Sylvia's Spinach - by Katherine Pryor (Paperback)

About the Book

Sylvia Spivens hates spinach! But what will the picky eater do when her teacher gives her spinach seeds to plant in the school garden? Discover what happens when Sylvia gives something new a try.

Book Synopsis

A PICKY EATER DISCOVERS THE JOY OF GROWING FOOD AND THE PLEASURE OF TASTING SOMETHING NEW. Sylvia Spivens always says no to spinach. But one day Sylvia's teacher gives her a packet of spinach seeds to plant for the school garden. Overcoming her initial reluctance and giving the seeds a little love and patience, Sylvia discovers the joy of growing food and the pleasure of tasting something new.

Parents will identify with the challenge of feeding healthy food to a picky eater during family dinner. Educators will understand the magic and rewards of school gardens. Best of all, young readers will celebrate Sylvia's strong will, curiosity, and, maybe, her love of spinach.

Katherine Pryor made her picture book debut with Sylvia's Spinach, which has been widely used for nutrition education and school garden curriculum. Anna Raff's many children's books include World Rat Day by Children s Poet Laureate, J. Patrick Lewis. Katherine and Anna teamed up for their second book together, Zora's Zucchini, published in 2015. Sylvia's Spinach was named among 15 Books for Future Foodies by Food Tank and is a Whole Kids Foundation Book Club selection for September 2016.

From the Back Cover

Sylvia's Spivens hates spinach. Bleh! But what will the picky eater do when her teacher hands her spinach seeds to plant in the school garden? Will it be joy--or agony? Join Sylvia as she discovers the magic of growing food from the ground up and what happens when you give something new a try.

Katherine Pryor loves eating spinach sautéed, stir-fried, steamed, or straight from the garden. In addition to writing, Katherine manages a program to bring local and healthy food to Washington state hospitals. She is the co-founder of South Park Fresh Starts, which grows vegetable starts for a food bank in Seattle. This is her first children's book. Learn more about Katherine at katherinepryor.com.

Anna Raff loves spinach, sweet potatoes, and bananas, but steers clear of liver and sea urchins. Her illustrations have appeared in publications including the New York Times, the Washington Post, KIWI Magazine, and American Illustration. She lives in New York City. Learn more about Anna at Annaraff.com.

Review Quotes

- Whole Kids Foundation Book Club Selection - 15 Books For Future Foodies, Food Tank: The Food Think Tank

"A young spinach hater becomes a spinach lover after she has to grow her own in a class garden...For certain picky eaters, the suggested strategy just might work."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Pryor's lesson about healthy eating and trying new things is delivered with a light touch thanks to Raff's airy ink washes."
--Publishers Weekly

Adults and children are sure to see familiar expressions and recognize Sylvia's objections in the easy language and playful illustrations of Sylvia's Spinach."
--Reading Rocket

"Every child can identify with [Sylvia] as she tastes a new food for the first time... Readers will have fun getting to know Sylvia, and will eagerly join in a discussion of eating habits."
--CLCD, Children's Literature Comprehensive Database

"Sylvia's Spinach reminded me that there's a special, secret ingredient in healthy eating -- having fun! With great warmth and humor, this book captures the infectious joy of planting one's first seed."
--Ian Cheney, Co-founder, FoodCorps

"Understanding food production is pivotal in a child's development of food habits. The more familiar and accessible this information, the easier it becomes for a kid to eat healthy. Sylvia's Spinach accomplishes this conversation in an approachable, kid-friendly way -- from start to finish."
--Ann Cooper, Renegade Lunch Lady, Nutrition Services Director, Boulder Valley (CO) School District;

Sylvia's Spinach reminded me that there's a special, secret ingredient in healthy eating -- having fun! With great warmth and humor, this book captures the infectious joy of planting one's first seed. -- Ian Cheney, cofounder of FoodCorps

About the Author

Katherine Pryor is a good food advocate and made her picture book debut with Sylvia's Spinach, which is now widely used to support nutrition education and school garden curriculum.
She has managed a program to bring local and healthy food to Washington State hospitals and is the co-founder of South Park Fresh Starts, which grows vegetable starts for a food bank in Seattle. Visit katherinepryor.com.

Anna Raff has illustrated several books for children, including World Rat Day by Children s Poet Laureate, J. Patrick Lewis. Her illustrations have also appeared in many newspapers and magazines, including the New York Times and the Washington Post. Before her career as an illustrator, Anna was a designer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and several children s book publishers. She lives in New York City. Visit annaraff.com.

Katherine and Anna teamed up for a second book, Zora's Zucchini, published in 2015.