Blow Up a Burger

This entry in the Deconstructed Diets series (6 titles) gets children thinking about the food they eat in multiple ways. First, it informs them that a diet is not a weight-loss plan but rather what we eat and drink in a day. Then the high-interest book, enhanced with easy-to-understand text, vibrant graphics, colorful photographs, and sidebar facts, focuses on the great American cuisine. A short history explains that the concept of burgers actually originated in Hamburg, Germany. As Vallepur proceeds to “blow up a burger,” she takes readers through the main components of a burger, their ingredients, and occasional modifications. For instance, Vallepur includes vegetarian and gluten-free burger variations, as well as burgers from around the world. With its emphasis on variety and fun, this is one series kids will eat up!

Young readers get an early education in nutrition with this fun and informative series. Each book takes a deep dive into a popular food item beginning with a short history of the food before delving into the ingredients by exploring the process of creating each ingredient. Readers will learn about which unhealthy additives they should avoid and healthy alternatives. They will also learn about the consequences of over-processing food and how to adjust recipes for a variety of diets. There is a lot of information but the infographic format keeps readers’ interest high. VERDICT An important introduction to nutrition and mindful eating. Highly recommended.