This article originally appeared in the November-December 2006 issue of the Children's Advocate, published by Action Alliance for Children.

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Talking about food

These books can help grown-ups and kids start conversations about what foods are good to eat and why

By Ben Peterson

Surrounded by sweets and junk food, spending more time sitting in front of a screen, many of today’s children are at risk for obesity and diabetes. Teaching children to enjoy a healthy diet is a task that goes beyond the dinner table. These entertaining, imaginative stories can open up discussion and even mouths to healthy foods that children often avoid.

Little Pea, story by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrations by Jen Corace. Little Pea doesn’t like candy. Unfortunately, in this story, when you are a pea, candy helps you grow big and strong—you must eat it to get dessert. Little Pea hates it, but he eats five pieces and is rewarded with his favorite dessert, spinach. Children will revel in this imaginary world where candy is dinner, and parents will commend the Little Pea for eating it. Ages four to six. (Chronicle Books, 2005)

Gregory, the Terrible Eater, story by Mitchell Sharmat, illustrations by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey. Gregory, a goat, is a terribly picky eater. He wants only fruits, vegetables, eggs, fish, bread, and butter. Gregory’s parents, worried that he won’t eat newspaper, rugs, boxes, and bottle caps, strike a deal: He can eat pasta, but only with a shoelace. He can have soup, but only with the can. Soon Greg-ory is eating everything —and it’s too much! After suffering because he ate an entire junkyard meal, Gregory finally learns to eat right. Parents can use this comical story to discuss with their children the types and amounts of food that are healthy for them. Ages five to seven. (Scholastic, 1980)

I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato, story and illustrations by Lauren Child. Charlie’s little sister, Lola, is a very fussy eater. She believes carrots are for rabbits and peas are too small and green. She positively hates tomatoes. So for dinner one night, instead of carrots, Charlie offers Lola “orange twiglets from Jupiter.” Intri-gued, Lola tries them and en-joys them. She also likes the “green drops from Green-land” (peas). To Charlie’s amazement, “moon squirters” end up being Lola’s favorite. This funny story will make children smile and give their parents a helpful hint. Ages five to seven. (Candlewick Press, 2000)

Sweet Tooth, story by Margie Palatini, illustrations by Jack E. Davis. Stewart is plagued by his demanding sweet tooth. When the sweet tooth loudly insists on being fed candy, cake, and sweets, people punish Stewart. Finally Stewart decides to fight back with peas, broccoli, and toothpaste. The tooth temporarily behaves. When it revolts again, Stewart deals it a fatal carrot blow. Parents and children who share Stewart’s difficult battle with a sweet tooth will enjoy Davis’ and Palantini’s wonderfully obnoxious depictions of this enemy. Ages five to seven. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2004)

Salad People and More Real Recipes, recipes and illustrations by Mollie Katzen. Katzen, a veteran author of cookbooks for children and adults, bills this book a “New Cookbook for Preschoolers & Up.” The collection includes child-friendly recipes and easy-to-follow instructions for creative, vegetarian dishes for kids. Parents can use this cookbook to help spur healthy eating habits by involving children in the creation of healthy, fun meals. Ages four to eight. (Tricycle Press, 2005)

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