In today’s world, understanding nutrition is essential for fostering healthy habits in children, especially those with unique needs. These resources provide valuable insights and practical strategies for parents, teachers, and caregivers, ensuring that every child receives the support they need for optimal growth and development.
Nutrition and Handicapped Children: A Handbook for Parents and Teachers
State of Florida Department of Education ©1988 Nancy S. Wellman
This comprehensive handbook offers valuable insights and practical information for parents and teachers about the common nutritional challenges faced by developmentally delayed children and infants. It serves as a useful resource to better support their dietary needs.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Parents, Teachers, Health Clinics, Nutritionists
FORMAT: 46-Page Book
The Nutrition Idea Book
©1997 Patricia Britten, Editor
The Nutrition Idea Book is a helpful resource designed to enhance nutrition education efforts. It provides strategies to locate and refine existing materials and methods that have proven effective, allowing educators to build on successful practices rather than starting from scratch.
AUDIENCE: Teachers, Elderly Clinics, Professionals
FORMAT: 298-Page Book
Nutrition in the Basics: An Integrated Nutrition Education Curriculum
New Mexico Department of Health ©1997 Donna Lockner
This curriculum, tailored for grades K through 5, seamlessly integrates nutrition education with various subjects, including language arts, math, science, social studies, art, and music. Each lesson reinforces a specific skill within these disciplines while conveying essential nutrition messages, ensuring a holistic approach to learning.
AUDIENCE: Elementary Educators
FORMAT: Manual/Curriculum
The Paper Crane
William Morrow & Company ©1985 Molly Bang
In this enchanting tale, a mysterious man enters a restaurant and pays for his meal using a paper crane. To everyone’s surprise, the crane magically comes to life and begins to dance, captivating the patrons.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 32-Page Book
Peanut Butter and Jelly: A Play Rhyme
Dutton Children’s Books ©1987 Nadine Bernard Westcott (Illustrator)
Join two children and their lively companions—a pair of elephants and a baker—as they work together to create a giant sandwich from scratch. This delightful play rhyme invites young readers to participate in the fun!
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 24-Page Book
Pizza Party
Cartwheel Books ©1994 Grace Maccarone
This energetic, rhyming book follows a group of kids as they throw a pizza-making party. With vibrant illustrations from a 1993 Caldecott winner, the simple and humorous text is sure to be a hit with beginning readers.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Lower Elementary Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 29-Page Book
Please Pass Up the Salt
Sandridge Publishing ©1995 Lucy M. Williams
When Congo the elephant overindulges in salt and gets sick, his friends step in to help him make healthier snack choices. This engaging short story is complemented by a CD-ROM designed to teach children about low-salt foods and nutritious options.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary (Ages 4-8), Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 40-Page Short Story with CD-ROM
Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes: A Cookbook for Preschoolers & Up
Tricycle Press ©1994 Mollie Katzen
This delightful cookbook empowers young children to cook with minimal assistance from adults. Each recipe is presented twice: first in a standard format with helpful hints and safety tips, and again as a pictorial version for kids. All recipes have been tested for kid-friendliness.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Preschool Teachers, Parents, Early Elementary Students
FORMAT: 95-Page Book
Preventing Childhood Eating Problems
Gurze Books ©1993 Jane R. Hirschmann
This insightful book offers a relaxed, common-sense approach to promoting healthy eating habits among children of all ages. The authors argue that children will naturally self-regulate their eating when rigid rules are absent. It also addresses common parental concerns regarding children’s eating habits, peer pressure, body image, and more.
AUDIENCE: Parents, General Adults, Child Care Providers/Sponsors
FORMAT: 160-Page Book
Pyramid Builders
National Food Service Management Institute ©1993 Anita Ellis
This extensive 350-page manual features activities designed for grades K-2, 3-4, and 5-6, focusing on essential nutrition topics such as variety, balance, and healthy choices. The manual also includes resources for teachers and food service personnel, as well as recipes for tasting parties.
AUDIENCE: Elementary Educators, Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Food Service Personnel, After School Programs
FORMAT: 350-Page Manual
Pyramid Explorer: Nutrition Adventures
Oregon Dairy Council ©1997
An interactive CD-ROM designed to educate students about nutrition in a fun way. This easy-to-use program features engaging games and lesson plans that enhance understanding of nutrition concepts while promoting cooperative learning.
AUDIENCE: Upper Elementary, Middle School
FORMAT: System Requirements: Macintosh Teacher Resource Package
Pyramid Pursuit: Nutrition Curriculum for Grades 4-6
University of Mississippi, NFSMI ©1994 Anita F. Ellis
This comprehensive nutrition curriculum for grades 4-6 is based on the Food Guide Pyramid. It includes a variety of activities focused on nutrition themes such as variety, balance, and healthy choices, along with teacher resources and ideas for tasting parties.
AUDIENCE: Elementary Educators, Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Latch Key Programs, Food Service Personnel
FORMAT: Teacher and Classroom Resources
Red Riding Hood and the Well-Fed Wolf
SVE & Churchill Media ©1993
Experience the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood with a delightful twist! In this version, the not-so-friendly wolf, dressed in Grandma’s clothes, eagerly anticipates a meal of succulent Red Riding Hood. However, Red and her animated, talking foods have other ideas about what makes a delicious meal. This engaging video takes viewers on a fun adventure into the world of nutrition, all while incorporating the Food Guide Pyramid.
AUDIENCE: Elementary Students, After School Programs, Health Clinics
FORMAT: 15-Minute Video with Teacher’s Guide
The Science Chef: 100 Fun Food Experiments and Recipes for Kids
John Wiley & Sons, Inc ©1995 Joan D’Amico
Curious about why onions make you cry or how yeast makes bread rise? This engaging book helps young chefs uncover the scientific mysteries behind cooking through 100 entertaining experiments and recipes. Each project not only teaches basic science concepts but also results in delicious treats to enjoy! All experiments require only common ingredients and standard kitchen tools.
AUDIENCE: Elementary Students
FORMAT: 180P. Book
The Science Chef Travels Around the World: Fun Food Experiments and Recipes for Kids
John Wiley & Sons, Inc ©1996 Joan D’Amico
This educational and entertaining book features 14 countries, each with fascinating facts, a related food experiment, and recipes for a complete meal. Kids will learn scientific concepts like viscosity through honey experiments (Egypt) and osmosis by soaking cucumbers in vinegar (France). With over 60 kid-tested recipes and experiments, everything can be done with easily accessible ingredients and standard kitchen equipment.
AUDIENCE: Elementary Students
FORMAT: 177P. Book
Search for the Treasures of the Pyramid
Noteworthy Creations, Inc ©1994 Barbara J. Mayfield
Join the Kid’s Club Cubs and their friend Picky Piggy on an exciting quest to discover the treasures of the Pyramid! This beautifully illustrated story teaches children about healthful and less healthful foods, food groups, and the nutrients they provide. Interactive elements invite reader participation and include a puzzle for creating their own Food Guide Pyramid, a cassette tape of the story, and 11 original songs. The book also offers activity ideas for parents and teachers, along with song lyrics and camera-ready artwork of the Food Guide Pyramid.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Lower Elementary, Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 34P. Story Book, Cassette Tape, Puzzle
The Shape of Good Nutrition
Providers Press ©1993 Lynnrae Francis
Join B. Smart and friends in this delightful book as they explore how to make wise food choices.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary, Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 20P. Book
Sheep Out to Eat
Houghton Mifflin Company ©1992 Nancy Shaw
Follow five hungry sheep as they discover that a tea shop may not be the best dining option for them.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary, Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 32P. Book
Show The Way To Five A Day: A Nutrition Resource Guide for Vermont Elementary School Teachers
Vermont Department of Health ©1993 Julie Royer Wick
This resource guide outlines a successful program initiated by the Vermont Department of Health, aimed at enhancing school children’s knowledge about consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. It captivates the imaginations of both teachers and students.
AUDIENCE: Elementary Students, Parents, Food Service Personnel, Community
FORMAT: 40-PAGE Resource Guide
Stone Soup
Dial Books for Young Readers ©1987 Tony Ross
When hungry soldiers arrive in a town where the food is hidden, they set out to make soup using just water and stones. This delightful retelling of the classic folktale features fun text and comical illustrations.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Parents, Early Elementary, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 28P. Book
Stone Soup
Scholastic Book Services ©1968 Ann McGovern
This charming tale follows an old woman and a clever vagabond who believes he can make soup from just a stone.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary, Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 40P. Book
The Stories Julian Tells
Random House, Inc ©1981 Ann Cameron
Julian, the imaginative storyteller, can make anyone believe his tales—especially his younger brother, Huey. However, some stories lead to trouble, and that’s where Julian and Huey often find themselves!
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary, Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 71P. Book
Story Stretchers for the Primary Grades: Activities to Expand Children’s Favorite Books
Gryphon House, Inc ©1992 Shirley C. Raines
This teacher-favorite whole language curriculum now features 450 fresh teaching ideas for grades 1-3. Each of the 90 beloved children’s books serves as a springboard for five cross-curricular activities, including writing center ideas.
AUDIENCE: Elementary Students
FORMAT: 256P. Book
Strega Nona
Simon & Schuster ©1975 Tomie DePaola
When Strega Nona leaves Big Anthony alone with her magical pasta pot, he is determined to show the townspeople how it works.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary, Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 32P. Book
The Taming of the C.A.N.D.Y. Monster: Continuously Advertised Nutritionally Deficient Yummies!
The Book Peddlers ©1988 Vicki Lansky
Discover how to improve nutrition and get better value at the supermarket with this engaging guide! Packed with practical tips for eating while traveling, microwave magic, babysitter-friendly recipes, and options for children with milk intolerance, this book covers it all.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Parents
FORMAT: 136P. Book
A Taste of Africa
Ten Speed Press ©1993 Dorinda Hafner
Explore the rich culinary traditions of Africa with this collection of over 100 authentic recipes. Beginning with “Groundnut (peanut) soup with Fowl and Fufu” from the author’s native Ghana, the book features dishes from 16 different countries. Each section includes a map and vital statistics about the country, along with folk tales, historical insights, and cultural anecdotes. The recipes, adapted for modern kitchens, include a variety of meat and vegetable dishes, soups, salads, and desserts, beautifully illustrated with 23 color plates.
AUDIENCE: Elementary and High School Teachers, Food Service Personnel, General Adults
FORMAT: 160P. Book
Thunder Cake
The Putnam & Gossett Group ©1990 Patricia Polacco
In this heartwarming story, Grandma helps her grandchild overcome the fear of thunderstorms by baking a thunder cake together. This delightful activity is sure to chase away anyone’s fears!
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Parents, Early Elementary, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 31P. Book
Tommy at the Grocery Store
Harpercollins Juvenile Books ©1989 Bill Grossman
Join Tommy, a young pig, on a whimsical adventure as he navigates the grocery store! With his near-sightedness leading to hilarious mix-ups—being mistaken for a banana, a potato, and even a soda bottle—Tommy’s journey is full of rhyming fun and surprises.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary, Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 28P. Book
Too Many Tamales
Paper Star ©1993 Gary Soto
While helping her family prepare tamales for Christmas dinner, Maria tries on her mother’s ring—and suddenly realizes it’s gone! With the help of her cousins, she embarks on a heartwarming adventure to find it.
AUDIENCE: Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Early Elementary, Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: 30P. Book
What Makes Popcorn Pop? And Other Questions About the World Around Us
Boyds Mills Press, Inc ©1991 Jack Myers
Join Dr. Jack Myers as he explores and answers curious questions from children! This delightful book features inquiries sourced from the popular “Highlights for Children” magazine, covering a wide range of fascinating topics.
AUDIENCE: Elementary Students, Child Care Providers/Sponsors
FORMAT: 63P. Book
Yummy 5-A-Day Fruit and Vegetable Game
Yummy Designs ©1995 Laurie Manahan
Perfect for teaching the “5-a-Day” concept, the Food Pyramid, and other nutrition lessons, this engaging game allows players to match vibrant Fruit and Vegetable cards with the corresponding items on their Menu Boards. Featuring 90 different fruits and vegetables, including many ethnic varieties, the game comes complete with 10 Menu Boards, 80 Fruit and Vegetable cards, templates for creating additional boards and cards, a Fruit and Vegetable Lesson Book, and instructions for various games and activities. Suitable for 1-4 players, groups, or classrooms.
AUDIENCE: Elementary Students, Child Care Providers/Sponsors, Parents, Preschool Teachers
FORMAT: Game