The Hatseller and the Monkeys
by Baba Wague Diakite

If you have kids that want to avoid breakfast or skip meals, The Hatseller and the Monkeys is a great book to read.

BaMusa the hatseller, piled high with hats on his head, sets out for a festival that's a day's walk away. He's so excited about it and in such a hurry to get going, he forgets to eat breakfast before he leaves.

Halfway there he gets so tired and hungry he has to stop, put down all the hats, and take a nap under a tree.

He awakens to find his hats missing and the monkeys in the tree above him wearing them.

"BaMusa looked up and realized what had happened. But he was so hungry, he could not think clearly what to do."

It was only after BaMusa threw stones up into the tree at the monkeys and they threw mangoes back at him that he could get his hands on some food. He then had enough sustenance to think clearly and figure out a (funny) solution to his problem.

The monkeys caused BaMusa much difficulty, but in the end, they taught him, "it is with a full stomach that one thinks best."

Of course as a dietitian I love this lesson and I therefore love this book for kids!

Nutrition Activities: After Reading
The Hatseller and the Monkeys with your child:

More nutrition books for kids I recommend.

More of my professional advice you may find helpful:

Nutrition for Kids

Quick Kid Friendly Meals

Your Personal Nutrition Guide Home Page