Synopsis: This story deals in a humorous and quirky way with the topic of fussy eating in a child.

Review:  This ‘cautionary tale’ told in rhyme is about Freya, who has an appetite as fine as can be -- until one day she declares, "Your dhal and rice are just not nice." Suddenly she is transformed into a fussy eater and she spurns baked beans, sausages, gravy and fish. Mum, in despair, phones Grandma Clare. "We'll sort her," says Grandma, "the fussy little beast." So off Freya goes for a fabulous feast -- and a lesson she will never forget from her eccentric Grandma.

 Piet Grobler’s brightly coloured illustrations are comic and eccentric in a way that is perfectly in keeping with the story. My three year old loves Freya’s facial expressions and the brilliant drawings of Grandma Clare and her somewhat unusual meals (mashed monkey with fried rice, or warthog with a little bit of cheese!). The characters are hilarious and unforgettable. The wavy layout of the text and the font are visually appealing too.

All in all, this is a witty book that is fun to read. Each page has humour and entertainment value for children, though I love this book as much as my son. He is not a fussy eater and we haven’t struggled with him to get him try new things, but perhaps the Fussy Freya book will come in handy if ever he changes his habits….

2008-05-17