Have You Eaten?
on Goodreads (80)
What’s inside...
A charming, heartfelt picture book debut from Su Youn Lee, Have You Eaten? celebrates one of the many ways we show love, by sharing food. Coco the chipmunk is known for asking, 'Have you eaten?' and sharing sweet potatoes with everyone around her. Although the other animals find Coco's question odd at first, they come to appreciate her kindness when she shares her food with animals who need a friend. When Coco falls ill, her new friends show their gratitude and care for her by sharing food, just as she taught them. Inspired by a Korean greeting, this heartwarming story offers a fresh take on friendship and kindness.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the characters in the story might feel when they've eaten? Can you describe it?
If you could create a meal for the story, what would it be and why?
How do you think sharing a meal helps us connect with others?
What is your favorite part of mealtime at our house?
If you were a character in the book, what food would you choose to eat and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child to think about their favorite food and how it makes them feel. This will set a personal connection with the book's theme.
While reading, pause at meals depicted in the book and discuss the similarities or differences with your own mealtime rituals.
Encourage your child to draw or describe an imaginary meal they would share with their favorite character from the book.
Use expressive voices for different characters during mealtime scenes to make the reading more engaging and lively.
After reading, have a small snack together and reflect on the story, using the snack as a way to connect the themes of the book to your child’s experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: The story demonstrates sharing through characters who divide their food equally and enjoy it together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their snacks or toys with friends or siblings, fostering a sense of community and generosity.
Example Lesson: Value of asking for help
Explanation: Characters in the book often seek help from others when they cannot solve a problem alone, showing the strength in vulnerability.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to ask for assistance when facing difficult tasks at school or at home, building their problem-solving skills and resilience.
Example Lesson: Gratitude for meals
Explanation: The recurring theme of expressing thanks for every meal teaches children to appreciate food and those who prepare it.
Real-World Application: Children can practice saying 'thank you' to parents or caregivers after meals, enhancing their sense of gratitude and respect.
Example Lesson: Trying new foods
Explanation: The book showcases characters bravely tasting unfamiliar dishes, encouraging culinary curiosity.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more open to trying diverse foods they encounter in their daily meals, promoting a balanced diet.