April 1, 2012
K-Gr 2-This functional, formulaic early-reader series introduces the USDA's MyPlate nutritional guide. Colorful, clear photographs complement facts about the basics of healthy eating and the importance of exercise. The food-group titles include information on health benefits and suggestions for meeting the daily serving requirements. Dessert is only covered briefly. For example, Protein suggests putting walnuts on brownies and Vegetable mentions carrot cake, which might confuse readers into thinking these are healthy foods; kids would have been better served with a direct approach to this ubiquitous part of the American diet. Keeping Fit is a solid selection; it demonstrates the importance of exercise and its specific benefits to muscles, hearts, and bones. These books won't jump off the shelves, but they do introduce facts in small, accessible bites.
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