Bread

Children's Literature - Gwynne Spencer

This large-print easy reader introduces readers to white bread, wheat bread, pita bread, rolls and buns, Indian bread, croissants, French bread, and pizza. Each book in the "On Your Plate" series includes all-color pictures with one or two sentences of accompanying text and a smaller print sentence of additional text; it is like a Powerpoint presentation that has been turned into a book. Throughout the series, the term "healthy" is misused (i.e., things are "healthful" while people are "healthy," according to my usage guides). One of the serving suggestions is baked beans on toast, which struck me as odd. Croissants, according to the text, "come from France." The book ends with a two-page "Things To Do" matching quiz that readers can use to test their memory of the text. A brief glossary and index are included. The publisher-provided blurb suggests that "[l]atch-key kids will also appreciate the number of recipes and meal suggestions included in each volume." There were, however, NO recipes. Reviewer: Gwynne Spencer

Children's Literature - Meredith Kiger

This fun and interesting series of five books focusing on good nutrition is designed to make an impact on preschool and early elementary students. This edition on bread contains bright, colorful, cartoon-like illustrations and photos, an in-your-face format and amusing but accurate text that makes an often boring subject exciting. Discussion begins with a balanced diet, featuring a graphic on daily intake that actually makes more sense than the "new" food pyramid touted by the United States Department of Agriculture. Kinds of bread, with an emphasis on whole grain breads, are explained with suggestions on how to include them in your daily lunch. How bread is made, from the growing to the baking process, as well as some scientific explanations, use step-by-step illustrations that make it of interest to youngsters. Cakes and other sweets are discussed, but emphasis is on choosing the more nutritious bread products. Alternatives to sliced bread as well as brief mention of bread products from other countries and cultures make informative additions. Two pages of true-false, short answer, and multiple choice quizzes, and a glossary, index, and suggestions for parents and teachers are added attractions. This book is a winner for any age group, and has never been more important than now. Part of the "What's for Lunch?" series.