interview, it’s very easy to get comfortable with what we know.
Sometimes that comfort can keep us from discovering experiences we might end up loving.
Lily shared a simple lesson from the book that really stuck with me: “Once you try it, then you know it.”
That idea may sound simple, but it applies to so many aspects of life.
During our conversation, we talked about how the book isn’t just about travel or food — it’s about overcoming that fear of the unknown. Lily even described the books as something of a “mini self-help book for kids” that helps them navigate anxiety about new experiences.
My Own Journey From Picky Eater to Foodie
One part of the conversation that made me laugh was when we started talking about picky eating.
Growing up, my family still reminds me to this day that I basically lived on chicken nuggets. Every Thanksgiving, my cousins love to bring it up.
But as I got older, I started expanding my palate — and now I consider myself a full-fledged foodie.
In fact, one of the foods I discovered that I never expected to love is squid ink pasta. The first time I tried it, I immediately realized how many incredible foods I had been missing out on.
That moment really tied into the message of the book perfectly: sometimes the best discoveries come from simply being willing to try.
The Creative Touches in the Book
Another thing I loved hearing about was how illustrator Luke Flowers brings his own creativity to the book.
Lily explained that after she and her dad finish writing the story, they send it to Luke — and he adds all sorts of fun Easter eggs into the illustrations.
Some of those hidden details even reference their lives and family members, including subtle nods to Somebody Feed Phil. It’s a fun layer that makes the book even more enjoyable.
Max and Helen’s: A Diner with Heart
Since food was already part of the conversation, I had to ask Lily about Max and Helen’s, the diner she runs in California with her husband.
As someone who loves food and has spent time on the West Coast, I admitted I was surprised that I hadn’t made it there yet — but that’s definitely something I plan to change soon.
Lily described the restaurant as a place that celebrates classic diner favorites but with high-quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation.
The menu includes comforting staples like tuna melts, grilled cheese with tomato soup, and Reubens — plus special blue plate dinners during the week.
But the item that really caught my attention was Lily’s Hot Chocolate, a thick Parisian-style hot chocolate topped with torched homemade marshmallow fluff.
Even though it’s named after her, Lily joked that the recipe actually belongs to her husband.
Coming to New Jersey
Before wrapping up our conversation, we also talked about the upcoming book tour for Just Try It: Someplace New.
One stop will bring Lily and Phil Rosenthal to Bookends in Ridgewood, New Jersey, which is right in my neck of the woods.
Lily told me she loves touring with her father and that the events are always a lot of fun — something I’m sure fans of the book series will enjoy.
A Simple Message That Goes a Long Way
At the end of the day, Just Try It: Someplace New carries a message that’s easy to understand but incredibly meaningful.
Whether it’s trying a new food, traveling somewhere unfamiliar, or even stepping into a new opportunity in life, sometimes the best thing you can do is simply take that first step.
Because once you try it — then you know.
🎧 You can listen to my full interview with Lily Rosenthal on BuzzWorthy Radio.
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