Grow Strong!: A Book About Healthy Habits

K-Gr 2—This latest installment of the series discusses how children can make healthy choices with their families and develop positive habits as they grow. The book takes a broad view on health, discussing healthy eating, exercise, drinking water, and sleep—and their importance to growth and development. To convey these themes, the text follows a young girl as she gardens, makes nutritious meals, exercises outside, and prepares to get a full night's rest. Short, simple sentences, which connect each healthy habit with its positive impact on body and mind, effectively communicate these fairly complex themes for young children. Each self-care principle is reinforced through Allen's bright and engaging illustrations. A page about eating fruits and vegetables, for instance, emphasizes how good foods affect how children grow, think, and feel, alongside an image of the girl growing her food in the family garden. A helpful educator's guide is also included, which features vocabulary words, discussion questions, games, and activities.