“Good Mythical Morning”’s Rhett and Link’s New Kids Book Is Inspired by Grimm Fairy Tales and Their Own Families (Exclusive)

Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, the duo behind the popular YouTube series *Good Mythical Morning*, have made a distinctive foray into children’s literature with their new picture book, *Spaghetti Head & Chicken Fingers*. This artistic collaboration with illustrator Erica Salcedo is influenced by their experiences as fathers of picky eaters and aims to resonate with long-time fans, many of whom are now parenting their own children.

The book introduces readers to two imaginative characters, Saffy and Lumo. The storyline revolves around Saffy, who wakes up to find her hair transformed into spaghetti, while Lumo discovers that his hands have turned into chicken fingers. This whimsical premise serves as a playful exploration of the struggles children often face with food and identity, drawing from Rhett and Link’s own parenting experiences.

In an interview with *PEOPLE*, McLaughlin shared that the idea for the book arose from their growing interactions with fans who are now starting families of their own. “We kept running into people who had started watching, maybe in high school, and now they’re starting families,” he remarked. This observation led the duo to create a book that parents could enjoy alongside their young children.

Neal emphasises the personal motivation behind the project, noting how reading has always been a cherished bonding experience with their children. With their kids growing older, he explains, writing this book also allows them to reflect on earlier parenting moments. “Because we’re performers, we think we both gravitated towards making voices and singing different songs if the opportunity called for it,” he said, highlighting a creative approach to engaging with their children.

A notable aspect of *Spaghetti Head & Chicken Fingers* is how it captures the challenges of dining with picky eaters—a struggle familiar to many parents. McLaughlin openly recalls how food has become a significant theme in their brand, “Food has become such a big part of our brand through *Good Mythical Morning*,” he stated. This reflects their aim to connect with readers who may resonate with the struggles of food preferences among children.

Illustrator Erica Salcedo contributed an energetic and colourful style that aligns perfectly with the book’s lively narrative. “We picked her because her whimsical style is kind of action-oriented and silly,” Neal shared. He believes Salcedo’s illustrations will captivate young readers and encourage them to engage with print media, particularly in an age dominated by digital screens.

The pair is keen on delivering a narrative that not only entertains but also evokes the humour characteristic of their online content. McLaughlin mused about the importance of crafting a joyous story, asking, “How do you tell a Grimm’s fairy tale in a way that has a happy ending?” This touches on their artistic intent to create a tale that is both absurd and relatable, such as humorous scenes involving children munching on chicken fingers sprouting from their own hands.

While primarily targeted towards younger audiences, the charm and wit woven into *Spaghetti Head & Chicken Fingers* reflect the essence of Rhett and Link’s broader creative vision. Their aim is to cultivate laughter and connection between parents and children, making storytime an enjoyable experience.

The book is now available for purchase, and Rhett and Link hope it provides a delightful journey for families to share. The duo’s transition from YouTube stars to children’s authors exemplifies their commitment to fostering creativity and connection through storytelling, continuing their legacy in a new and engaging format.

*Spaghetti Head & Chicken Fingers* serves as a testament to the duo’s innovative approach to parenting and content creation, ensuring their unique blend of humour and heart captivates a new generation of readers.