July 29, 2022

Reading is a wonderful way to learn something new and spend time with your child. You can read to them, have them practice reading to you, or listen to someone else read with a read-aloud. An audiobook in the car is also a great idea! Everyone loves to listen to a story. A comfortable spot to sit and read a good book, whether a hard copy or on a reading device, is all you need.

Reading together is a great opportunity to teach your child about healthy eating and the benefits of being physically active. You do not need to present nutrition facts and exercise instructions, just read the book together and enjoy it. Your child will understand the overall message and be happy to spend time with you. 

Add one or two of the fruits or vegetables you read about to a snack or meal to tie into the story and make mealtime fun. Look for new recipes on the Eat Smart recipe search if you need ideas. Try one of the physical activity ideas from the books to keep the whole family’s energy up.

There are lots of books available at your public library to borrow for free. Reach out to your librarian for help. Here are some fabulous books that you might want to try reading:

 

  • Apple Trouble! by Ragnhild Scamell
  • Grow Strong! A Book About Healthy Habits by Cheri J Meiners
  • Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood by tony Hillery
  • Happy, Healthy Ajay by Stuart J Murphy
  • I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato by Lauren Child
  • Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
  • Max Goes to the Farmers’ Market by Adria F Klein
  • Move Your Body! My Exercise Tips by Gina Bellisario
  • My Amazing Body: A First Look at Health and Fitness by Pat Thomas
  • Potter the Otter:  A Tale About Water from First 5 Santa Clara
  • Rainbow Stew by Cathryn Falwell
  • Rosita and Elmo Read a Recipe by Jodie Shepherd
  • Sylvia’s Spinach by Katherine Pryor
  • The Berenstain Bears' Harvest Festival by Mike Berenstain
  • The Little Red Hen (Makes a Pizza) retold by Philemon Sturges
  • Tomatoes for Neela by Diane Warren
  • VeggieTales - How Many Veggies? by Phil Vischer
  • Zora's Zucchini by Katherine Pryor

These books are free to download! 

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