Nutrition Education Books for Kids

Preschool Books

• Gillia M. Olson wrote ̶0;MyPlate and You (Pebble Plus: Health and Your Body)̶1; for preschooler readers. Olson explains the breakdown of food groups, what to look for on the plate and why each food category is vital. ̶0;The Vegetables We Eat,̶1; by Gail Gibbons, explores the diverse kinds of vegetables to choose from, giving a background in how they grow and why they are so good for our bodies.

Elementary Books

• In ̶0;Good Enough to Eat: A Kid's Guide to Food and Nutrition,̶1; Lizzy Rockwell explores the nutrient groups and how much a child needs each day. By giving a beginner̵7;s look at calories and digestion, she explains what foods to eat to supply those nutrients. Another book for elementary-age children, ̶0;Eat Healthy, Feel Great,̶1; was co-written by pediatrician William Sears, his wife, registered nurse Martha Sears and Christie Watts Kelly. The illustrations by Renee Andriani add to the informative text, helping young readers learn how to make wise food choices for themselves. Sears̵7; straightforward approach provides children with visual tools to help them understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods.

Middle School Books

• Science teacher Janice VanCleave wrote her self-titled ̶0;Janice VanCleave's Food and Nutrition for Every Kid: Easy Activities That Make Learning Science Fun̶1; for children ages 10 and older. Within its pages, she provides food experiments in a step-by-step approach with explanations and illustration to make the information easily accessible. She explores answers to questions such as ̶0;Will carrots help my eyes?" and ̶0;Does milk really help me grow?̶1; In another science-oriented look at nutrition, journalist and supermarket detective Michael Pollan gives a practical approach to children̵7;s nutrition. His "New York Times" bestseller ̶0;The Omnivore's Dilemma: The Secrets Behind What You Eat, Young Readers Edition,̶1; was adapted from his adult version of same book. He encourages young readers to consider facts behind food harvesting, preparation and nutrition in order to make responsible choices -- both from a personal and global perspective.

Books for Tweens and Teens

• ̶0;Body Talk: The Straight Facts on Fitness, Nutrition, and Feeling Great About Yourself! (Girl Zone)̶1; was co-written by Ann Douglas and her daughter, Julie Douglas. Illustrated by Claudia Davila, this book examines the societal images pushed by advertising and provides tools to choosing a balanced diet and staying focused. This honest advice for tween and teen girls provides both light-hearted humor and insights into tough topics. Authors Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz wrote ̶0;YOU: The Owner's Manual for Teens: A Guide to a Healthy Body and Happy Life̶1; as a 2011 sequel to their similarly titled book for adults. Within its pages, the authors give straightforward answers to teens about their changing bodies and brains, focusing in part on how to make healthy food choices for more energy and increased self-confidence.