Happy Healthy Monsters: Grover's Guide to Good Eating (Book)

Kleinberg, N. (2007). Happy healthy monsters: Grover's guide to good eating. New York, NY: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN: 978-0-375-84063-0

Interest Level: Ages 8 to 3
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Nutrition, Monsters, Sesame Street, Healthy Eating Habits

Plot: Grover and Elmo introduce children to different types of healthy foods and healthy eating habits at the Good Eating Cafe where they work. At the same time a second story is going on in the pictures as Grover and Elmo try to serve a customer who isn't interested in their healthy suggestions.  Foods that are good to eat all the time, such as vegetables and fruits, are discussed along with foods that are okay to eat only sometimes, such as soda and sweets.  Healthy eating tips encourage children to eat healthy, eat lots of different types of vegetables, eat as a family, try new foods, and watch their portion size.  The last two pages of the book offers suggestions for parents for encouraging healthy eating, proper rest, and exercise in children.

Personal Thoughts: I think my favorite thing about this book was that it mentioned eating junk food such as soda and sweets sometimes.  It doesn't help to pretend children don't eat junk, but it does help to explain that these items are best in small quantities.  The story is told with just the right amount of silliness while still getting the message of healthy eating across.  The illustrations are well done, full of labels and extra conversation which add to both the information and humor.

Other Books by the Author: Bath time! (2008); Food! by Cookie Monster (1006)