From Publishers Weekly
Lauber chronicles the development of eating implements and dining habits in this amusing, enlightening and child-pleasingly yucky book [that] gives kids a rich sense of history, as well as a new perspective on their p's and q's. Ages 6-up. (July.-- gives kids a rich sense of history, as well as a new perspective on their p's and q's. Ages 6-up. (July)
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-Lauber has produced a delicious blend of humor and fascinating facts in this historical and, at times, hilarious tour through the rules and tools of eating. From the Stone Age to modern times, all over the globe, the discovery and fine-tuning of utensils that help us slice, jab, and scoop our food are vividly described and depicted. The lively, linear drawings incorporate amusing asides in dialogue balloons that will entertain readers as the text enlightens them about the subject. There are brief instructions on how to use chopsticks; rules of etiquette in the Middle Ages; some modern table-manner tips; and acknowledgments that, at various times and in different cultures, the tool of choice may well be the fingers. James Giblin's From Hand to Mouth (Crowell, 1987) covers similar information in greater detail and in a more serious, though also entertaining, manner. With its amusing visuals, Lauber's book may be the perfect springboard to pique children's interest in this topic. With both books in hand, students will be able to explore fully this rich and satisfying aspect of social history.
Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
