Kids Cuisine

In their book, Food Fights, Laura A. Jana, MD, FAAP, and Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP, take on all the most common food questions of parents and even a few questions I never thought to ask, such as how to eat well while traveling. The writing tone is anything but what you would expect from a couple of doctors and the American Academy of Pediatrics — light and humorous with second helpings of word play and puns. Much more of an easy read than a childhood nutrition treatise, the authors even take a chapter here and there to ponder age-old debates like “Is ketchup a vegetable?” and the “5-Second Rule.”

Other chapters include Whining and Dining; Eating Out Without Reservations; and It’s Not Easy Being Green. Beneath the word play is sage advice served up in the same style as good parenting: consistent, constructive, guilt-free, with a side of of humor. The authors even use a “fork rating” system to help the reader understand which battles to take seriously and when to just lighten up.

While the book is beneficial for all parents with young kids, it offers a lot of up-to-date wisdom for new parents who are wondering how to start their little ones out at the table amidst a banquet of “advice” from others. The text also answers nearly every food question I have ever heard from other parents when they find out that I cook and have a young child. The humor and easy but informative prose make Food Fights an ideal book for a baby shower or new parent gift.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Publisher: American Academy of Pediatrics
Price: US $14.95