Story Times Good Enough to Eat!

This is a collection of more than 30 themes (seasons, insects, holidays), each of which is accompanied by three to five unannotated picture-book suggestions and an edible snack/craft that children from ages 3 to 8 can assemble quickly. Aided by black-and-white photographs, the food creations are simple and age appropriate. Many of the suggestions use the same ingredients (pretzels, candy, cereal) so that items can be purchased economically in bulk. The author provides a clear general introduction as a focus. However, the paragraph about cleaning up is given the same seriousness as the paragraph that cautions about food allergies, which are so prevalent. Folini does provide a sample permission form for parents or guardians to sign before any child is given food. However, there is no mention of having EpiPens readily available in case of emergencies. The bottom line: there is nothing here that wasn't described better in Jan Irving and Robin Currie's out-of-print Mudluscious: Stories and Activities Featuring Food for Preschool Children (Libraries Unlimited, 1986). It is crammed full of ideas for fingerplays, songs, and both edible and nonedible crafts, with extensive indexes beyond the traditional author/title index. Veteran storytellers may find a few new ideas in Folini's book, but it is more likely that newer librarians or teachers who do not have access to this older title will find it the most useful.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA