The Big Eating Book

PreS-K—This book explains that people, animals, and insects all eat. Toddlers will be drawn to the cover showing a young boy relishing three scoops of ice cream. The text begins with an illustration of a nursing baby and its older brother Josh. His father calls him to dinner, but before he arrives, several pages show wild creatures and their diets. Simple phrases inform about the types of food each one prefers, showing that all of these critters have different food preferences. When Josh gets to the table, he finds his favorite foods, including three desserts. Bright and bold child-friendly illustrations of animals and insects eating, grazing, or munching fill the pages. The artwork is simple in style with brightly painted figures with bold black outlines. A clever technique of painting over newsprint, revealing slight images of the print below, enhances the texture of the objects. Children will enjoy watching the creatures consume their edibles and delight in seeing Josh's dinner, including spaghetti and meatballs. An entertaining and informative choice.—Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT