WANT EVEN MORE HEALTHY IDEAS FROM SHAPE YOUR FUTURE?
Teaching your kids healthy habits is an essential part of their growth and development. One fun and engaging way to approach it? Reading books!
Whether it’s bedtime, dinnertime or quiet time, here are some top children’s books about healthy habits you can read to your kids, grouped by age range and available at most Oklahoma libraries.
Search your local library here.
AGES 2–5
“Get Up and Go!” by Nancy Carlson
Tall, short, skinny, round. No matter your size or shape, it’s important to move your body. This book will inspire kids to get up and move — plus, they’ll learn how physical activity can help them make new friends, visit new places and strengthen their bodies.
“Screen Time Is Not Forever” by Elizabeth Verdick
Healthy habits start with honest communication. This book encourages open conversations with your kids about screen time and provides alternatives and practical tips for setting healthy boundaries.
“Gregory, the Terrible Eater” by Mitchell Sharmat
This book is a good resource for teaching your kids about healthy eating habits and the importance of a balanced diet. It shows how healthy eating can be fun and doable. After all, fruits, vegetables, eggs and fish are much tastier than old shoes, boxes and bottle caps! It also promotes the idea of listening to your body and eating what makes you feel good.
“Rah, Rah, Radishes” by April Pulley Sayre
Through simple rhyming and vivid photos, this book introduces children to a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and shows how they’re grown and harvested. It includes fun facts about each type of produce, helping kids learn about the nutritional benefits of different foods.
AGES 3–8
“Our Food: A Healthy Serving of Science and Poems” by Grace Lin
This book combines engaging poetry with informative scientific facts, covering topics like where our food comes from, how it’s grown and how it affects our bodies. Additionally, you’ll learn recipes and cooking tips for making healthy food choices a family activity.
“Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book” by Dr. Seuss
Need help forming a consistent bedtime routine? Add this book to the mix. It creates a calming atmosphere and encourages relaxation before bed. The colorful illustrations and quirky rhymes will entertain your children, while its message will reinforce healthy sleep habits.
“Every Night Is Pizza Night” by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt
Not only will this book help your kids understand the importance of trying new foods and exploring different flavors, but you’ll also get a tasty pizza recipe to try at home — making for a fun and engaging experience as a family.
“Plant, Cook, Eat!” by Joe Archer and Caroline Craig
By involving your kids in the process of growing and cooking their own food, this book promotes a better understanding of where our food comes from and an appreciation for the benefits of eating healthy.
“The Busy Body Book: A Kid’s Guide to Fitness” by Lizzy Rockwell
In this book, your kids will learn how their bones, muscles, organs, nerves and brain all work together — along with how jumping, twisting, twirling and moving their bodies can combat obesity and promote lifelong healthy choices.
AGES 9–13
“Eat Your Greens, Reds, Yellows, and Purples” by DK
This cookbook for kids features colorful illustrations and step-by-step instructions for making healthy and delicious meals. It also includes tips on how to grow your own produce and teaches the importance of eating a variety of colorful fruits and veggies.