Phil and Lily Rosenthal have jointly released their second children’s book, titled *Just Try It! Someplace New!*, a delightful tale focusing on the journey of overcoming fears associated with venturing into unfamiliar environments. The book portrays young Lil’s first sleepover at her grandmother’s house, a milestone that brings with it a host of anxieties about the unknown.
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In a recent conversation, Phil Rosenthal, the creator of *Everybody Loves Raymond* and host of the travel series *Somebody Feed Phil*, shared his insights on the inspiration behind the book. Walking his pet dog Murphy at the time, he offered an enthusiastic glimpse into their creative collaboration. “That’s where the magic is,” he explained, referring to the significance of taking that initial step outside one’s comfort zone.
*Just Try It! Someplace New!* follows Lil as she grapples with various insecurities before the big night. “What if the bed is made of rocks? What if she only eats broccoli?” Despite her fears, the story emphasises a simple yet profound piece of advice: “Just try it.” The narrative reassures young readers that it is natural to feel apprehensive about the unknown, but with support, they can summon the courage to explore new experiences.
The father-daughter duo has embraced their collaborative writing process wholeheartedly. Phil and Lily describe their working relationship as “wonderful! Fantastic! The best ever!” Their shared experiences and familial bond helped shape the narrative, with both individuals drawing from their own childhood memories. For example, Lily reminisced about her fondness for matzoh with butter at her grandparent’s home, a sentiment that drew a playful response from Phil, who joked about her choice of “the blandest food on the planet.”
When asked about his own nerves regarding travel experiences, Phil admitted that trepidation is a common theme, even for an experienced traveller like himself. “Only every time,” he said, acknowledging that fear often accompanies new adventures. With his brother producing *Somebody Feed Phil*, Phil mentioned how he is gently nudged out of his comfort zone, ultimately leading to feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment even when he confronts challenges he does not necessarily enjoy.
Phil elaborated on the key message he hopes children—and their parents—will glean from the book. “It’s about showing that there’s actually nothing to fear, and it could turn out to be fantastic,” he said. He believes that the concept of travel can begin with simple adventures, noting that a visit to grandma’s house represents an ideal starting point for young children.
The father and daughter hope *Just Try It! Someplace New!* serves both as an entertaining story for children and a gentle reminder for adults to remain open-minded about trying new things. “How many grown-ups do we know who aren’t open to trying new foods or places?” Phil queried, expressing his hope that the book provides this valuable insight for parents reading along with their children.
The book comes in tandem with exciting developments for the Rosenthals. They recently opened a family diner in Los Angeles named Max & Helens, a heartfelt tribute to Phil’s parents, who charmed audiences during their appearances on *Somebody Feed Phil*. The show itself continues to thrive, now in its eighth season, guiding audiences through culinary adventures and travel experiences both domestic and abroad.
In an amusing twist, as Lily prepares for her honeymoon in Japan with her spouse Mason, she is drawing inspiration from her father’s previous trips to Tokyo and Kyoto. “I’m excited for him to have a little vacation as he hasn’t had a break since we started the restaurant,” she remarked, admiring Phil’s adventurous spirit.
Unbeknownst to her, Phil jested that he might be joining her on this journey, highlighting the ongoing bond strengthened by their collaborative projects. As they continue to share experiences, both on the page and in life, their latest book invites readers to confront fear and embrace the joys of trying something new.
*Just Try It! Someplace New!* is now available at bookshops and online, encouraging both children and adults alike to embark on their own adventures, whether they’re as simple as a sleepover at grandma’s or as grand as exploring a distant land.