Just Try It! by Phil Rosenthal and Lily Rosenthal

Phil Rosenthal, the New York Times bestselling author and Netflix star, has collaborated with his daughter Lily to create a comical picture book. The book tells the story of a father who loves food and tries to motivate his picky-eating daughter to try new things.

Phil Rosenthal, a native of Queens, New York, and raised in Rockland County, is a renowned figure in the entertainment industry. With a passion for both food and travel, he has left an indelible mark as the creator and host of the critically acclaimed unscripted documentary series, “Somebody Feed Phil,” available on Netflix. Combining his love for gastronomy and exploration with his distinctive sense of humor, Rosenthal takes viewers on a delightful journey through various culinary landscapes.

Rosenthal’s creative journey began after graduating from Hofstra University on Long Island, where he pursued a theater major. He ventured into the realms of acting, writing, and directing, showcasing his versatility in the field. In 1996, he struck gold by creating the immensely popular CBS comedy series, “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Throughout its nine-year run, Rosenthal served as the Showrunner and Executive Producer, contributing to its phenomenal success until its conclusion in 2005.

The remarkable achievements of “Everybody Loves Raymond” garnered more than seventy Emmy Award nominations, with a total of fifteen wins, including two for Best Comedy Series in 2003 and 2005. Rosenthal’s exceptional talents extended beyond television as he wrote, directed, and starred in his debut feature film, “Exporting Raymond,” released in April 2011. This captivating movie chronicles the true story of the ambitious endeavor to adapt “Everybody Loves Raymond” into a Russian sitcom, earning Rosenthal critical acclaim.

In 2015, Rosenthal introduced his first travel food series, “I’ll Have What Phil’s Having,” which premiered on PBS. The show received recognition through two Taste Awards and the prestigious 2016 James Beard Award for Best Television Program, on Location. Through his charismatic presence and genuine enthusiasm, Rosenthal continues to captivate audiences as he explores the world’s diverse culinary offerings.

Lily Rosenthal has made a name for herself as a passionate food enthusiast, captivating audiences through platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Having graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Lily embarked on a journey encompassing acting, influencing, and establishing her presence in the vibrant food scene of Los Angeles. Collaborating with restaurants and brands, she has actively engaged with her audience and fostered relationships within the industry.

During her leisure time, Lily’s creativity flourished, leading her to conceive the idea for Liv a Lil, a nonprofit organization that fosters cultural collaborations among Los Angeles restaurants. Through these partnerships, the proceeds are directed toward charitable organizations chosen by the participating chefs. This initiative showcases Lily’s commitment to giving back to the community and her passion for the culinary world.

Lily attributes her love for travel and genuine excitement towards food to her father, Phil, who instilled in her a fundamental family rule: “Just try it.” Inspired by his adventurous spirit, Lily has embraced new flavors and culinary experiences, shaping her unique perspective on food exploration.

Lily’s talents extend beyond her online presence. Audiences can catch glimpses of her in the new film “Rushed” and on Amazon’s series “Goliath.” Additionally, she has been featured in notable shows such as “Somebody Feed Phil” and the “Air Jordan” podcast, further solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the food and entertainment industry.

Continuing to expand her creative endeavors, Lily is currently working on developing her food-centered podcast, which promises to deliver delightful and insightful discussions surrounding the culinary world. With her multifaceted talents and unwavering passion for food, Lily Rosenthal continues to leave her mark and inspire others in the realm of gastronomy.

While Phil Rosenthal embraces the philosophy of expanding his palate by trying every type of food at least once, his daughter Lily takes a more modest approach to her diet. Lily finds contentment in a simpler culinary repertoire, consisting primarily of bread and pasta without sauce. She has developed a preference for these familiar flavors and is satisfied with her current choices, opting for a more straightforward dining experience.

During a food truck festival outing, Phil attempts to expose Lil to various delectable cuisines, but she remains uninterested. However, an unforeseen mustard mishap alters the course of their day.

Luke Flowers is a highly accomplished illustrator, having lent his artistic talents to over fifty children’s books. His exceptional work includes illustrations for renowned titles such as the New York Times bestseller “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers” and Disney’s “The Muppet Christmas Carol: The Illustrated Holiday Classic.” Furthermore, Luke has established himself as both the author and illustrator of the immensely popular Moby Shinobi series, which has garnered an impressive sales record of over one million copies.

When Luke is not immersed in his creative endeavors, he finds joy in a variety of hobbies and activities. He is passionate about puppetry, showcasing his talent for bringing characters to life. Luke also finds solace in playing the banjo, a skill that adds a harmonious touch to his life. Additionally, he actively engages in basketball and embraces outdoor adventures with his family, fostering memorable experiences and a deep appreciation for nature.

Luke resides in Colorado Springs, where he shares his life with his wife and three children. Together, they form a close-knit family unit, cherishing moments of creativity, exploration, and togetherness in their picturesque surroundings.

The book, spanning 40 pages, will be available for purchase on March 5, 2024, and can be pre-ordered for $18.99.