Did you know that M&M's were originally invented for the military? Did you know that battles were fought over cinnamon? Tanya Steel and National Geographic Kids have put together a fun book that teaches kids not only about food, but a bit of world history, geography and culture at the same time. The book is … Continue reading Food Fight!
A Ticket Around the World
Encouraging kids to travel and be aware of the larger world around them is a really important thing. Natalie Diaz and Melissa Owens did a fabulous job introducing kids to 12 different countries plus the United States in their book A Ticket Around the World. We've had this book sitting on our shelves for a … Continue reading A Ticket Around the World
Fun Books for Food Literacy
We live in a society where so many kids have no idea where their food comes from. Where the thought that fruits and vegetables have seasons that we are supposed to eat them in is foreign. That there are industries at play that manipulate our taste buds and all of our senses to get us … Continue reading Fun Books for Food Literacy
Hiromi’s Hands – A Glimpse into the World of the Sushi Chef
In Japanese culture, sushi is a way of life. In large cities in America, sushi is a wonderful delicacy best experienced in a good restaurant. But if you visit most sushi restaurants, you will notice something - the vast majority of the sushi chefs are male. This stems from the fact that not only were … Continue reading Hiromi’s Hands – A Glimpse into the World of the Sushi Chef
Serving Up Soup from a Stone
Over the years, many have told the story of Stone Soup in which hungry strangers trick a town into feeding them by making soup from a stone. As with many folk tales, the story changes with each retelling, but the backbone stays the same. A hungry stranger, or two, enters a town. When the locals … Continue reading Serving Up Soup from a Stone
The Bake Shop Ghost
This is the time of year of giving and of bestowing acts of love and kindness on those around us. I recently discovered The Bake Shop Ghost, by Jacqueline K. Ogburn. This delicious book reminds us that it is the little acts that can often mean the most. Miss Cora Lee Merriweather ran the best … Continue reading The Bake Shop Ghost
A Culinary Adventure with All Four Stars
It is wonderful when a book can encourage a child to see outside of their personal bubble. In the charming series, All Four Stars, by Tara Dairman, J's eyes were opened to a variety of foods and ingredients that she had never come across. At 9, she has started to be more willing to expand … Continue reading A Culinary Adventure with All Four Stars
The Courage to Try Something New – The Sandwich Swap
We read picture books to better understand the world around us. We read picture books to teach lessons in an enjoyable way. Sometimes picture books can help encourage children to change their behaviors, try new things, consider things in a different way. The Sandwich Swap, by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah is one of … Continue reading The Courage to Try Something New – The Sandwich Swap
Feeding the minds of future foodies
Teaching children about nutritious food and where it comes from can be incredibly challenging. The goal is to make it fun. Thankfully, there are now a wide variety of resources to help share the story of how our food gets to us and how to make healthy choices. In Chris Butterworth's “How Did That Get … Continue reading Feeding the minds of future foodies
Turning Shabbat into a Group Event
Shabbat is a special part of the Jewish religion, similar to the Christian tradition of going to church on Sundays. Historically, Jews were expected to fully make it a day of rest to separate it from the normal work week. This means that no work should be done from sundown on Friday night to sundown … Continue reading Turning Shabbat into a Group Event