Most of you kids’ book fans have heard of the Newbery Medal (given to an author of the most distinguished contribution to literature) and the Caldecott Medal (given to the artist of an outstanding picture book) awarded every year by the American Library Association, but you may not have heard of the Geisel Award given to “the most distinguished American book for beginning readers”. So if you’re looking for a great book for a young reader, the Geisel Award is the perfect place to start!

This year’s winner: Tales for Very Picky Eaters  written and illustrated by Josh Schneider. I knew I loved this book as soon as I read the “check yes or no” quiz on the inside flap: “Lumpy oatmeal makes me gag.” “I am repulsed by mushroom lasagna. It smells funny.” “Eggs are slimy and I will not eat them.” James is served such undesirable foods by his father, who has very good reasons for giving them to his son. The oatmeal the father bought is Growing Oatmeal, and if the Growing Oatmeal isn’t eaten, it may grow out of control. Mushroom lasagna is made by a troll in the basement who doesn’t want to return to his previous job at the rat circus. And you’ll never guess why James should eat the eggs!

I can think of several “picky eater” books this would be great to compare to: Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss, I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato by Lauren Child, Little Pea written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jen Corace, and of course The Monster Who Ate My Peas written by Danny Schnitzlein and illustrated by the world’s greatest illustrator (and world’s best husband) Matt Faulkner. Read two books about picky eaters with little ones and compare the problems (what wouldn’t this character eat and why) as well as the solutions. Try bringing in some of the fearsome foods and see who in your class will taste a pea! You’ll be teaching the Common Core State Standard of Integrating Knowledge and Ideas, and perhaps tickling a taste bud or two.