Books for raising a sustainable eater
Here are a few books to get your children thinking about our food system.
“The Good Garden: How One Family Went from Hunger to Having Enough” Author: Katie Smith Milway Year: 2010 From the publisher: “From the best-selling author of One Hen comes the inspiring story of one struggling farming family in Honduras and their journey to growing enough food to meet their needs. Based on the real story of farm transformation underway in Honduras and many other countries, this book offers children ways they can be part of the movement to grow ‘good gardens’ and foster food security.
“Eleven-year-old María Luz and her family live on a small farm. This year their crop is poor, and they may not have enough to eat or to sell for other essentials, such as health care, school uniforms and books.
“When María’s father must leave home to find work, she is left in charge of their garden. Then a new teacher comes to María’s school and introduces her to sustainable farming practices that yield good crops. As María begins to use the same methods at home, she too sees improvements, which allow her family to edge their way out of the grip of the greedy coyotes — the middlemen who make profits on the backs of poor farmers. Little by little, the farms — and the hopes — of María and her neighbors are transformed as good gardens begin to grow.”
Website: http://www. thegoodgarden.org Where to purchase: Amazon Cost (on Amazon): $16.26
“Grow Your Own!” Author: Esther Hall Year: 2011 From the publisher: “Sidney and his mum live a busy life in a busy city. Dinner time is announced by the PING of the microwave, comes out of piping-hot boxes, and is eaten off knees. The closest Sidney ever comes to a vegetable is the mushroom on his pizza ... and he usually picks that off. But when Sidney goes to visit Granny in the countryside, eating his greens suddenly gets a whole lot more interesting!”
Website: https://www. panmacmillan.com/authors/esther-hall/growyour-own!
Where to purchase: Amazon, Pan Macmillan
Cost (on Amazon): $9.99
“How Did That Get in My Lunchbox?”
Author: Christine Butterworth Year: 2013 From the publisher: “One of the best parts of a young child’s day is opening a lunchbox and diving in. But how did that delicious food get there? From planting wheat to mixing dough, climbing trees to machine-squeezing fruit, picking cocoa pods to stirring a vat of melted bliss, here is a clear, engaging look at the steps involved in producing some common foods. Health tips and a peek at basic food groups complete the menu.”
Website: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/209357/ how-did-that-get-in-mylunchbox-by-chris-butterworth/9780763665036/
Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Penguin Random House Cost (on Amazon): $4.92
“Molly’s Organic Farm” Author: Carol L. Malnor Year: 2012 From the publisher: “Whoosh ... the wind blows open a creaky gate. Inquisitive and mischievous, a homeless little cat scampers through—and suddenly finds herself in the wondrous world of an organic farm! Affectionately named “Molly” by the farmers who discover her, she romps, naps, and hunts among the vegetables. Seen through Molly’s eyes, the reader discovers the interplay of nature that grows wholesome food. But what will happen to Molly when winter comes? Based on a true story, Molly will touch children’s hearts while introducing them to plants and the key elements of growing food organically. Standards-based science concepts and activities at the end of the book expand the message of the story.”
Website: https://dawnpub.com/our-books/mollys-organic-farm/ Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Dawn Publications Cost (on Amazon): $8.95
“Sylvia’s Spinach” Author: Katherine Pryor Year: 2012 From the publisher: “Sylvia Spivens always says no to spinach. But one day Sylvia’s teacher gives her a packet of spinach seeds to plant for the school garden. Overcoming her initial reluctance and giving the seeds a little love and patience, Sylvia discovers the joy of growing food and the pleasure of tasting something new.
“Parents will identify with the challenge of feeding healthy food to a picky eater during family dinner. Educators will understand the magic and rewards of school gardens. Best of all, young readers will celebrate Sylvia’s strong will, curiosity, and, maybe, her love of spinach.”
Website: http://www.katherinepryor.com/sylvia-s-spinach.html
Where to purchase: Amazon
Cost (on Amazon): $15.06
“The Omnivore’s Dilemma: Young Reader’s Edition”
Author: Michael Pollan Year: 2015 From the publisher: “‘What’s for dinner?’ seemed like a simple question — until journalist and supermarket detective Michael Pollan delved behind the scenes. From fast food and big organic to small farms and old-fashioned hunting and gathering, this young readers’ adaptation of Pollan’s famous food-chain exploration encourages kids to consider the personal and global health implications of their food choices.
“In a smart, compelling format with updated facts, plenty of photos, graphs, and visuals, as well as a new afterword and back-matter, ‘The Omnivore’s Dilemma’ serves up a bold message to the generation that needs it most: It’s time to take charge of our national eating habits — and it starts with you.”
Website: http://michaelpollan.com/books/the-omnivores-dilemmayoung-readers-edition/
Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Cost (on Amazon): $18.73
“To Market, To Market”
Author: Nikki McClure Year: 2011 From the publisher: “Known for art that celebrates the virtues of community, hard work, and living gently on the planet, Nikki McClure here explores a topic close to her heart: the farmers market. Alternating between story and fact, this lovingly crafted picture book follows a mother and son to the weekly market. As they check off items on their shopping list, the reader learns how each particular food was grown or produced, from its earliest stages to how it ended up at the market. To Market, to Market is a timely book that shines awareness on the skill that goes into making good food.”
Website: https://www. amazon.com/Market-Nikki-McClure/dp/081099738X
Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Buy Olympia, Powell’s
Cost (on Amazon): $16.55
CHARLES PLATKIN, PhD is a nutrition and public health advocate and founder of DietDetective.com, and the Director of the Hunter College New York City Food Policy Center Copyright 2017 by Charles Platkin. All rights reserved. Sign up for the free Diet Detective newsletter at www.DietDetective.com.