I Want an Apple: How My Body Works
What’s inside...
Your body is busy, busy, busy! Learn how it works in this funny-but-informative book. This clever and humorous introduction to body parts and their functions follows a child as she decides she wants an apple and engages various parts of her body to find and eat it. The brain, nose, eyes, legs, feet, arms, teeth, tongue, tummy, and long intestine all play a role. Written by award-winning author David Harrison, the book is illustrated by David Catrow, known for his humor and hyperbole. David Harrison Elementary School in Springfield, Missouri is named in honor of the author.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What does your body need to grow strong and healthy like the characters in the book?
How do you feel when you eat healthy foods like apples?
Why is it important to listen to what our bodies need?
Can you think of a time when you tried a new food and liked it? What was it?
What are some other ways we can take care of our bodies?
Tip: Role play these questions
Read the book together and pause at each new food item to discuss its benefits.
Relate the story to your child's daily life by discussing their favorite fruits and vegetables and why they like them.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book and explain why they chose it.
Create a small quiz for your child about the different body parts mentioned in the book and what they do.
To further emphasize the importance of healthy eating, involve your child in preparing a nutritious snack inspired by the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Nutrition
Explanation: The story revolves around a child's desire for an apple, connecting to basic concepts of healthy eating and nutrition.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this to their own food choices, understanding the importance of selecting nutritious options like fruits.
Example Lesson: Learning About Body Functions
Explanation: The book delves into how eating apples helps the body, relating the intake of food to its impact on health and well-being.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to relate their eating habits to physical wellness, fostering an early awareness of how food affects bodily functions.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Asking Questions
Explanation: The narrative encourages the child's inquisitiveness about why apples are beneficial.
Real-World Application: This promotes a habit of inquiry in young readers, encouraging them to ask questions about their environment and everyday objects.