What's for Dinner
on Goodreads (186)
What’s inside...
This is an anthology of stories compiled to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Federation of Children's Book Groups. The authors, who include Joan Aiken, Judy Corbalis, Kevin Crossley-Holland, Diana Hendry and Robert Swindells, have donated their stories with royalties going to the Federation.
Age
18-21
Length
197 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think each character might like to have for dinner and why?
How do you feel when you help in the kitchen? What are your favorite meals to help prepare?
Can you think of a time when you tried something new for dinner? What was it and did you like it?
Why is it important for the characters to share their meals together?
If you could create your own special dinner, what would it include and who would you invite to share it with you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child about their favorite dinner and if they know how it's made.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on each character’s choices and relate it to their own food preferences.
While discussing the book, relate the dinner experiences in the story to those of your own family to create a personal connection.
After reading, involve your child in meal planning or preparing dinner to connect the story to real-life activities.
Use the meal-sharing scenes in the book to discuss the importance of family time and listening during meals.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Healthy Eating
Explanation: The story centers around different animals discussing their dinner choices, emphasizing the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables.
Real-World Application: Children learn to make healthier food choices, understanding the importance of nutrition in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Cooperation
Explanation: Characters in the book work together to prepare a meal, showing how sharing tasks can be both fun and productive.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to help out in the kitchen and participate in collaborative activities at home or school.
Example Lesson: Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The book introduces meals from various cultures, providing children with a glimpse into different culinary traditions.
Real-World Application: Children can become more open-minded and appreciate diverse cultures, possibly sparking interest in trying new foods.
Example Lesson: Decision Making
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters make decisions about what to eat, teaching children about choices and consequences.
Real-World Application: This can help children think critically about their own choices, whether it's related to food or other aspects of their life.
Example Lesson: Animal Habitats
Explanation: By describing the natural environments of the animals and their diets, the book offers basic education on animal habitats.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn about different animals and their habitats, fostering a sense of environmental awareness and curiosity about nature.