Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss is a delightful book to teach children to try new foods. Dr. Seuss teaches this important life lesson in a picture book using rhyming verse. The book’s rhymes and whimsical characters are a wonderful way to capture small children’s attention.

Children nutrition is important. Obesity is a major problem. It is a chore to introduce new foods to them. Vegetables and fruits are the hardest to add to their diet. It is important for children to eat vegetables and fruits instead of sugary and salty snacks.

In Green Eggs and Ham, Sam-I-am asks, “Do you like green eggs and ham?” The character, No-Name, replies, “I do not like green eggs and ham.” No-Name, like a child, puts his nose and hand in the air to ward off the foods. He defiantly refuses to eat the new foods.

Sam-I-am tries to entice No-Name to try the new foods. He uses rhyming situations to get the stubborn No-Name to eat a tiny bite. Would No-Name try them in "the rain on a train? Would he try them in a box with a fox? Would he try them with a mouse in a house?"

Dr. Seuss gives a life lesson to parents trying to introduce new foods to young children, also. Just keep trying! Proper children nutrition is crucial. Sam-I-am does not quit. He keeps trying. No-Name tries finally the green eggs and ham. Guess what happens? No-Name likes the food.

"He will eat it in the rain on a train. No-Name will eat the food in a box with a fox. He is willing to eat the food with a mouse in a house."

Green Eggs and Ham works on two levels. Children should try the healthy foods offered by parents. Parents should not quit offering new foods to children. A note to parents who are afraid of this method, Sam-I-am and No-name end the book the best of friends.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss and his other picture and board books are available at Amazon.com.




Peter T. Hooper just like Sam-I-Am has an unusual recipe for scrambled eggs. Click to read Peter T. Hooper’s zany recipe in Scrambled Eggs Super! by Dr. Seuss.




Drop in the forum. Share your favorite picture book? Sign up to receive the Children's Books Review newsletter. Do not miss any future articles.

Picture Books for Children

More Children Books

List of Dr Seuss Books
Don Freeman's Books
Stan Berenstain's Books
Magic Tree House Books
Chronicles of Narnia Books
A Series of Unfortunate Events Books
Note: Green Eggs and Ham review copy was purchased with my own funds.