The Best Books To Read With A Picky or ARFID Eater

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you share books with your child. Books spark imaginations, teach valuable lessons, and can even create a love for lifelong passions. But what if that passion could be something as essential, and delightful, as food, playing a crucial role in shaping your child’s diet?

The Power of Planting the Seed: How Books Can Nurture Picky Eaters

For parents of picky eaters, mealtimes can be a battleground. Introducing new foods can be met with resistance and furrowed brows, so it’s important to offer foods that the child likes with each meal. If a child refuses to eat what is offered, avoid making separate meals and instead encourage trying a variety of foods. However, the right books can be a powerful tool in this culinary crusade. Books can introduce children to a vibrant world of flavors, cultures, and the fascinating science behind healthy foods on their plate.

A Literary Feast for Every Stage: A Curated Selection of New Releases of Food-Themed Books

The key to using books to encourage a love for food lies in finding the perfect story for your child’s age and interests. Here’s a delicious selection of books, categorized by age group, that will have your little ones hungry for more. Remember to include at least one food that your child usually likes to make the experience even more enjoyable:

1. Books for Ages 0-3:

   • “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric CarleThis classic tale follows a caterpillar’s journey of discovery as he munches his way through a variety of colorful foods, all in one meal. Bright illustrations and a satisfyingly plump caterpillar at the end make this a favorite for toddlers.
   • “Blueberries for Sal” by Robert McCloskey A heartwarming story about a young girl and a bear who both enjoy a delicious blueberry bounty. The simple yet captivating illustrations make this a perfect bedtime read.
   • “The Apple Pie Tree” by Zoe Hall This delightful book uses vibrant cut-outs to illustrate the process of making an apple pie, from picking the apples to enjoying a warm slice. It’s a great introduction to the magic of cooking.
   • “The Giant Jam Sandwich” by John Vernon Lord and Janet Burroway A whimsical tale about a town that solves a fruit-sharing dispute by creating a giant, delectable sandwich. Fun illustrations and a silly premise make this a surefire giggle-fest.

   Books for Ages 3-5:

   • “Dragons Love Tacos” by Adam Rubin This hilarious story challenges stereotypes with fire-breathing dragons who crave everyone’s favorite Mexican dish. It’s a fun way to introduce new flavors and cultures to young children.
   • “The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables” by Devin Alexander This engaging book transforms vegetables into superheroes, each with unique powers. It’s a creative way to make healthy eating exciting.
   • “The Roots Of Our Food” By Adriane Marie This beautifully illustrated book takes children on a journey around the world, exploring the origins of different foods. It sparks curiosity about diverse cultures and cuisines.
   • “Green Eggs and Ham” By Dr. Seuss This whimsical tale by the beloved author challenges a picky eater with the power of persistence (and perhaps some green eggs and ham!).
   • “My Magical Foods” by Becky Cummings and Zizana Svobodova This interactive book encourages children to explore a variety of colorful foods, associating them with magical powers and emotions.
   • “All The Yummy Foods” by Phoenyx Austin A vibrant celebration of diversity in food, showcasing delicious dishes from around the world.
   • “Growing Vegetable Soup” by Lois Ehlert This beautifully illustrated book follows the journey of planting seeds and nurturing them into a delicious vegetable soup. It’s a great introduction to gardening and healthy eating.
   • “Thunder Cake” by Patricia Polacco A heartwarming tale about a family who uses the power of love and community to overcome a storm and bake a delicious thunder cake. It reinforces positive associations with food and family gatherings.
   • “I Can Eat A Rainbow” by Olena Rose 
   • “I can’t Eat This Stuff” by Liz Fletcher
   • “The Picky Eater” By Betsy Parkinson
   • “Pancakes, Pancakes!” by Eric Carle
   • “Bear Wants More” by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
   • “The Berenstain Bears’ Harvest Festival” by Stan and Jan Berenstain
   • “Holy Squawkamole: Little Red Hen Makes Guocamole” by Susan Wood
   • “The Seven Silly Eaters” by Mary Ann Hoberman
   • “The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear” by Don and Audrey Wood
   • “Bunny Cakes” by Rosemary Wells

   Books for Ages 5-7:

   • “Soup Day” by Melissa Iwai A delightful story about a family who overcomes challenges and creates a delicious soup together. It showcases the joy of cooking as a family activity.
   • “Pete The Cat and the Bad Banana” by James Dean This fun-filled story uses catchy rhymes and a relatable character to help children overcome their fear of trying new things, like a banana.
   • “Bread and Jam For Frances” by Russell Hoban A charming tale about a badger named Frances who discovers that sometimes, trying new things, like open-faced bread and jam, can be delightful.
   • “The Enormous Turnip” by Alexei Tolstoy A classic folk tale about a giant turnip that requires the teamwork of a whole village to pull it out of the ground. It’s a fun story that teaches the value of cooperation and celebrates the bounty of the harvest.
   • “Pete The Cat’s Trip To The Supermarket” By James Dean  Another adventure with Pete the Cat, this time exploring the exciting world of the supermarket and all the delicious foods it holds.
   • “Strega Nona” by Tomie dePaola A vibrant folktale from Italy about a magical pasta pot and the importance of respecting tradition. It introduces children to a different culture and cuisine.
   • “How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World” by Marjorie Priceman This charming book combines a heartwarming story with a simple apple pie recipe, encouraging children to get involved in the kitchen.
   • “The Worst Cook in New York” by Arlena Strode A humorous tale that turns the stereotype of a bad cook on its head. It encourages children not to be afraid of making mistakes in the kitchen.
   • “The Curious Chef” series by Chris Stratton This engaging series follows a young chef who explores different cuisines and cooking techniques. It’s a great way to introduce children to the wider world of food.
   • “The Emperor of Chefs” By Arlena Strode A historical fiction story about a young apprentice chef who uses his skills and creativity to impress the Emperor of China. It introduces children to the history and artistry of cooking.
   • “Six Star Chicken” By Arlena Strode Another story by Arlena Strode, this one focuses on a young girl who uses her knowledge of different cultures and cuisines to create a winning chicken dish at a competition.
   • “A Pinch of This and a Dash of That” By Arlena Strode A delightful introduction to spices and herbs, exploring their origins and uses in various cuisines.
   • “Food Bridges” By Arlena Strode This book celebrates the role of food in connecting people from different cultures and backgrounds.
   • “Kitchen Science Lab for Kids” by Liz Lee Heinecke This interactive book combines the fun of science experiments with the deliciousness of food. It allows children to explore the science behind cooking in a hands-on way.
   • “Cook Me a Story: A Treasury of Stories and Recipes Inspired by Classic Fairy Tales” by Bryan Kozlowski This book pairs classic fairy tales with delicious recipes, encouraging children to connect stories with food.
   • “The Little Chef: A Cookbook for Kids” by Chef Arlena Strode A perfect introduction to cooking for children, with easy-to-follow recipes and fun illustrations.
   • “I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato” by Lauren Child A humorous tale about a picky eater who eventually learns to appreciate the delicious of tomatoes through her brother’s imaginative explanations.
   • “Crepes by Suzette” by Monica Wellington A delightful story set in Paris that follows a young girl who learns the art of making crepes from her grandmother. It introduces children to French cuisine and culture.
   • “The Runaway Pancake” A classic folktale with various versions, this story follows a mischievous pancake that escapes a hungry old woman. It’s a fun and engaging tale for young children.

   Books for Ages 7-9:

   • “Too Many Tamales” by Gary Soto A heartwarming story about a young boy who helps his family prepare tamales for Christmas, learning valuable lessons about family traditions and cultural heritage.
   • “The Giant Carrot” by Jan Peck A silly and engaging story about a giant carrot that disrupts a town, but ultimately brings the community together. It encourages children to think creatively about food.
   • “Kitchen Science Lab for Kids” by Liz Lee Heinecke Another appearance on this list, this book offers more complex science experiments related to food, perfect for curious older children.
   • “Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando” by Andrea Wang A biographical picture book that tells the story of Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant ramen. It introduces children to food innovation and entrepreneurship.
   • “Bee-Bim Bop!” by Linda Sue Park A vibrant story about a young Korean girl who learns to make the traditional dish Bibimbap. It’s a great introduction to Korean cuisine and culture.
   • “Yum Yum Dim Sum” by Amy Wilson Sanger A delightful introduction to the world of Dim Sum, a traditional Chinese cuisine featuring small, steamed dishes. It introduces children to new culinary experiences.
   • “The Little Chef’s Kitchen: Easy Recipes to Make with Kids” by Chef Arlena Strode A cookbook specifically designed for children aged 9-12, with step-by-step instructions and recipes that encourage them to take ownership in the kitchen.

   Books for Ages 9-12:

   • “The Ultimate Kids’ Cookbook: Fun One-Pot Meals Your Whole Family Will Love!” by Tiffany Dahle
   • “National Geographic Kids Cookbook: A Year-Round Fun Food Adventure” by Barton Seaver
   • “My Foodie ABC: A Little Gourmet’s Guide” by Puck

   Books for General Audience (All Ages):

   • “Stone Soup” by Jon J. Muth A heartwarming folktale about the power of community and sharing. It showcases how a simple pot of soup can bring people together.
   • “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” by Judi Barrett A whimsical story about a town where food literally falls from the sky. It’s a silly and imaginative tale that sparks conversations about food and weather.
   • “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff A classic story about the cause-and-effect cycle, but with a focus on delicious treats. It’s a fun and engaging read for children of all ages.
   • “The Fruits We Eat” by Gail Gibbons This informative book explores the different varieties of fruits, where they grow, and how they are cultivated. It sparks curiosity about the origins of our food.
   • “The Vegetables We Eat” by Gail Gibbons Similar to “The Fruits We Eat,” This book explores the fascinating world of vegetables, their growth process, and the different ways they are prepared.
   • “Eat Your Greens, Reds, Yellows, and Purples: Children’s Cookbook” by DK A visually appealing cookbook that categorizes recipes by color, making healthy eating fun and engaging for children.
   • “The Bacteria Book: The Big World of Really  Tiny Microbes” by Steve Mould This informative book explores the world of bacteria, including the role they play in food fermentation and digestion. It introduces children to the science behind food in a fun way.
   • “The Edible Pyramid: Good Eating Every Day” by Loreen Leedy This book uses the food pyramid as a guide to teach children about healthy eating habits and the importance of a balanced diet.
   • “Why Should I Eat Well?” by Claire Llewellyn This book answers a question many children ask, exploring the connection between healthy eating and physical and mental well-being.
   • “The Science Chef: 100 Fun Food Experiments and Recipes for Kids” by Joan D’Amico and Karen Eich Drummond This engaging book combines science experiments with recipes, allowing children to explore the fascinating science behind food in a hands-on way.
   • “How Food Works: The Facts Visually Explained” by DK This visually stunning book delves deep into the science of food, from how ingredients are grown and processed to how our bodies digest them. It’s a great resource for curious older children.
   • “The Magic School Bus Gets Eaten: A Book About Food Chains” by Patricia Relf and Joanna Cole Another installment in the beloved Magic School Bus series, this book takes children on a fantastical journey through the food chain, teaching them about the interconnectedness of living things.
   • The Dinosaur Who Discovered Hamburgers” By Adisan Books A fun and imaginative story that blends dinosaurs with everyone’s favorite food, sparking curiosity and laughter.
   • “How Did That Get in My Lunchbox?: The Story of Food” by Chris Butterworth This informative book takes children on a global journey, exploring how different cultures cultivate, prepare, and transport the food we eat. It broadens their understanding of the world and the complex systems that bring food to our tables.

By sharing these delicious stories with your child, you’re not just feeding their imagination, you’re planting the seeds for a lifelong love of food. These books can:

• Introduce children to new flavors and cultures, expanding their palates and encouraging them to try new things.
• Spark curiosity about the science and history of food, making mealtimes more engaging and educational.
• Foster positive associations with food and cooking, creating happy memories that will last a lifetime.
• Promote healthy eating habits by showcasing the importance of a balanced diet and the joy of preparing nutritious meals.

The Power of Food and Stories

So next time you’re looking for a way to connect with your child, cuddle up with a good food-themed book. You might just discover a new favorite recipe, or a newfound appreciation for the magic that happens in the kitchen.

You might just discover a new favorite recipe, or a newfound appreciation for the magic that happens in the kitchen, especially when introducing solid foods to your little one. This can also be a great opportunity to address picky eating by making mealtime fun and engaging.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

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