Today is the community picnic and Cocoa Mole gets to eat as much as he wants. But when it is time for all the animals to play, Cocoa is too full to join them. He falls asleep and journeys into the world of dreams. Munchie Monkeys appear and feverishly dance around him, tempting him to eat even more yummy treats. In this whimsical, humorous and charming story, Cocoa discovers that being with his friends is more fun than stuffing himself.
As parents, we try logic, discipline, and even bribery to encourage our children to make healthy food choices. Despite our efforts, the Center for Disease Control reports that the number of overweight children in the U.S. has tripled since 1980. Perhaps a wiser alternative to our ceaseless cajoling is for our children to read Peter Honigsberg's imaginative tale, Too Much Picnic. --Chrissa Ventrelle, Edible East Bay
In Honigsberg's third children's book, we meet the loveably gluttonous Cocoa Mole as he heads to a community picnic complete with tasty treats like wiggle-worm sandwiches and beetle crackers. Cocoa foolishly gorges himself with second and third helpings of Mama Squirrel's nut bread and Mr. Fox's wild mushroom pizza and soon suffers from a miserable bellyache. As his animal friends play and swap stories, Cocoa falls into a dreamy sleep where a fantastical journey with three Munchie Monkeys teaches him the repercussions of overindulgence. --Chrissa Ventrelle, Edible East Bay
Honigsberg takes the universal experience of overeating and adds a dash of fantasy to engage kids in thinking about healthy eating. Unlike so many children's books that rely on a preachy formulaic tone, Honigsberg teaches gently without skimping on Cocoa's dreamy journey. This makes Too Much Picnic a nice compliment to a nonfiction title that focuses more on the nitty-gritty of healthy eating. --Chrissa Ventrelle, Edible East Bay From the Back Cover
As parents, we try logic, discipline, and even bribery to encourage our children to make healthy food choices. Despite our efforts, the Center for Disease Control reports that the number of overweight children in the U.S. has tripled since 1980. Perhaps a wiser alternative to our ceaseless cajoling is for our children to read Peter Honigsberg's imaginative tale, Too Much Picnic.
In Honigsberg's third children's book, we meet the loveably gluttonous Cocoa Mole as he heads to a community picnic complete with tasty treats like wiggle-worm sandwiches and beetle crackers. Cocoa foolishly gorges himself with second and third helpings of Mama Squirrel's nut bread and Mr. Fox's wild mushroom pizza and soon suffers from a miserable bellyache. As his animal friends play and swap stories, Cocoa falls into a dreamy sleep where a fantastical journey with three Munchie Monkeys teaches him the repercussions of overindulgence.
Honigsberg takes the universal experience of overeating and adds a dash of fantasy to engage kids in thinking about healthy eating. Unlike so many children's books that rely on a preachy formulaic tone, Honigsberg teaches gently without skimping on Cocoa's dreamy journey. This makes Too Much Picnic a nice compliment to a nonfiction title that focuses more on the nitty-gritty of healthy eating.
The memorable illustrations by Ryan Jones are even richer than the homemade cream that Mother Fox brings to the picnic. Children will delight in the playful illustrations, like one where Cocoa sits on the edge of a giant chocolate bundt cake surrounded by decadent desserts. Jones' whimsical style enhances the dreaminess of this story and reflects the talent and humor of this first-time illustrator.
Readers young and old will relate to Honigsberg's message that too much picnic is no picnic at all. The main character, Cocoa Mole, shows us the consequences of overeating and illustrates that the better choice is to indulge in the company of friends rather than self-indulgence. With whimsical and likeable characters, fun and enticing descriptions, and a clear, solid message, this book is an enjoyable read and subtle tool for teaching healthful eating habits. It gently reminds us to think before we eat, regardless of the vast array of tasty morsels available. The illustrator brings the characters to life with beautiful detail and a dash of humor sprinkled throughout. After your first read you'll find your kids going back for a second helping of this book.
If you'd like to encourage healthful eating habits, I highly recommend you share this book with the children in your life. I've sent this book to many of my friend's kids and they've all eaten it up!
Too Much Picnic
Book Review
By Chrissa Ventrelle
As parents, we try logic, discipline, and even bribery to encourage our children to make healthy food choices. Despite our efforts, the Center for Disease Control reports that the number of overweight children in the U.S. has tripled since 1980. Perhaps a wiser alternative to our ceaseless cajoling is for our children to read Peter Honigsberg's imaginative tale, Too Much Picnic.
In Honigsberg's third children's book, we meet the loveably gluttonous Cocoa Mole as he heads to a community picnic complete with tasty treats like wiggle-worm sandwiches and beetle crackers. Cocoa foolishly gorges himself with second and third helpings of Mama Squirrel's nut bread and Mr. Fox's wild mushroom pizza and soon suffers from a miserable bellyache. As his animal friends play and swap stories, Cocoa falls into a dreamy sleep where a fantastical journey with three Munchie Monkeys teaches him the repercussions of overindulgence.
Honigsberg takes the universal experience of overeating and adds a dash of fantasy to engage kids in thinking about healthy eating. Unlike so many children's books that rely on a preachy formulaic tone, Honigsberg teaches gently without skimping on Cocoa's dreamy journey. This makes Too Much Picnic a nice compliment to a nonfiction title that focuses more on the nitty-gritty of healthy eating.
The memorable illustrations by Ryan Jones are even richer than the homemade cream that Mother Fox brings to the picnic. Children will delight in the playful illustrations, like one where Cocoa sits on the edge of a giant chocolate bundt cake surrounded by decadent desserts. Jones' whimsical style enhances the dreaminess of this story and reflects the talent and humor of this first-time illustrator.
Children ages 4-8 will devour Too Much Picnic. Parents will find them pulling this book off the shelf more than once.
