Lin, Grace and Ranida T. McKneally. Our Food: A Healthy Serving of Science and Poems. Grace Zong, Illus. Non-fiction. Charlesbridge, 06/2016. $16.95. 978-1-58089-590-3. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 1-4.
In this cheerfully informative book, each spread has a whimsical haiku and a question such as, “What makes popcorn pop?” followed by answers and engaging explanations. Zong’s acrylic illustrations show a multiethnic group of energetic children exploring and trying various foods as they visit a farm with a female farmer. The text conveys useful information about the science of plants and nutrition, fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals in a playful and light-hearted way with encouragement to make healthy choices (e.g., whole grains) but without the hectoring that so often accompanies nutritional advice. This book will feed the curiosity of kids and help them learn how to feed themselves in a healthy way.
Jennifer Vetter, Univ. of Illinois Urbana, Student