Father & Daughter Enjoying Success of 'Just Try It!' Series, With Latest Book Subtitled 'Someplace New!', Two Dates Set in Charleston

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

Father and daughter duo Phil and Lily Rosenthal return with a follow up to their 2024 best selling children's book 'Just Try It!', appropriately subtitled 'Someplace New!'. Their subsequent book tour in conjunction with the latest books release will bring them to Charleston on March 11th and 12th. 

Fans of Phil might recognize him for his TV work, as he is one of Hollywood's most renowned producers, having created the series 'Everybody Loves Raymond' and his Netflix travelling food show 'Somebody Feed Phil'. Having grown up in a creative household Lily is an actor, producer, influencer, and shares the same passion for food like her father.

While their first book is a humorous, autobiographical tale based on their real-life father-daughter dynamic, encouraging picky eaters to broaden their horizons, the second outing 'Just Try It!: Someplace New!' follows young Lil as her dad encourages her to face the anxiety of staying at her Grandma’s house for the first time.

Lily admits, the initial idea to write the books came from her. "In my dad's videos for 'Somebody Feel Phil' he's very animated. Kind of like Mickey Mouse. He's a larger than life character, and often people like to imitate him, especially younger fans." She adds, "So I said to him why don't you write a kids book, and he came back to me and said that's a great idea, but I'll only do it if you do it with me."

For his part, Phil is happy to be working alongside his daughter. "She's very creative. It's just fun sharing these special moments with her." Lily has the same admiration for her dad. "Honestly, it's a dream come true. I think when I'm older, I'll look bac with fond memories on our time writing the books together."

Phil says he relates to the subject matter in the first book, more akin to a rule. “You just have to try everything once, and then if you don’t like it, that’s fine. At least that way you know." He's a well known foodie. "I can't help it. I love food and I love going out to eat. When our kids were young we'd have them in strollers and take them everywhere. I did my best to introduce them to the world of food." 

And although the first book deals with a fear of trying new foods, Phil is proud to say that wasn't the case with his daughter. "Lily had very fancy tastes at a young age. She ate what I would call 'grown up' food almost all the time."

'Just Try It!: Someplace New!' follows the same pattern, however this time young Lil is nervous about travelling to spend the night at grandma's house for the first time. Stepping outside your comfort zone is the theme in both books says Lily. "Absolutely. I describe them as mini self help books. Kids often experience the fear of the unknown. In some small way we want to help them overcome those fears."

Phil adds, "And the books are done with love and humor, which makes it relatable for kids and parents." According to Phil, the success of the first book, which prompted the second release, has now become a series. "We've signed a book deal."

There are infinite ideas to write about says Lily. "Absolutely. There are endless first time moments in life." Phil agrees. "There is the first time you fly on a plane, or maybe the first time you have a new baby brother or sister. I don't think we'll have any problem coming up with ideas for books."

With the two are enjoying their shared accomplishments, the Rosenthal family are basking in the glow of Phil's latest venture. In the fall of 2025 he opened 'Max & Helen's', what can best be described as a throwback diner at 127 N Larchmont Blvd, in Los Angeles. 

The name is a tribute to Phil's parents. The 40-seat LA diner serves elevated, high-quality comfort food focusing on community. The diner is a partnership with renowned LA chef Nancy Silverton, with Lily heavily involved, as is her husband Mason Royal who is the head chef. "It's definitely a family affair' says Phil.

Early reviews have been favorable, with some saying the no reservations eatery often has people waiting for several hours. However, Lily says now that the newness has worn off, getting in isn't as hard. "If you come on the weekend, like 10am on a Saturday, you might have a long wait. But the weekdays, especially during the off hours have become easier to get in without a long wait time. And people are coming in because the food is really good." Both father and daughter agree there's nothing like it in Los Angeles.  Open 8am until 8pm, Max & Helen's serves up breakfast all day, with their lunch and dinner menu beginning at 11am daily.

Lowcountry fans will have an opportunity to meet and hear the Rosenthal's read their new book as Buxton Books and the Charleston Library Society present Storytime With Phil & Lily Rosenthal 4pm Wednesday March 11th at 164 King Street. They invite young readers and their families to take part.

When they hit the stage at the Charleston Library Society, Phil and Lily will be reading Just Try It! Someplace New! aloud for a kid-centric event, exploring all the scary and exciting things about sleeping over someplace new. After the reading, get in line to say hi and get a family photo with Phil and Lily! For tickets and more info visit https://buxtonbooks.com/events/4577120260311

If you can't make Wednesday than you can catch Phil & Lily when Buxton Books presents 'An Evening with Phil & Lily Rosenthal celebrating Just Try It! Someplace New!' on Thursday March 12th at the Circular Congregational Church 150 Meeting Street. Event kicks off at 6pm. For more visit https://www.circularchurch.org/content.cfm?pagecontent=calendarinclude.cfm&event_id=54134046&mm=3&dd=12&yy=2026

If you've never been to a circular church, a bookstore, a live children's book reading, or met the Rosenthal's, than I encourage you to 'just try it!' for the first time (pun intended). The events benefit the Charleston Library Society's Book Drop, an initiative aimed at increasing early childhood literacy (birth to age five) in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties by improving access to books for children in underserved areas.