Peas

Title: Peas
Category: Picture Book
Grades: 4-7 years
Author: Nicholas Heller
Illustrator: Nicholas Heller
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Date: 1993

Summary:

Lewis really hates peas.  He certainly doesn't believe his mother when she tells him he will hurt their feelings by not eating them.  When he goes to sleep, however, the peas wake up and decide to explore.  After wrecking Lewis's electric train, the peas despair of being eaten, and Lewis wakes up.  Although he is pretty sure he dreamed the whole thing, he eats his peas for breakfast just in case. 

Review:

Kindergarteners will appreciate this silly twist on a familiar situation.  The text is longer and complex enough to keep their interest, and the scenario should be a familiar one to most children who have turned their noses up at a vegetable.  Illustrations are vivid, highly detailed and saturated with bright colors.  Lots to look at and a cartoonish style will attract kindergarteners and are most appropriate for this age.