Children who read a positive book about an unfamiliar turnip-like vegetable, kohirabi, were more likely to try the vegetable than children who read neutral or negative books about the same vegetable, according to a 2002 study published in the "Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior." Reading books to your child about nutrition and healthy eating helps you bond with your child while introducing him to new foods and the reasons for choosing healthy foods.
"Gregory, the Terrible Eater"
An anomaly in his goat family, Gregory only wants to eat vegetables, fruits, meats and healthy orange juice. His mother and father scold Gregory and send for the family doctor. The doctor visits Gregory and declares that he must try to like the standard goat fare of tires, neckties, paper plates and metal. Mitchell Sharmat, author of the book, twists the standard nutrition message for children by using the odd eating habits of a goat in contrast to the healthy food of humans. When you read this book to your child, explain to her how she too should try foods she does not think she likes, because as Gregory discovered, she might just be surprised.
"Oh the Things You Can Do That Are Good for You"
The Cat in the Hat is back in this delightful children's book about healthy living. Appropriate as a read-aloud to young children, or a reader for the second- to fourth-grade child, this book, by author Tish Rabe, uses entertaining fantasy characters and catchy rhyming phrases to teach your child why lean meats, fish and foods low in fat are good for him. Rabe explains why breakfast is important to your child, and what food groups get him ready for the day. The book even mentions tofu and reminds your child to drink enough water.
"The Monster Health Book"
The giant green monster wants to eat healthy, and your child will enjoy following him on his journey to learn about the different food groups and how to put together healthy meals. Focused mainly on healthy eating, author Edward Miller delves into complex nutrition concepts such as monounsaturated fats and touches on eating disorders. Miller's monster learns how to pack a healthy lunch and discovers that taking time to eat a healthy, relaxing dinner at home is more fun than eating at a restaurant. The book includes information boxes on most pages that are filled with tips for parents and interesting trivia about food. (See Reference 4)
"The Edible Pyramid"
"The Edible Pyramid," revised in 2007 by author Loreen Leedy, takes on the task of explaining the basics of the U.S. Department of Agriculture food pyramid. The animal patrons of a fancy restaurant, appropriately called the Edible Pyramid Restaurant, receive a lesson in nutrition from the sophisticated French feline headwaiter. The stylized illustrations go hand in hand with the cat's explanation of how to selected a nutritionally balanced meal. The short text is a good length to keep your young child's attention and affords you the opportunity to discuss the importance of eating a balanced diet for each meal of the day.
References
- ScienceDirect: Preschool Children's Acceptance of a Novel Vegetable Following Exposure to Messages in a Storybook; Elena Byrne, et al.; July -- August 2002
- "Gregory, the Terrible Eater"; Mitchell Sharmat; 1989
- "Oh the Things You Can Do That Are Good for You"; Tish Rabe; 2001
- "The Monster Health Book"; Edward Miller; 2008
- "The Edible Pyramid"; Loreen Leedy; 2007
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