Peppy Up: Eat Your Best, Be Your Best!
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Techy has just moved to Atria, a town where everyone is healthy and makes good food and fitness choices. At first, he's reluctant to leave his video games in favor of joining the year's big race. Then his mother is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and he changes his habits-and belief in himself-with the help of some special friends. Peppy Up is an inspirational story that encourages all children to eat well, get moving, and have fun with their friends!
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some of your favorite foods mentioned in 'Peppy Up: Eat Your Best, Be Your Best!'? Why do you like them?
How do you feel when you eat healthy foods like the ones Peppy tries in the book?
Can you think of a time when you tried a new food and ended up liking it, just like Peppy?
What is one new food you would like to try after reading about Peppy's adventures?
How do you think eating healthy foods helps Peppy feel his best?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the food they eat. Relate the book’s themes to your child’s daily experiences by discussing similar healthy choices they make. Be enthusiastic and show genuine interest in their responses to foster a deeper connection with the book’s messages. Use visual aids like pictures of the foods mentioned in the book to make the discussion more vivid and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Healthy Eating
Explanation: The book follows the journey of Peppy, a lively squirrel who learns how different foods affect his energy and mood. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling, children see firsthand how nutritious meals help Peppy excel in his daily activities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by making healthier food choices to stay energetic and focused both at school and home.
Example Lesson: Self-Care and Responsibility
Explanation: Peppy learns to take care of himself by choosing the right foods, which teaches children about the importance of self-care. The story emphasizes that good choices lead to a happier and healthier life.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice self-care by being mindful of what they eat and taking responsibility for their health, reinforcing habits that promote their well-being.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Trying New Things
Explanation: At first, Peppy is hesitant to try new foods, but as he explores various options, he discovers new favorites. This subplot highlights the value of perseverance and open-mindedness.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to try new activities and foods, understanding that perseverance can lead to enjoyable and beneficial new experiences.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Sharing
Explanation: Peppy shares his food discoveries with his friends, which not only makes them happier but also fosters a sense of community and cooperation among them.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to share with others and work cooperatively in group settings like school or during playtime, enhancing their social skills.
Example Lesson: The Consequences of Choices
Explanation: Peppy experiences both positive and negative outcomes based on his dietary choices, which illustrates the direct consequences of our decisions.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that their choices have outcomes that can affect them and others, helping them develop decision-making skills that consider the consequences.