1. Reading - Smart Eating - Moving…Balance My Day!
Brought to you by Healthy Kids Challenge and a grant award from
United Methodist Health Ministry Fund
Over 150 nutrition and physical activity ideas that link with preschool
books! Enjoy the ideas that YOU and your colleagues across the
state created at the HKC workshops!
Happy Eating, Reading and Moving!
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
2. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Norma Mullen – Logan Library
Book Title – Boom Chicka Rock
Author – John Archambault
Publisher, Year - Scholastic Books, 2004
Book Description: Counting and movement with 12 mice and a clock.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Mouse Moves
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Boom Chicka Rock”, imagination
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Start reading the book and
each time an opportunity to move presents itself-grab it! For example, on page two the script
says, “Let’s dance and party and Rock and Roll”. Have the kids make a few dance moves. Page 3
says to “tip-toe, tip-toe”. Get the kids ups and on their toes. Do the moves with them to give
them an idea of what to do. It will get them started. Have everyone rock around the room and
then get back to the book. It’s okay if there are a few pages with no movement. Play it by ear
with the group of kids you have and how much time to spend. You may choose to “roar”
instead of going around the room again. When the book reads “throw him by the tail”, just
make the motion. End the story on a quiet note so the kids can calm down more easily.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
3. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Unknown
Book Title – Stop that Pickle!
Author – Peter Armour
Publisher, Year – Houghton Mifflin, 1993
Book Description: A pickle escapes from the pickle jar. He is chased around by all different
types of food, each one yelling “stop that pickle”. Finally the pickle is caught by a hungry little
boy, but the little boy eats the other food instead.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Pickle Jar
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Stop that Pickle!”, paper/colors, graphics for
this can be found on Dltk
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the story to the children.
Ask if they know what vegetable a pickle is. Give each child a pickle with a letter on it. Put a big
pickle jar (drawing) up. Call out a letter, the child with that letter on its pickle puts it in the jar.
When all the pickles are in (taped or flannel board) the jar, they escape! Pull them out one at a
time and count them as you do. Variation: instead of letters you could use colors or numbers
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
4. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Lennet Froelich – Dudley Township Public Library
Book Title – Green Wilma
Author – Tedd Arnold
Publisher, Year - Dial Books for Young Readers, 1993
Book Description: Waking up with a frog-like appearance, Wilma proves disruptive at school
as she searches for some tasty flies.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Frog Wilma
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool through 3rd grade
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Green Wilma”, Nerf ball, celery, peanut butter,
peanuts, raisins, plastic spoons or wooden sticks for spreading peanut butter, napkins,
MyPyramid poster (www.mypyramid.gov/ )
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the story to the children.
Discuss dreams and how real they seem. Wilma does wake up as a frog! What do frogs like to
eat? (Flies) Discuss the children’s favorite foods. Talk about the MyPyramid food groups
showing the poster. Ask why MyPyramid is important? Talk about eating healthy foods. Ask
children what their parents eat at breakfast. What do they eat at breakfast? Talk about healthy
breakfast choices. Ask how Wilma moved. Have the children hop around like Wilma did. Let the
children play dodgeball with the Nerf ball like Wilma did in gym class. At lunch time, what did
the little boy have on his plate? Where does it fit in the food pyramid? At the end, let the
children make a snack. Ask if flies are good to eat. Say, well we aren’t going to eat “flies” but we
are going to make and eat “ants on a log”. Give kids celery sticks and let them spread peanut
butter on them and sprinkle with raisins for their snack.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
5. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Mary Holler – Protection Township Library
Book Title – Milk and Cookies
Author – Frank Asch
Publisher, Year - Parents Magazine Press, 1982
Book Description: Mama, papa and baby bear are visiting grandma and grandpa’s house.
They spend the night and baby bear sees grandpa down in the basement feeding a “dragon”,
which is really a wood stove. Baby bear has a dream about the dragon eating his milk and
cookies.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Feeding a Dragon
Audience (for kids include age group) – 3 years old to 3rd grade
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Milk and Cookies”, coloring pages with a
dragon on it, crayons, snack-almond milk and pretzels, napkins and paper cups
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the story. Ask if any of
the kids have had a scary dream like bear. Explain that sometimes we have dreams that scare
us but when we wake up, we realize it wasn’t real. Explain that like a scary dream, we shouldn’t
be afraid to try new foods. Today you will get to try a new food called Almond milk, since not
everyone can drink milk without getting an upset tummy. We’ll also have pretzels as a healthy
snack than cookies. Hand out the coloring pages and let the kids color the dragon. Provide the
snack of almond milk and pretzels.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
6. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Anna Whiteman – Grainfield City Library
Book Title – Up, Down and Around (Activity #1)
Author – Katherine Ayres
Publisher, Year – Random House, Inc. 2007
Book Description: A colorful book describing how to plant seeds and watch them grow.
Some plants grow up and some grow down, and some grow all around.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Up and Down
Audience (for kids include age group) – Preschool and younger
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Up, Down and Around”, large seeds, puppets,
pictures of food, glue sticks, large pieces of poster paper for each child
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) - Lay down large pieces of poster
paper for each child and give a large seed to put on the paper, as if to plant it. Let the children
pick a picture of a fruit or veggie and put over the seed they planted. Sing “up”, “down”, and
“around” and do those actions while singing.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
7. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Nancy Snyder – Derby Public Library
Book Title – Up, Down and Around (Activity #2)
Author – Katherine Ayres
Publisher, Year – Candlewick Press, 2007
Book Description: A garden produces a variety of edible plants; such as corn that grows up,
onions that grow down, and tomato vines that twine around.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Veggie Workout
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Up, Down and Around!” Note-may use as
“reader’s theater” for readers
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Children stand up as the book
is read and act out each line, such as:
- In the dirt we’ll dig a row
- Drop some seeds, and watch them grow
- Dirt piles up (hands up)
- Seed goes down (kneel down)
- Water splashes around and around (turn around)
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
8. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Gayle Bowden – Kiowa Public Library
Book Title – Up, Down and Around (Activity #3)
Author – Katherine Ayres
Publisher, Year – Candlewick Press, 2007
Book Description: A book about planting seeds and watching them grow. Talks about plants
growing in all different directions.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – I Can Plant a Garden
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool (3-4 years)
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Up, Down and Around”, carrots and healthy dip
for a snack
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the book, and then have
the kids act out the book. Have the kids pretend to dig up the dirt. When it says up, the kids will
reach up and up (climb). When it says down, the kids will bend down and touch the ground.
When it says around and around, turn around and around. Imitate pick and pull actions, like
gathering veggies. After finishing the actions in the book, have carrots and healthy dip for a
snack.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
9. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Diana Floyd – Healthy Kids Challenge
Book Title – Up, Down, and Around (Activity #4)
Author – Katherine Ayres
Publisher, Year – Candlewick Press, 2007
Book Description: A fun and descriptive book about planting seeds and watching them grow
as they bend in different directions.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Veggie Fun
Audience (for kids include age group) – Preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Up, Down and Around”, room to move, at least
5 or 6 different items mentioned in the book: ear of corn, carrot, cucumber, pepper, potato, mini
pumpkin, broccoli spear, beet, whole green bean, okra, onion, and firm tomato-have extra
carrots and potatoes to ensure every child has a vegetable, a large bowl, basket or bag to hold
the above items
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the book to the
preschoolers. Then distribute the assorted vegetables to them, explaining what they are as they
feel it and hold it. Place the bowl, paper sack or basket in the center of the circle. As the story is
read again, they must listen closely for when their vegetable is mentioned. Then they place it in
the bowl for "lunch". At the end of the story no one should have any vegetables left. Read the
story again and have all the children do the actions as you say them:
Dig a row (hoeing motion), Drop some seeds, Splash around, Grow up (stretch up, reaching as
high as possible), Grow down (touch toes), Climb around (pretend to climb), Pick some, and
Pull some. For example "peppers grow up" - reach and spread their arms up, as they grow
bigger. Encourage creativity and sharing on what a growing plant might do. End by having
everyone sit around the bowl of vegetables to have "lunch".
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
10. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Jackie Clarkson – Coffey County Library-Waverly
Book Title – L M N O peas
Author – Keith Baker
Publisher, Year – Simon and Schuster, 2010
Book Description: Peas go through the alphabet.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Meet the Peas and Roll Through the ABC’s
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool/K-2nd grade
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “L M N O peas”, prepare sheets showing the
activity for each letter for the children to use
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the story to the children
and read again acting out the activity from each letter. Start with the alphabet stretch. Let
children take turns being different letters. Have letter ready with “pea” people on them.
Examples: Letter “D” have everyone dance and then move around like they are driving a car.,
Letter ‘E” pretend to eat and then explore. End by everyone saying or singing the ABC’s
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
11. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Adrienne Olejnikl – Rossville Community Library
Book Title – Old MacDonald Had an Apartment House
Author – Judi Barrett
Publisher, Year – Simon and Schuster, 1998
Book Description: Old MacDonald and his wife grow a garden and have farm animals in an
apartment building.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Garden Starter
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool to elementary
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Old MacDonald Had an Apartment House”, egg
cartons (cardboard-type), potting soil, vegetable or herb seeds, information packets prepared
ahead
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – 1. Offer an egg carton or ½ a
carton for each child. Remove the top by cutting, so all you have is the egg holder bottom. 2.
Put potting soil in each “egg hole”. 3. Give each child vegetable seeds to plant in the egg holes.
Make sure you have labels or some way of identifying which seeds are where. 4. Lightly water
the soil. 5. Children can take the seed starters home to maintain them. When the plants are
large enough and the weather is right, they can transfer to their garden or larger pots. 6. Send
home information packets with the child about the vegetables or herbs they are growing.
Include nutrition information, how to grow successfully, when to plant, when to harvest, how
to store (canning, blanching/freezing, etc.) Provide healthy recipes that include the veggies or
herbs.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
12. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Alice Jones – Herington Public Library
Book Title – Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food
Author – Stan and Jan Berenstain
Publisher, Year – Random House, 1965
Book Description: Mama Bear decided her family was eating too much junk food. She got
them back to healthy eating and they joined a 3 mile run.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – How can mom get her family back to health?
Audience (for kids include age group) – 3-5 years
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food”,
game board and dice (make a game board ahead of time similar to Candyland, with colored
sections of different fruits, veggies, low fat milk, cheese, yogurt, water, whole grains, healthy
snack choices, and physical activity ideas-hopping, jumping, and also unhealthy thing like junk
food, sitting watching TV too long, etc.)
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Have the kids gather around
the game board and let one roll the dice. Go the number of spaces on the dice. If they land on a
healthy item, they can go walk forward 2 steps to a designated area; if unhealthy, go back 2
steps. If they land on an activity and do the activity, they go forward 3 steps, if not, they go back
3 steps. Let the next child play. Continue on until the first child who gets to the designated area
from taking steps, wins.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
13. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Joan Weaver – Kinsley Library
Book Title – The Little Yellow Leaf
Author – Carin Berger
Publisher, Year - Greenwillow Books, 2008
Book Description: As all the other leaves float off and fly past, Little Yellow Leaf is not ready
and remains on the tree into winter. Finally he and Little Scarlet Leaf, the only other leaf left,
jump off together dancing away in the wind.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Falling Leaves
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “The Little Yellow Leaf”, juggling scarves plus a
yellow and scarlet scarf
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – 1. Gather the children and talk
about autumn, leaves changing colors and falling off the tree. 2. To the tune of “Here we go
round the Mulberry Bush”, have the children stand in a circle, sing, and act out the following:
“This is the way we rake the leaves…. in the autumn of the year.”
“This is the way we jump in the leaves...”
“This is the way we throw the leaves…”
Now the leaves are all messy, so we have to rake them again and repeat the verses above.
When finished, read the story to the children. Act out the story using the juggling scarves. Let
the kids take turns being Little Yellow and Little Scarlet leaves. At the end have the 2 children
that are Little Yellow and Scarlet leaves at the time, jump off and dance with the wind.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
14. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: April Zagonel – Girard Public Library
Book Title – Franklin Plays the Game
Author – Paulette Bourgeois
Publisher, Year – Scholastic Books, 1995
Book Description: Franklin and his friends are part of a soccer team. Each member wants to
do his/her own thing. However, in the end they realize that teamwork is the way to go.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Team Building Relay
Audience (for kids include age group) – Pre K
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Franklin Plays the Game”, a puzzle, dice, blocks
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Split up the puzzle pieces.
Have a child roll the dice. Either have a planned activity (jumping jacks, hop on one foot, etc.) or
have the children come up with their own ideas. The dice determines the times the activity is
done. After the activity is completed, put in a puzzle piece (or blocks for building), by working
together. Tell the children that teamwork is achieved by working together.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
15. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Teresa Leonard – Bradford Memorial Library
Book Title – D.W. the Picky Eater
Author – Marc Brown
Publisher, Year – Little, Brown and Co., 1995
Book Description: D.W. won’t eat leafy greens until she eats some spinach without realizing
it. Then she decides she likes it after all.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – My Pot Pie
Audience (for kids include age group) – 2-5 year olds
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “D.W. the Picky Eater”, small brads, tan
construction paper or card stock, glue stick, pictures of food-either clip art or pictures from
magazines
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Cut 2 circles out of tan paper-
about 8 inches in diameter. Glue one circle onto a whole piece of construction paper. Have
children pick pictures of food they would like in their “pot pie”. Glue the food on top of the tan
circle. Attach the second circle on top of the glued circle with the brads. Kids then can move the
top “crust” to show what is in their pie.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
16. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Jackie White and Gretchen Huber – McConnell AFB Library
- Wichita
Book Title – Sailor Boy Jig
Author – Margaret Wise Brown
Publisher, Year – Margaret K. McElderey Books, 2002
Book Description: A sailor dog is dancing a jig.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Jump Around
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Sailor Boy Jig”, room to move, snacks-bean
sprouts, whole-grain Goldfish crackers, popsicle sticks to make a simple puppet, glue
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Follow the activities in the
book while reading. Make simple Popsicle stick puppets to follow along with the book. Have a
snack from a “bucket of fun”: beans sprouts as worms, whole-grain Goldfish crackers as fish.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
17. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Kathleen Caster – Riley City Library
Book Title – Babar Learns to Cook
Author – Laurent de Brunhoff
Publisher, Year – Random House, 1978
Book Description: This book is about Babar the elephant and his family who learn to cook
by having a visiting chef give cooking lessons.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Make Your Healthy Pizza
Audience (for kids include age group) – 6-9 years
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Babar Learns to Cook”, a MyPyramid poster, a
willing pizza parlor or family willing to have kids come to their house to build their own pizza to
cook
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – The group would have to be
small, and there would need to be healthy ingredients, like low fat mozzarella cheese, green
pepper, chopped tomatoes, lean hamburger, etc. for toppings. As the kids assemble their
pizzas, name the ingredients and ask the kids from which food groups they come from in
MyPyramid. After the pizzas are cooked, they get to eat.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
18. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Barbara Lee – Leonardville City Library
Book Title – Night Tree
Author – Eve Bunting
Publisher, Year – Harcourt Brace, 1991
Book Description: A family decorates a Christmas tree in the woods with food that wild
animals will eat.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Christmas for the Animals
Audience (for kids include age group) – 4-10 years
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Night Tree”, popped popcorn, sunflower seeds
apples, oranges
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Children prepare popcorn
chains, and balls made of seeds, fruit, etc. If age appropriate, they could research what animals
of the area eat (or just learn about it) and talk about where these foods are on the food
pyramid. If possible, use the resulting food decorations to decorate a tree.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
19. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Anne Harris – Wichita Public Library
Book Title – From Head to Toe
Author – Eric Carle
Publisher, Year – Harper Collins, 1997
Book Description: Children imitate the motions of a variety of animals.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Can You Do It?
Audience (for kids include age group) – ages 2-8 years
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “From Head to Toe”, digital camera and printer,
paper, pen, markers/crayons
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – After reading the book and
having the kids mimic each animal’s movements, they can make their own group book. Ask
each child to demonstrate a motion they can do. Take a photo of them doing the motion. Each
child’s picture will be on a separate page with the text. Example: “Anne can spin around in
circles really fast. Can you do it?” The children draw a picture of themselves doing their motion
on the facing page. Attach all pages together with a plastic comb binder, book rings or staples.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
20. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Kindra Holland – Erie City Public Library
Book Title – The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Activity #1)
Author – Eric Carle
Publisher, Year – Putman and Gossett, 1969
Book Description: A caterpillar eats his way through a lot of foods before he finally
becomes a butterfly.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Caterpillar to Butterfly
Audience (for kids include age group) – 3-5 year olds
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, white paper,
markers or crayons, fruit cup snacks for each child and spoons
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Have children color a
caterpillar and fruit shapes. Talk about the differences between healthy foods and unhealthy
foods. Ask why the caterpillar in the story got a tummy ache. Ask what foods do caterpillars like
best. Have children pretend they are a caterpillar moving from food to food. Next, they are still
in their cocoon. Finally, they turn into a beautiful butterfly flying and flapping their wings.
Provide fruit cups for a snack.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
21. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Leslie Bell – Northwest Kansas Library System
Book Title – The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Activity #2)
Author – Eric Carle
Publisher, Year – Scholastic Inc., 1969, 1987
Book Description: A highly graphic and colorful presentation of the transformation of an
egg into a butterfly. The variety of food the caterpillar ate to prepare provides opportunities to
discuss food types.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Are you a hungry caterpillar?
Audience (for kids include age group) - Preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - Hungry Caterpillar Resource Kit - NWKLS
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) - Pass out felt pieces of food
items so each child has one or more. Tell the story asking children to feed the caterpillar the
food item. Talk about the over-eating concept when the caterpillar has a stomach ache and
how he felt better when he ate his normal food. Ask the kids…What foods would be good for
you? What makes your tummy ache? (Too much birthday cake, ice cream, etc.)
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
22. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Lynn Shoemaker – Linwood Community Library
Book Title – From Head to Toe
Author – Eric Carle
Publisher, Year – Scholastic, Inc., 1997
Book Description: Children imitate animal actions.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Animal Actions
Audience (for kids include age group) – Preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “From Head to Toe”, animal masks to decorate-
colored construction paper, tape, glue sticks, crayons
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Have the children do the
actions as you read the book. Make animals masks: let the children color and decorate their
masks. Have an animal parade with each child doing the action of their animal while wearing
their masks. Discuss healthy snacks that give you energy to move like the animals: whole grain
crackers, string cheese, fruits and veggies. Discuss the fruits and veggies that the animals eat.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
23. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Deb Weatherbie – Paola Free Library
Book Title – The Mixed-Up Chameleon
Author – Eric Carle
Publisher, Year – Harper Collins, 1975
Book Description: A Chameleon has a boring life and wishes to be like other animals. When
his wish comes true he discovers he likes being himself best.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Changing Colors
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “The Mixed-Up Chameleon ”, Twister game or
colored circles for younger children
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the book to the children.
Name the fruits and veggies that are the colors of the different animals in the book. Have the
children perform the action of the animal mentioned on each page. Discuss the pages when the
chameleon is sparkling green and is eating healthy, but is dull gray when he is not eating
healthy. Play the Twister game, but first discuss the different types of fruits and veggies that
correlate with the colors on the mat. While children are playing the game, they must say a fruit
or veggie out loud that matches the color they are putting their hand or foot on. For Younger
Children: Spin and have the children step or jump from one color circle to the other.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
24. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Mary Barker – Lebo
Book Title – Get Up and Go! (Activity #1)
Author – Nancy Carlson
Publisher, Year – Penguin Group, 2006
Book Description: Bodies come in all shapes and sizes. You need to take care of your body
by exercising.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Jump Rope
Audience (for kids include age group) – Older Elementary
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Get Up and Go!”, long jump ropes, space to
move and jump-- This activity could be done in a large meeting room or outside.
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the story and tell the
students you are going to “Get Up and Go” by jumping rope. Ahead of time, order on
interlibrary loan extra books that have jump rope chants or rhymes. Have 2 students turn the
rope, while others join in on a rhyme. Let kids learn to enter and exit the jump rope. Switch the
students turning the ropes.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
25. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Carol Rittscher – Memorial Library - Liberal
Book Title – Get Up and Go! (Activity #2)
Author – Nancy Carlson
Publisher, Year - Viking Press, 2006
Book Description: No matter what shape or size; you need exercise. The book points out
how exercise benefits you – physically, socially and emotionally.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Do what Luella and her Friends Do
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Get Up and Go!”, “fly” bean bags and a “frog”
made out of a box
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – As you are reading the story,
call out the activities being done in the book and have the children mimic that activity.
Examples: swinging a bat, kicking a soccer ball, ice skating, playing tag (that one could get a
little wild), jumping rope, walking/hiking, canoeing, working in the garden, swimming, bicycling,
and dancing. At the end, have the children pretend to sleep so they are rested for exercise the
next day.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
26. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Jerie Tichenor – Meriden Community Library
Book Title – Clap Your Hands (Activity #1)
Author – Lorinda Bryan Cauley
Publisher, Year – Harcourt Brace and Co., 1992
Book Description: Each page has a different activity; for example, stomp your feet, clap
your hands, etc.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Fun with Motion
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool through 7 years of age
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Clap Your Hands”, apples, bananas,
strawberries and lemons
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the book and do the
activity on each page with the children. When reading page 7, let the children find the red and
yellow fruit. Talk to them about how important it is to eat fruit every day. On page 14 it
mentions finding something large and small—talk with the children about healthy portion sizes,
moderation. Teach the children about nutrition while they move.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
27. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Jackie White – McConnell AFB Library - Wichita
Book Title – Clap Your Hands (Activity #2)
Author – Linda Bryan Cauley
Publisher, Year – G.P. Putnam and Sons, 1992
Book Description: A variety of animals doing many actions “on parade”.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Activity Parade
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Clap Your Hands”, fruits and veggies that
animals in the book would eat such as banana slices and carrot sticks, lots of space to move,
seedies and plastic fruits/veggies, helpers to role-model
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Follow and do the activities in
the book. While looking at the book, discuss and talk about what types of food these animals
would eat (bananas-monkeys). Ask children if they can think of any other animals and what
movement they do. Have children demonstrate the movements and discuss what these animals
eat. Use seedies and plastic fruits/veggies while asking …What animal eats this fruit/veggie?
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
28. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Jody Suiter – Macksville City Library
Book Title – The Bake-Off
Author – Lorinda Bryan Cauley
Publisher, Year – G.P. Putnam, 1978
Book Description: There’s a Bake-Off in the forest and no one wants to eat Mr. Hare’s
vegetables. They think Mrs. Beaver’s chocolate cake will surely win. Then, Mr. Hare surprises
them all with the best cake of all…a carrot cake…with recipe included in the book.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Can Anything Good For You TASTE Good?
Audience (for kids include age group) – kindergarten
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “The Bake-Off”, a large piece of paper, marker,
bite-sized carrot cake cupcakes, 3 paper ribbons for each child (1st, 2nd, 3rd), 3 vegetables on a
plate for each child, 3 large pictures of each of the 3 veggies
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Have children brainstorm
vegetables and have the leader write them down. Ask kids what their favorite veggies are and
star them or circle. Ask them how they like them served. Read the book and stop before Mr.
Hare reveals his “secret ingredient”. Pass out bite-sized cupcakes and after kids eat them, have
them guess what the secret ingredient is….Tally the votes on the large piece of paper. Finish the
book and see if the class guessed right. Then give each child 3 ribbons and a plate of 3 veggies
to taste. After tasting, they stick their ribbons on the large pictures of the 3 veggies. Which was
3rd place? 2nd place? 1st place? Cheer! Teach a cheer and clap to it… “Veggies, Veggies, they are
GREAT! Serve me (insert the veggie they liked best here) on my plate!” Send home a copy of
the recipe from the book, also.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
29. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Shelly Wintz – Herington Public Library
Book Title – I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato (Activity #1)
Author – Lauren Child
Publisher, Year – Candlewick Press, 2000
Book Description: A child won’t eat her vegetables and fruit. It is her brother’s job to teach
her to eat them.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Name Game
Audience (for kids include age group) – Preschool through 1st grade
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato”, different
fruit/veggie examples or pictures of them would work
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Have the kids take turns
coming up with different names to call the food examples you have. Give them fun names that
rhyme or silly names that would make kids want to eat the food. Then, have them tell the
names to adults/parents to see if they can figure out what food they are talking about.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
30. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Arlene Hasty – Chanute Public Library
Book Title – I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato (Activity #2)
Author – Lauren Child
Publisher, Year – Candlewick Press, 2000
Book Description: Lola is a picky eater and won’t try new foods. Her brother makes the
foods sound interesting, so she’ll try them, and then she finds out she likes them.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Renaming
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato”, pictures of
fruits and veggies, a MyPyramid poster
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Show kids the MyPyramid
poster and explain the healthy foods in it. Next, show pictures of different fruits and veggies
and have the children give them more exciting names like Charlie did in the book. As they
rename the food, one person could take the picture over to the MyPyramid poster on the wall
and put or point where it belongs in the pyramid.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
31. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Janet Birk – Coffey County Library
Book Title – I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato (Activity #3)
Author – Lauren Child
Publisher, Year – Chadwick Press, 2000
Book Description: Big brother, Charlie, has to give his little sister, fussy eater Lola, her
dinner. Charlie becomes inventive in order to convince Lola to eat her vegetables.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Change the Name
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato”, real or
artificial veggies/fruits in a bag to match those in the book, can use flannel board fruits/veggies
also while reading the story
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Pass around the bag with fruits
and veggies in it. Have each child draw one out, then pass it to another child. Ask each child
about their fruit/veggie. Ask if they like it, along with why or why not. Have the child think of
another name to call it. Have fun with the names. Take turns until all have participated.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
32. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Eleanor Strecker – Topeka
Book Title – I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato (Activity #4)
Author – Lauren Child
Publisher, Year – Scholastic, 2000
Book Description: Lola is a fussy eater. Sometimes her brother, Charlie, has to give her
dinner. Charlie comes up with creative ways to get Lola to eat her dinner.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Name that Food
Audience (for kids include age group) – older preschool and younger elementary
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato”, pictures of
fruits and vegetables in a bag, a rainbow template
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – 1. After reading the story,
bring out the bag with pictures of fruits and veggies in it. 2. Pull a picture out of the bag and
help children identify the fruit or vegetable and what color it is. 3. Announce you need a new
name for this fruit/veggie and let the children help you make up a fun new name. 4. Continue
pulling out pictures and giving new names. 4. Lay out the rainbow template and allow the
children to put the fruits/veggies in the appropriate colors of the rainbow.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
33. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Mary Domaan– Atchison Library
Book Title – I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato (Activity #5)
Author – Lauren Child
Publisher, Year – Harper Collins, 2000
Book Description: Charlie tricks his picky eater sister, Lola, into eating foods she says she
hates.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Try It, You’ll Like It!
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool/K-2nd grade
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato”, prepare
ahead of time food samples from the book, such as peas, mashed potatoes, carrots, tomatoes,
paper plates, spoons and napkins
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the story. Have “orange
twiglets” (carrots), “Greenland green drops” (peas) and so on from the book for the children to
sample. Talk about what foods the children don’t like. Come up with new names for those
foods. Talk about the importance of eating a variety of foods. Don’t be afraid to try something
new. Can calling a food something else make it taste better? Have you tried something new
recently? How did it go? Will you try it again? End with asking each child to try a new food
before the next time you meet, and tell us how it went.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
34. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Marilyn Keating – Hamilton County Library
Book Title – I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato (Activity #6)
Author – Lauren Child
Publisher, Year - Harper Collins, 2000
Book Description: Little sister, Lola, is a very picky, fussy eater. Older brother, Charlie, asks
her to eat different veggies and she has a reason why she won’t eat them. Charlie tricks her by
calling all the veggies something else more interesting and she tries them.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - A Walk on the Moon (astronauts)
Audience (for kids include age group) – Kindergarten to 5th grade
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato”, an
assortment of bite size pieces of veggies and fruits for tasting, pictures of foods labeled with
“theme” names, game prizes-pencils, bookmarks, etc.
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Gather the children and
discuss what astronauts might find when they travel to another planet. Aliens, maybe? Think of
other things that might be found…chairs, homes, windows, CD players, etc., but change the
object’s names to fit the planet they are on. This exercise will help them understand the funny
names Charlie uses for food items. Read the story to the children. Provide a “taste testing”
game. Let the kids know they can win prizes by earning points. Explain that they earn points for
being the first to try a new fruit or veggie sample and for actually trying the fruit or veggie
samples. Explain that fruits and veggies make healthy snacks. Help them add up their points
and at the end of the adventure, they receive prizes. Between each taste testing sample tried,
have the kids do a physical movement such as skipping, hopping, etc.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
35. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Dee Lizzol – Seneca Free Library
Book Title – Digger Pig and the Turnip
Author – Caron Lee Cohen
Publisher, Year – Harcourt, Inc., 2000
Book Description: Little Red Hen read alike, with a pig instead of a hen and turnips instead
of bread/wheat.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Let’s Make a Turnip Pie!
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Digger Pig and the Turnip”, could bring some
kid size garden tools or replicas
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the book. As you do, use
actions to show hen digging up the turnip and dragging this huge turnip back to her kitchen to
make the turnip pie. Could divide the group into 3 groups and when the pig asks if she would
like help cutting up the turnip, each group (Chirper Chick, Quaker Duck, and Bow Wow Dog)
would say, “Not I”. At the end, hen’s piglets eat the pie and not the other animals. Tell the kids
that they are not the piglets and can help eat the pie. Yum, yum! Let the kids pretend they are
eating the turnip pie. Talk about how good vegetables and fruits are for you.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
36. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Diana Floyd – Healthy Kids Challenge
Book Title – Pumpkin Soup
Author – Helen Cooper
Publisher, Year – Doubleday Publishing, 1998
Book Description: A great fall book that has a lesson about friendship and sharing, with its
own recipe for pumpkin soup.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Fall Foods
Audience (for kids include age group) – Preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Pumpkin Soup”, bring examples of fall veggies,
like a small pumpkin, squash, etc., paper cups, make pumpkin soup ahead of time from the
book’s recipe so the kids can sample
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the book to the
preschoolers and talk about fall foods and veggies. Let the children hold the veggie examples
and ask them if they can name the veggies. Ask them if they eat the veggies they are holding.
What other veggies do they eat? Explain that veggies are very healthy and come in a rainbow of
colors to eat. Talk about the different ways veggies can be prepared—raw, cooked? In a pie?
What about soup?? Talk about the pumpkin soup recipe in the book and mention the different
ingredients. Pour the soup in cups for the children to sip from and try.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
37. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Kendra Mork – Goddard Library
Book Title – Bounce
Author – Doreen Cronin
Publisher, Year – Atheneum, 2007
Book Description: Bouncing can be fun. Just don’t bounce on the couch.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Look for the Bounce
Audience (for kids include age group) – Preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Bounce”, 5-6 cone markers, dice, instruction
sheets, healthy snacks-cut-up fruits and veggies
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Set up a game board in the
library with 5-6 stations/stops. Mark the start square. Have the child roll a die and then proceed
to the first stop. The child must do the activity once for each number on the die. Example: The
child rolls a “5” and the child will do the activity 5 times. Station Examples:
1. Bounce Ball on the Floor 2. Hop in Place 3. Bounce Ball on Hands 4. Bounce Ball on Foot 5.
Hop on one Foot
Have healthy fruit or vegetables (cut in small pieces) to eat at the finish line.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
38. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Emily Holt – Solomon Public Library
Book Title – Stretch (Activity #1)
Author – Doreen Cronin
Publisher, Year – Antheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009
Book Description: Pages full of stretching exercises that kids can do.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – STRETCH
Audience (for kids include age group) – K-2 years
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Stretch”, space to move freely
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read each page of the book
out loud and join the kids in stretching, following the instructions.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
39. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Pam Fast – Buhler Public Library
Book Title – Stretch (Activity #2)
Author – Doreen Cronin
Publisher, Year – Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009
Book Description: There’s nothing like a good stretch before you jump, wiggle, bounce or
run. Stretching can be good fun, especially if you’re stretching your imagination at the same
time!
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Stretch Your Body! Stretch Your Mind!
Audience (for kids include age group) – 3 to 6 year olds
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Stretch”, space to stretch, carpet squares,
healthy treats (homemade granola bag)
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Provide each child with a
carpet square and set up the room like an exercise class. Demonstrate various body stretches
and have children participate. Quiz them about ways to stretch: materials that stretch, the ways
animals stretch, how stretching is important in our days. Ask which sports require lots of
stretching. Discuss how stretching can prevent injury, etc. Reward each child with a treat that
he/she has to stretch to reach.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
40. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Anita Reiter – Port Library - Beloit
Book Title – Stretch (Activity #3)
Author – Doreen Cronin
Publisher, Year - Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009
Book Description: In the book, the dog asks us, the audience, to stretch with him. He shows
many ways you can stretch and how fun it is. Throughout the book, there are many different
animals and how they stretch.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Stretching
Audience (for kids include age group) – early elementary
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Stretch”, space to move
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Each page shows a different
kind of stretch. So in the beginning of the book, let the kids know as I read each page to them,
we will do the stretches that the dog and his friends are doing. Be creative and let the kids have
fun doing the stretches but also acting like the animals in the story.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
41. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Chris Chadd – Haysville Community Library
Book Title – Wiggle
Author – Doreen Cronin
Publisher, Year – Atheneum Books, 2005
Book Description: A book that encourages wiggling.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – How Did I Wiggle Today?
Audience (for kids include age group) – Preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Wiggle”, slips of paper, pencil, push pins
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Have the children that come
into the library tell you how they wiggled that day--what they wiggled, where they wigged and
how they wiggled. Write down on the slip of paper what each child tells you and have them
stick it on a corkboard with a push pin and adult supervision. Read the book and enjoy the
chance to wiggle again!
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
42. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Christie Snyder – Ida Long Goodman Memorial Library
Book Title – Who Grew My Soup?
Author – Tom Darbyshire
Publisher, Year – Publications International Ltd., 2009
Book Description: Phin Quinn declares to his mom he won’t slurp a single spoonful of soup
until he knows where his soup comes from. Mr. Mattoo swoops in on a flying tomato to fly Phin
from farm to farm, teaching him about amazing veggies and the farmers who grow them.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Soup-er Taste Party
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool to 3rd or 4th grade
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Who Grew My Soup?”, bite-sized samples of
veggies found in vegetable soup as well as a whole raw sample to view (carrots, tomatoes,
beans, barley, corn, potatoes, spinach, peas, celery). Consider making vegetable soup ahead of
time in a crockpot. Could pair with Stone Soup.
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Check with local grocer or
farmers to see if they would donate veggies to sample. Chop and clean veggies before hand and
bag them up for tasting. Talk with kids about vegetable soup and what it is made of. Ask where
they think the ingredients come from. Read the book, then taste vegetables as Phin does. Share
tastes, textures and smells. Try a taste of soup and talk about how the vegetables changed after
cooking. Compare the tastes, textures and smells. Optional: Take a field trip to a farm. (or a
patron with a large garden or town community garden plot)
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
43. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Laurie Costlow – Overbrook Public Library
Book Title – Jamberry
Author – Bruce Degen
Publisher, Year – Harper Collins, 1983
Book Description: A boy and a bear are searching for berries for jam. There is a lot of
alliteration in this book.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Berry Hop
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Jamberry”, prepare sheets showing the activity
for each letter for the children to use
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Explain to the children that
berries are used to make jam. A boy and a bear go on a very active adventure looking for
berries in the book. The word “berry” occurs many times in the story. I would suggest having
the children hop every time you read the word “berry”. Read the story to the children and let
them hop around. After the story explain that berries are a healthy food/fruit. Ask if any of
them have eaten berries. Explain that berries and other fruits should be eaten every day for
good health.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
44. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Cheryl Foster – Parents As Teachers - Stafford
Book Title – Alligator Arrived with Apples: A Potluck Alphabet Feast
Author – Crescent Dragonwagon
Publisher, Year – First Aladdin Picture Books, 1992
Book Description: From alligator’s apples to zebra’s zucchinis, a multitude of alphabetical
animals and foods celebrate Thanksgiving with a wonderful feast.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – An Alphabet Feast
Audience (for kids include age group) – parents with toddlers/preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Alligator Arrived with Apples: A Potluck
Alphabet Feast”, samples of some of the foods (for this age, select 5-6 of the alphabet/animals
to highlight - A, B, C, & X, Y, Z), food magazines, scissors, glue sticks
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the book with the group
(or select parts of the book) as in a “story time”. If available, sing some songs about the
different foods. Break into centers. Examples: Food Tasting Center-choose 4-5 foods from the
book to sample. Craft Center-cut out food pictures from magazines. Glue the pictures in a “zip
lock book baggie” format. After the centers, gather the group for a closing.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
45. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Ericka Brunson – Manhattan Public Library
Book Title – Burger Boy (Activity #1)
Author – Alan Durant
Publisher, Year – Clarion Books, 2006
Book Description: Benny loved burgers—so much he became one. Through his crazy
adventures, Benny realizes he needs to alter his diet to include healthy foods. When Benny eats
too many vegetables, kids learn everything is good in moderation.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Moderation Motivation!
Audience (for kids include age group) – Pre-K, and kindergarten
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Burger Boy”, Flannel Board pieces, puppet with
stomach
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – 1. Have a flannel with an ant,
mouse, dog, tiger, whale, and as many as you want. Have cards with food—a crumb, cheese,
burger, pie, pizza (substitute real foods, if needed). Match appropriate portions. 2. Have a
puppet with a stomach, like the “Old Lady Who Swallowed…”). Have the kids put foods in her
mouth until she’s huge and bulky. Talk about overeating and portion control/moderation.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
46. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Angie Zehr
Book Title – Burger Boy (Activity #2)
Author – Alan Durant
Publisher, Year - Anderson Press LTD., 2005
Book Description: Benny only wants to eat burgers. His mother tells him he is going to
become a burger and he does. He soon realizes he needs to find a balance. He eats vegetables
and becomes a boy again.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Healthy Balance
Audience (for kids include age group) – 3-5 years old
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Burger Boy”, plastic food items, box or bag,
MyPyramid poster (www.mypyramid.gov/ ), cut-up fruits/veggies and low fat milk for a snack
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the story to the children.
Place plastic food items in the box/bag. Have the children pull out 5 items. Show the
MyPyramid poster and discuss if these items would make a “balanced” meal. Have the kids
practice balancing=balance on one foot, with eyes closed, balance on a board, etc. Serve fruits
and veggies with milk to help “balance” the children’s day.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
47. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Stephanie Robker – Turner Community Library
Book Title – Eating the Alphabet: Fruits and Vegetables A to Z (Activity #1)
Author – Lois Ehlert
Publisher, Year – Harcourt, 1989
Book Description: A large variety of fruits and vegetables are pictured and named.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Name it, Try it
Audience (for kids include age group) – families
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Eating the Alphabet: Fruits and Vegetables A to
Z”, as many fruits and veggies in the book as the budget allows for tasting (some need to be
cooked), copies of the book or pages from the book copied to hand out to families
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the book with the
families. Pass out copies of the book or pages copied to each family. Provide samples of fruits
and veggies from the book. Get families to try as many different fruits and veggies as possible.
Have families mark off on lists what fruits/veggies they tried. Talk about what they liked, didn’t
like, or had never tried before. Maybe offer prizes to families that tried the most fruits and
veggies offered.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
48. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Candee Jacobs – Holton City Library
Book Title – Eating the Alphabet: Fruits and Vegetables A to Z (Activity #2)
Author – Lois Ehlert
Publisher, Year – Harcourt, 1989
Book Description: A good introduction to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in an
alphabet format.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Eat Your Colors (Variation)
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Eating the Alphabet”, fruit and vegetable bean
bags, pictures of fruits and vegetables, a large rainbow template, seasonal fruit samples to taste
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – 1. Discuss the alphabet. 2.
Read the book to the children. 3. Show and tell about the bean bag fruits/veggies or pictures. 4.
Lay out the large rainbow template and hand out the fruit/veggie pictures to the children. 5. Let
the children put their fruit or veggie on the appropriate color of the rainbow. 6. Give the
children a quick pep talk about being strong, making good eating choices (like eating
fruits/veggie) and then provide samples of seasonal fruits to taste. *If a rainbow template is not
available, you could have kids put the fruit/veggies on rainbow colored pieces of construction
paper. Optional: Could practice the ABC’s with the children, sing the ABC song and parade
around the library.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
49. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Sandy Wilkerson – SEKLS
Book Title – Nuts to You
Author – Lois Ehlert
Publisher, Year – Harcourt, 1993
Book Description: A small child encounters a squirrel. The squirrel comes inside, but when
the child puts nuts outside the squirrel leaves to go get them.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Let’s Go Nuts
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Nuts to You”, music (high action), large area,
vegetable and fruit seeds with matching pictures of the seed’s fruit or vegetable, cupcake liners
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – With the children, talk about
what the squirrel did in the story. He digs, jumps, walks on tiptoe, creeps inside, looks around,
peaks, holds a nut and eats. Start the music and ask the children to be squirrels and “go nuts”
doing the actions mentioned.
2nd Activity – Recognize Seeds (for preschool and kindergarten) Bring seeds from a variety of
fruits and veggies.
In a cupcake liner, place a single seed from a fruit or veggie. Glue a picture of the whole fruit or
veggie in the bottom and ask the child to identify the seed. You can also use the actual fruit or
veggie for matching. Talk about what squirrels eat (different nuts), and how they store their
food (by burying it all winter). Can also be followed by planting a seed if time allows.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
50. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Sarah Wamsley – Healthy Kids Challenge
Book Title – How to Speak Moo!
Author – Deborah Fajerman
Publisher, Year – Barron’s Educational Series, 2002
Book Description: This cute book makes an effective read-aloud when discussing where milk
comes from. Using rhyming, clever phrasing and bright illustrations, the funny world of moo-speak comes
alive!
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Drink Think For Health
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “How to Speak Moo!”, a stuffed cow for a prop,
clean empty milk cartons, ball to roll
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the book to the children
and talk about how milk is a healthy drink for them. Explain that milk helps them build strong
bones and teeth. Ask how many of them drink milk? Talk about having milk with a snack or at
meals. Show children an empty milk carton and read some of the nutrients in milk from the
Nutrition Facts label, like protein and calcium. bowling activity: Line up the empty milk cartons
in a “bowling” formation and let each of the children have a turn to knock down the empty
cartons.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
51. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Maribel Sandoval – Grant County Library
Book Title – The Wide-mouthed Frog (pop-up book)
Author – Keith Faulkner
Publisher, Year - Dial Books for Young Readers, 2000
Book Description: Little Frog goes around the pond asking what other animals eat; a bird, a
mouse and then the alligator. The alligator tells Frog he eats wide-mouthed frogs…Frog then
puckers up his lips and goes away with a splash.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Frogs
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “The Wide-mouthed Frog”, “fly” bean bags and a
“frog” made out of a box
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the story and tell the kids
that they need to feed the frog his favorite snack…flies. The kids will stand behind a line and
toss flies (bean bags) into the frog’s mouth (box).
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
52. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Jacque Sherrill – Jetmore Public Library
Book Title – Feast For 10
Author – Cathryn Falwell
Publisher, Year - Clarion Books, 1993
Book Description: Numbers from 1-10 are used to tell how members of a family shop and
work together to prepare a meal.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Feast For 10
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool through 1st grade
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Feast For 10”, MyPyramid poster
(www.mypyramid.gov/ ), Flannel Board, plastic foods and utensils, a “cart” or box to serve as
one, a brown paper bag, Flannel pieces depicting objects in the story
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – As the story is read, focus on
the MyPyramid food groups and counting individual items. The activity could be done with one
child or several. Highlight the family’s involvement in healthy eating. Have the children add the
appropriate items to the “cart” during shopping. Next, the foods are removed (bought) and
placed in the paper bag (which also serves to put them away). Continue using the flannel
figures and pretend foods to represent families, utensils, food preparation, and then set the
table.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
53. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Melanie Engel – Oakley Public Library
Book Title – Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! (Activity #1)
Author – Candace Fleming
Publisher, Year – Simon and Schuster, 2002
Book Description: Three hungry bunnies try to get into Mr. McGreely’s garden.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Plant a Garden
Audience (for kids include age group) – 3-5 years
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!”, gardening tools,
seeds, containers, soil
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Pretend play planting a
garden. Talk to the children about vegetables and their colors. Have the children plant a seed.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
54. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Lynn Thompson – Derby Public Library
Book Title – Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! (Activity #2)
Author – Candace Fleming
Publisher, Year – Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2002
Book Description: Mr. McGreely plants a garden. Some bunnies decide to taste what he has
planted every night. Every Day Mr. McGreely is angry at them and puts up things to keep them
out. There are lots of sounds. In the end, when Mr. McGreely harvests the vegetables, the
bunnies join him in eating the vegetables.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Munch Your Veggies
Audience (for kids include age group) – ages 3-5
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!”, pictures of the
veggies in the book (made with cardstock and laminating sheets, Velcro)
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the book and when it
comes to the sounds, have the children make those sounds. Then, repeat the story letting the
children fill in the blanks - may have to ask questions. Focus in on the vegetables, asking what
they are and their color. May want to have the “bunnies (children)” sort the veggies by colors.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
55. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Lori Heller – Emporia Public Library
Book Title – Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! (Activity #3)
Author – Candace Fleming
Publisher, Year – Atheneum, 2002
Book Description: After planting the garden he has dreamed of for years, Mr. McGreely
tries to find a way to keep some persistent bunnies from eating all his vegetables.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Muncha! Muncha! Move!
Audience (for kids include age group) – Children and Families, ages 2-7
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!”, adequate space
for practicing locomoter and non-locomotor skills
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) –
Upon first reading of the book, encourage the children to use non-locomotor skills…
hoeing, sowing, stretching as a garden grows
“Yum! Yum! Yummy! –patting tummy,
“Mucha! Muncha! Muncha! –pretending to eat
when Mr. McGreely is angry-shaking fist
building fences, etc. – pretend to hammer
“Dive-paddle, Splash! Splash! Splash! – pretend to swim
Read the story once again, allowing the children to role play using locomotor skills….
“Tippy-tippy-tippy, Pat!”
“Dig-scrabble, Scratch! Scratch! Scratch!”
“Spring-hurdle, Dash! Dash! Dash! Etc.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
56. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Sue McAllaster – Horton Public Library
Book Title – Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! (Activity #4)
Author – Candace Fleming
Publisher, Year – Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2002
Book Description: Mr. McGreely wants to plant a vegetable garden. The hungry little
bunnies come at night to munch on his vegetables. See what happens next!
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Green Machine
Audience (for kids include age group) – K-4th grade
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!”, an energetic
audience of children, MyPyramid poster (www.mypyramid.gov/ )
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Divide the children into 2
groups: one group will pretend to be Mr. McGreely, the other group will be the bunnies. As the
story is read:
The bunnies will hop (tippy tippy pat) munch (open and shut hands) dive and paddle (arms dive
and splash motions).
Mr. McGreely will pretend to dig, pound with a hammer, saw and do a wiggly, jiggly dance then
climb, jump, squeeze and crawl.
At the end, all will Mucha! Muncha! Muncha!
Discuss with the children vegetable foods that are green for example. Explain where they would
be on MyPyramid. Ask how many green veggies the children have eaten today. Ask what green
veggies they like. Continue with different colors.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
57. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Sunny Church – West Wyandotte Branch of KCKPL
Book Title – Lunch
Author – Denise Fleming
Publisher, Year – Henry Holt and Co., 1992
Book Description: A very hungry mouse eats a large lunch comprised of colorful foods.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Act Out with a Mouse
Audience (for kids include age group) – Ages 3 and up
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Lunch”, MyPyramid poster
(www.mypyramid.gov/ ), mouse puppet, flannel board with flannel fruits and vegetables (can
also have plastic ones or put pictures on tongue depressors)
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the story, and then have
kids act out as you read the story again. Either have the mouse puppet take flannel board items
and put on the board or hold up plastic items. Keep the plastic items in a basket and pass
around for the kids to pick up. Talk about the colors of the fruits and veggies and where they fit
in the MyPyramid poster. Mention fruit and veggie snacks like raw veggies and low fat Ranch
dressing dip or fruit pieces dipped in low fat fruited yogurt. Pair this activity with Mouse Paint
by Walsh, Great Enormous Turnip by Tolstoy, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Numeroff and
Seven Blind Mice by Young.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
58. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Ruthann Crawshaw – McCracken Public Library
Book Title – Oliver’s Vegetables
Author – Vivian French
Publisher, Year – Orchard Books, 1995
Book Description: Oliver is a boy who only ate French fries at home. One day he goes to his
grandparents who have a garden and he learns a few things about vegetables.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Color Your Food
Audience (for kids include age group) – kindergarten through 3rd grade
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Oliver’s Vegetables”, MyPyramid poster
(www.mypyramid.gov/ ), examples of different vegetables-real, plastic or pictures
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the story. Hand out the
vegetables to the children to see. Show the MyPyramid poster and explain where the vegetable
group is located. Ask each child what their vegetable is and what color. Explain that we want to
eat vegetables with a variety of different colors for good health.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
59. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Louella Kaiser – WaKeeney Public Library
Book Title – Food Play
Author – Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers
Publisher, Year – Chronicle Books, 2006
Book Description: Character faces or animals are made with fruits and veggies. Just
pictures, no words.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title – Food Fun
Audience (for kids include age group) – Kindergarten, 1st grade
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Food Play”
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) - Done as a circle story, show a
picture from the book and have the kids tell a story about the picture using colors, shapes and
foods in their description.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
60. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Judy Wondra – Independent Township - Claflin
Book Title – Fast Food
Author – Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers
Publisher, Year - Arthur A. Levine Books, 2006
Book Description: Playful text and illustrations invite children to play with their food.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Moving
Audience (for kids include age group) – preschool through early elementary
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Fast Food”, look through the book at the food
pictures and gather fruits and vegetables to make some of the examples with the children,
knife, peeler, cutting boar, toothpicks
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – As you are reading, have the
kids perform the activities mentioned: walk (walk around the room), run (run in place), skip
(skip in a circle), riding (move like a train or car), hauling (move like a truck hauling a heavy
load), flying (move like an airplane), and floating (float still like a boat). Gather the children in a
group and make one or two of the fruit/vegetable examples in the book. Or make ahead and
tell the children how you did it, let them touch and feel the examples.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
61. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Sharon Stepter – Delphos Public Library
Book Title – Why Must I…Exercise?
Author – Jackie Gaff
Publisher, Year - Evans Brothers LTD., 2005
Book Description: Discovery Book Series: This is about exercise, stretching, strengthening,
breathing, food and sleep.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Stay Fit, Stay Healthy: The Steps to Healthy Success
Audience (for kids include age group) – 6-12 years old
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Why Must I…Exercise?”, playground or open
area, healthy snacks-fruits and veggies, handouts with MyPyramid poster
(www.mypyramid.gov/ )
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the story to the children
and do the motions mentioned. Explain the Five for Life motto: Five activity steps and Five food
groups for Success
Step 1: Warm-up: Stretch one arm at a time across the chest and hold. Do arm circles.
(shoulder, back and arm muscles)
Step 2: Exercise: jog, dance, run, play sports or on outdoor playground equipment, etc.
Step 3: Cool Down: Gentle stretching of legs, arms and body.
Step 4: Healthy Snacks: Choose snacks from a rainbow of colors for variety. (Provide fruit and
veggie snack.)
Step 5: Sleep: Have a handout about the hours of sleep needed for each age group.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
62. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: – Sharon Snively – Delphos Public Library
Book Title – Why Must I…Eat Healthy?
Author – Jackie Gaff
Publisher, Year - Evans Brothers LTD., 2005
Book Description: Discovery Book Series: The book explains the importance of a healthy
diet, the reasons for avoiding too much sugar and fat, and gives a simple explanation of the
digestive system.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Down the Hatch with Healthy Food or Balance My Fruits and
Veggies
Audience (for kids include age group) – kindergarten through early elementary
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “Why Must I…Eat Healthy?”, plastic or bean bag
fruits and veggies and other food items, large MyPyramid Diagram (www.mypyramid.gov/ ),
Balance Board-a board with plastic cone underneath
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the story to the children.
Show and explain the MyPyramid diagram. Have the kids place the food items in the
appropriate food groups. Use the Balance Board: Place the fruits and veggies on the board and
make it balance to show a healthy diet with fruits and veggies. Make sure there are several
colors of fruits and veggies distributed equally. Tell children that if you put all of one color on
one side, it won’t balance. If you have any food items that are high sugar and fat, put those on
one side of the balance and healthy foods on the other (make sure the high sugar and fat foods
are heavier than the healthy foods side) and show that too many high fat and high sugar foods
lead to an unbalanced diet.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287
63. Reading, Healthy Eating, Active Play…Balance My Day BOOK ACTIVITIES
Activity submitted by: Candis Henel – Cimarron City Library
Book Title – The Three Little Pigs
Author – A Golden Book
Publisher, Year Random House Disney – 2005
Book Description: The fairy tale re-told of the three little pigs. They build 3 houses; 2 are
weak and 1 is strong.
Nutrition/Physical Activity Message (themes bolded below)
Fruits & Veggies Active Play Smart Servings
Breakfast GO Power Snack Attack MyPyramid
Drink Think
Activity Title - Don’t Get “Blown Away” by a Bad Diet
Audience (for kids include age group) – 3-5 year olds
Materials/Resources Needed - The book, “The Three Little Pigs”, plastic fruits and veggies,
MyPyramid poster (www.mypyramid.gov/ ), measuring cups, may want to bring slices of bread
or other grain products to show servings in the grain group
Activity Directions (give detailed, step by step instructions) – Read the book to the children.
Show the MyPyramid poster and explain the different food groups. Show some examples of the
amounts needed to be eaten daily: Grains-6 oz. (show slices of bread, small tortillas, etc.),
Vegetables-2-1/2 c. (show measuring cups and plastic examples), Fruits-2 c., Milk- 2 c., Meat
and Beans-5-1/2 oz. Play a game with the plastic fruits and veggies. Hold up the food example
and let the children guess which food pyramid group it goes in. Mention in the story that 2 little
pigs made “weak houses” of straw and sticks. State that if we don’t eat HEALTHY choosing
foods from MyPyramid, we have a weak body that can be “BLOWN AWAY”. If we do eat
HEALTHY, we will have a strong body and can’t be “BLOWN AWAY”.
2010 Healthy Kids Challenge www.healthykidschallenge.com 1-888-259-6287