There isn’t a parent I know who, at one point or another, found it challenging to get their child to eat their vegetables. For some of us, it’s a battle that ends with a bribe, covert missions that involve extra cheesy broccoli, blended carrots mixed in pasta sauce, or a simple “If you don’t eat then (fill in the blank).”
Between the ages of one and two, my daughters did quite well with their veggies; it was after two that they turned their noses up to anything green or orange. I was then given an idea by a nurse who told me to read books about vegetables. Talk about genius! I went to my local library and found several books that had fruit and vegetables as the main characters. I hope you enjoy these picks as much as my daughters and their friends.
Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Jen Corace – Little Pea is like many of our children. He likes to play, enjoys his family, and hates what he has to eat for dinner. To get dessert, he has to finish every single bite. If you are looking to bring some humor to reading, this adorable book is perfect.
I Do Not Like Greens! by Paul Orshoski – In this book, a little girl explores the contrast between her dad forcing her to eat healthily while her dog eats junk food.
The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli – A crocodile faces his biggest fear when he swallows a watermelon seed. This comic and straightforward book is perfect for reading at bedtime, just short enough to hold a little one’s attention and cute enough to be read more than once.
Veggies With Wedgies by Todd H. Doodler – What can be funnier than seeing veggies in underwear. This book is excellent for kids who are being potty-trained. It focuses more on veggies who get wedgies and not actually eating vegetables, but nonetheless, the book has been a hit amongst the boys.
Fruits in Suits by Jared Chapman – This book is similar to “Veggies with Wedgies” in that it is a silly book about vegetables wearing some sort of clothing. The characters are definitely random, and the book is indeed unique. If you are looking for a book that is just for fun, this book may work for you.
These books were the first step in getting my daughters to enjoy vegetables again. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did.
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