What better resolution to make in 2012 than to pry your youngsters away from the television and video games and place a book in their hands? There is nothing like settling into a quiet nook with a child and sharing a good read.
Speaking of good reads, the 2012 American Library Association (ALA) awards were announced on Jan. 23, bestowing high praise on books for children and teens. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the ALA awards are recognized worldwide as the gold standard for quality in children’s literature.
This year’s winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award is Tales for Very Picky Eaters, written and illustrated by Josh Schneider. If your munchkin thinks peas are gross and raisins look like bugs, then this delicious tale of a patient dad and his finicky little boy, James, is for you!
James won’t eat his broccoli, but he’s hungry. “What else is there?” he asks. His dad tries to whet James’ appetite with some of the finest dirt, walked on by French chefs; gum that has been pre-chewed by children with very clean teeth; lumpy oatmeal that grows so big it eats the dog, and even a “very sweaty sock, soaked in sweat sweated by the world’s fastest and tastiest runner, who was fed nothing but apples and cinnamon for three months before running a marathon in this very sock.” Schneider’s colorful illustrations playfully depict each exotic dish, which is hilariously described by James’ dad. Tales for Very Picky Eaters is a very fun and funny look at what is often a source of tense dissension at many a dinner table, and will make a delightful additional to any child’s reading menu!
“What Kids are Reading” is a regular feature in the Sun, highlighting children’s books available for young readers in Santa Maria. This week’s recommendations are made by writer, educator, and grandmother Ariel Waterman, who always ate all of her peas.
This article appears in Jan 26 – Feb 2, 2012.
