Does a Camel Cook?

The latest addition to the Early Experiences series takes a look at how and where animals and people find their food, and what they do with their food once they find it. This friendly, fact-filled, question-and-answer format, comparing people to animals, provides the perfect vehicle to introduce young children to the eating habits of a variety of animals. Emily Bolam's humorous drawings illustrate the informative text.

Children's Literature

Men and animals alike need food to survive. This story about food helps toddlers understand where our food comes from. Do you purchase your food from the store or grow it in your yard? This can differ from country to country or home to home. How do animals get their food? Do they grow gardens, shop in stores, or cook in a kitchen? No, I am afraid not. As each animal is presented, the listener can chime in and respond with his or her opinion. The writer could have enhanced this interactive word play for toddlers by creating repetition in response to the "does this animal cook" question. However, this is a fun and lively look at the comparisons between men and animals when it comes to the foods we eat. Parents or preschool teachers could easily engage the children in a lesson on graphing favorite foods or identifying foods that both animals and people like to eat. The illustrations are simple and support the text as the emphasis fluctuates from people to animals.

Fred Ehrlich, a pediatrician and child psychiatrist, has spent dozens of years advising families on the emotional and physical care of young children. He is the author of many engaging children's books.

Emily Bolam published her first children's book upon graduating from art school. She has been creating board books and picture books ever since. She lives in Brighton, England.