Nutrition Anyone?

Children's Literature

This 32-page book introduces the reader to nutrition and provides guidance on the why and how of good nutrition. The book uses pizza as an example to show readers what is involved in eating and digestion as well as the process that the body uses to obtain nutrients. The book identifies and describes the six types of nutrients: carbohydrates, fat, protein, water, vitamins and minerals. The book is filled with a variety of different children of all ethnicities happily eating healthy foods. The book also includes numerous insets, which highlight key points about nutrition and nutrients. Examples of two effective diagrams in the book are "How to Read a Nutrition Label" and "The Food Guide Pyramid." The book concludes with a glossary which defines 13 nutrition-related words including "antioxidant," "enzyme," and "metabolism." There is also a pronunciation guide. 2003, ABDO Publishing Company, Ages 8 to 12.
— Lynn O'Connell

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-Petrie mixes basic facts with bright photographs to produce downright palatable overviews. The writing is clear and simple, the graphics are colorful and bold, and the layout is uncluttered. The information is presented with an eye toward helping children make wise food choices and eat a balanced diet. Food Pyramid looks at each food group, the nutrition it provides, and serving sizes. Nutrition defines its topic and explains how it affects our bodies and health. Types of nutrients, as well as digestion and metabolism, are considered. Vitamins explains the difference between water- and fat-soluble vitamins, then proceeds through the list of basic vitamins and minerals, outlining how each contributes to good health. Lizzy Rockwell's Good Enough to Eat (HarperCollins, 1999) is a comprehensive single-volume introduction to the general topic of nutrition and includes simple recipes. Bill Haduch's Food Rules! (Dutton, 2001) combines a conversational tone with lots of humor and includes information on digestion as well as nutrition. Loreen Leedy's witty and visually appealing The Edible Pyramid (Holiday, 1994), aimed at a slightly younger audience, takes readers to an elegant restaurant where finely dressed animals explore the food pyramid within the context of ordering a meal. These titles join a host of solid introductions to the topic.-Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.