One of the best ways that you can help your children learn about food and nutrition is through books.
And especially for fussy eaters, this way is perfect for hearing important messages about eating without there being any expectation for them to try new food or eat certain things.
And in the lead up to Christmas I've been working with my friend school teacher in Canada, Lila Lam about the best books for teaching young children about food.
Here are our recommendations:
I Will, Not Ever, Never Eat a Tomato by Lauren Child, for ages 3-5 years, tells the story of Lola, a picky eater who determinedly tells her brother Charlie a long list of foods she will never eat.
Oliver’s Vegetables by Vivian French, we find that Oliver’s favourite foods are chips alone and refuses to eat other vegetables.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, for ages 2 – 5 years, is a firm favourite for showing the benefits of a clean green leaf!
The Incredible Hotel by Kate Davies, for ages 4-7 years, follows Stefan the porter as he becomes a chef.
The Viking who liked Icing by Lu Fraser, for ages 4 -7 years, tells the story of Nut, who longs to follow his dream of being a baker!
When Cucumber Lost his Cool by Michelle Robinson and Tom Knight, for ages 4 –7 years, shows all the featured vegetables having human qualities with red pepper fearing he’s not as cool as Kevin the Cucumber.
The Runaway Pea by Kjartan Poskitt, for readers aged 3-5 years. All about the character of an adventurous pea who wants to see more of the world!
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss, for children aged 3-7 years, uses nonsense and repetition to entertain the story of Sam I am and Guy, who refuses to eat green eggs.
Handa’s Surprise by Eileen Brown for children aged 3-7 years. This beautifully illustrated picture book, about a young girl in Kenya taking fruits to her friend.
Oliver’s Fruit Salad by Vivian French, for children aged 4-7 years. Sequel to Oliver’s Vegetables, this one is all about fruit!
Information provided by Michelle Lok, International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)