Lunch is the biggest meal of the day! With the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, and dairy, kids and families can have lunch much of the time. But you’ll still need to feed them with a meal that isn’t always the same meal. You can start with lunch at the bus stop as a big brother, babysitter, and big brother alike can teach their friends about the importance of fresh food. Plus they’ll all eat together since lunch isn’t served after that point.
Here are eight picture books that will teach your kids about the importance of fresh food while you’re cooking lunch!
June: Why Kids Don’t Like Playful Foods
June Beattie, illustrated by Gavan Voss
This uplifting picture book about kids being happy with sandwiches will help teach your kids about how true friends and having friends is more important than their outer appearance.
Don’t Get Scolded For Talking With Friends
June Beattie, illustrated by Margaret Nelson
This picture book is a great reminder to kids to stop worrying and make their friends a priority.
This is My LunchBox
June Beattie, illustrated by Margaret Nelson
This picture book describes exactly what is in the lunchbox. But the cute drawings about inside the lunchbox will make the kids fall in love with exactly what they’re enjoying.
Let Me Bake With You
June Beattie, illustrated by Gordon Scott
This picture book includes pictures of the author’s mother baking with the author and her brother. This picture book is a wonderful reminder that baking is a form of food arts. Plus, you can bake for a friend at the same time!
The Greek Sisters
Mark Markham, illustrated by Marjan Zaghinbari
This picture book was originally released in 1981, but the plot was updated in 1993. This is a great picture book to teach your kids to be nice to their friends and themselves, as this story shows that we can and should learn to respect each other, even when we are feeling alone.
I Am a Bfhumbo, a Song of Food, and The Hour Before Meat
Mark Markham, illustrated by Marjan Zaghinbari
This picture book is about the love that one family has for healthy eating. The message is that even small changes to our eating habits can have a big impact on everyone.
The Stalk Back
Mark Markham, illustrated by Merritt Lucero
This is a variation on the message of Litterylights. The message about looking for hidden food is sent home each time the rat finds a hidden food.
The Clover Club for Jam and Jams and Frothy Cream and Creamers
Mark Markham, illustrated by Merritt Lucero
This picture book is about a time when cow biscuits were all the rage. This was a good way to get your children to cook while letting them help prepare the food.
If You’re Really Hungry, Just Get Me a McFlurry!
Mark Markham, illustrated by John Maroch
This is the sequel to Litterylights. This is the best picture book about how wonderful it is to eat fast food. If you’re really hungry, just get me a McFlurry!
The “I Won’t Eat This!” Fruit Cabbages and Greens Line
Mark Markham, illustrated by Imogen Liles-Banks
This picture book demonstrates a nice act of kindness, with a message of what you can do to leave a good path for the younger kids.
Lack of Scent
Mark Markham, illustrated by Pam Sexton
This picture book is all about the importance of a positive body image. You can’t pass this up!
Where Is The Fresh Fruit?
Mark Markham, illustrated by Aileen Doyle
This is a great picture book about fruits and veggies, such as oranges and mangoes. It shows the importance of staying hydrated during the summer months.
Author, Publisher, and Booklist