Healthy Reads
March 1st, 2016
Submitted by Wood Buffalo Regional Library
Ms. Leakey is Freaky
Written by Dan Gutman
Illustrated by Jim Paillot
Ms. Leaky is the new health teacher at Ella Mentry School hired to teach healthy eating habits. But something isn’t quite right with the new teacher. To ensure that the students eat right and exercise, Ms. Leakey does whatever is necessary including filling a punching bag with junk food and opening a fast food restaurant that serves broccoli burgers. Belonging to the My Weird School Daze series, Dan Gutman writes a comical story featuring cartoon illustrations that will draw in reluctant readers and keep children entertained while practicing their reading skills. Despite being full of exaggerations and weird humour, the light-hearted narrative will be sure to encourage children to think about the unhealthy food they eat or want to eat.
The Rechargeables: Eat, Move, Sleep
Written by Tom Rath
Illustrated by Carlos Aon
The Rechargeables is a picture book that tells the story of siblings Poppy and Simon who have to figure out how to stay charged before they are unable to move, like the rest of the people in their village. Through trial and error, Poppy and Simon discover the correct equation of eating, moving, and sleeping that not only helps them keep energized but that will help re-energize the entire town! The story’s lesson is straightforward but the detailed and colourful illustrations will help to engage readers and emphasize that taking small steps like Poppy and Simon can help them to feel better physically and mentally.
My Cold Went On A Vacation
Written by Molly Rausch
Illustrated by Nora Krug
This whimsical tale of adventure and nonsense is narrated by a boy who stays at home with a cold. Through colourful cartoon artwork, the boy first describes the different stages of getting sick on a Wednesday. By Sunday, when he is feeling better, he wonders where his cold might have gone. His imagination sends the cold on an adventure around the world, visiting the Alps, Canada, and Peru. The colourful pictures provide an extra layer of gentle humour that is perfect to engage and entertain a child who may also be feeling ill.
Miss Fox’s Class Shapes Up
Written by Eileen Spinelli
Illustrated by Anne Kennedy
Miss Fox’s class is cranky, hungry and always tired. Want to help her students by encouraging everyone in her class to get fit and healthy, Miss Fox gives students the information and motivation to eat well and be more active by trying different exercises. Despite ever-changing objections by the students, Miss Fox creatively demonstrates that having healthy habits is fun and rewarding. Just in time for Field Day, the students learn to support each other, change their old habits and enjoy the activities. The straight-forward message is clear from the beginning but is presented with colourful illustrations and is full of support, humour, and energy.
The Busy Body Book: A Kid’s Guide to Fitness
Written by Lizzy Rockwell
This non-fiction picture book is an entertaining introduction to the human body and guide to fitness for children. Whether The Busy Body Book is used to learn and discuss how the human body works, what it is made of, or why exercise is needed the information is presented in a casual yet engaging manner that helps remind everyone that a healthy body is a happy body. A perfect group read before going out to try new activities or when children are seeking answers to how the human body works.
Sick Simon
Written and Illustrated by Dan Krall
Simon loves school. He loves school so much that nothing can keep him home, not even a cold. But will Simon learn to the importance to be health-conscious before the germs take over? Through the use of several “eww” factors, this clever picture book is engaging and hilarious while teaching young readers of the importance of washing hands and covering their mouths when they are sick.
The Pigeon Needs a Bath
Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems
The Pigeon is back in book six of Willems’ Pigeon series! The Pigeon is in denial that they need a bath and tries to hilariously convince the readers otherwise. The Pigeon’s sassiness goes so far as to directly ask the readers when they last had a bath. Despite the numerous and hilarious clues, such as flies swarming overhead complaining of the bad smell, the Pigeon remains stubborn. Finally, Pigeon agrees to take a bath. But the question to be discovered is, will the Pigeon enjoy it? The Pigeon Needs a Bath is a great continuation in the series and is a perfect read to begin a discussion about hygiene or for a child who refuses to take a bath.
Showdown at the Food Pyramid
Written and Illustrated by Rex Barron
Oh no! New and different foods like “candy bar” and “hot dog” have shown up on the scene of the Food Pyramid and are stirring up some trouble. Now the fruits and vegetables are being kicked out of their own party from the Food Pyramid! With all of this junk food, the pyramid will not be able to support itself for long. Will the healthy foods be able to rebuild and find the right balance? With so many different dietary requirements, nutrition can be a confusing subject for children. Barron effectively uses a personified food fight over nutrition to engage and entertain young readers while they explore the topic of nutrition and why it is important to have a balanced diet.
Curious George Visits the Dentist
Written by Monica Perez
Illustrated by Mary O’Keefe Young
Visiting the Dentist can be scary. Tag along with Curious George as he goes to the dentist for the first time after he gets a wobbly tooth! Young readers will discover along with George that it is okay to be nervous and realize that the dentist isn’t really scary after all! George’s silly antics at the dentist will entertain and engage readers while they learn how to take better care of their teeth.
- Next:
- Must-Reads For Spring
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