Good Enough to Eat
on Goodreads (170)
What’s inside...
Once there was a poor girl who had no mama and no papa and nothing at all, not even a name. But then one day an Ogre comes knocking at the town’s gate, threatening to ravage the town unless the townspeople give him one of their fair maidens. Of course, they pick this poor girl to be sacrificed. They dress her in a gown and a paper crown, put her in a sack, and leave her for the Ogre. But this brave and clever girl manages to outwit the Ogre and all the townspeople, too, earning a purse full of gold, a fine sharp sword, and most importantly, a fitting name, Good-Enough-to-Eat. This satisfying story has the feel of a classic fairy tale, brought to life by Brock Cole’s expressive watercolors. Good Enough To Eat is a 2008 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Lizzy’s decisions affect the people around her in the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in Lizzy's shoes?
Why do you think the author chose a wolf to be a part of the story?
What lessons can we learn from Lizzy's journey about making choices?
How do the illustrations add to the story, and what emotions do they evoke in you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the consequences of Lizzy's actions by asking what they would do differently and why.
Discuss the moral of the story and what your child thinks about the author’s message.
Explore the character of the wolf in the story together, discussing what he represents in both the story and perhaps in broader terms.
Utilize the illustrations as a talking point to delve deeper into the emotions and themes of the story. Ask your child how the pictures make them feel and why.
Connect the choices and outcomes in the book to real-life scenarios, helping your child apply the story's lessons to their own experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: In 'Good Enough to Eat,' the main character learns that actions have consequences when she disappears after being warned not to take food from strangers.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of listening to guidance from trusted adults and being cautious about engaging with strangers.
Example Lesson: Importance of problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist faces various challenges and must think critically to navigate through them.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop problem-solving skills and think creatively when faced with difficulties in their lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist learns to understand and empathize with different characters in the book, despite their differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Value of caution and discernment
Explanation: The story teaches children to be cautious and discerning about the people they trust and the decisions they make.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to be more thoughtful and judicious in their everyday interactions and choices, promoting safety and wise decision-making.