Parents' Guide to The Seven Silly Eaters

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Common Sense Media Review

By Peter Lewis , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 4+

Lively verse, fun dilemma make an enjoyable read.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 4+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 3+

Based on 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The seven Peters kids each eat only one, different food! This eventually drives even accommodating Mrs. Peters batty. But the kids rally to mom's relief with a special birthday cake that the whole family can enjoy. Hoberman's verse sings, and Frazee's artwork conveys the cheerful chaos of a big, happy family home.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

Mary Hoberman's verse is both merry and touching, and Marla Frazee's big-hearted artwork is a perfect complement to this poem. The Peters' home with its cultivated anarchy has a host of huggable characters and a feast of delicious details that make children want to take another look.

Kids quickly identify with one or another of the silly eaters. "I like Jack because he likes applesauce and has the high bunk," said one 4-year-old. As the number of food demands begins to overwhelm Mrs. Peters, she races furiously to satisfy her children's desires; what glows from the page is a mother's love.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the challenge of pleasing everyone in a group. What meals or activities are equally enjoyed by everyone in your family?

Book Details

  • Author : Mary Ann Hoberman
  • Illustrator : Marla Frazee
  • Genre : Poetry
  • Book type : Non-Fiction
  • Publisher : Harcourt Brace
  • Publication date : January 1, 1997
  • Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 7
  • Number of pages : 32
  • Last updated : July 12, 2017

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