A few weeks ago, librarian
Kimbra Power posted some wonderful book-themed “food sculptures” on
Twitter.
I loved seeing the joy on students’ faces as they posed with their
creations, so I asked Kimbra if she’d write a short explanation of her school’s
Books to Eat event and share some of the
photos here.
Look at all the creative ways students are representing some of
their favorite books. Thank you, Kimbra, for supporting young readers in this
way!
In 2013, inspired by an Edible Books competition at a
local Shanghai restaurant, we started a fun event called Books to Eat at our
elementary library. Members of our school community were encouraged to create an
edible representation of a book they enjoyed. They prepared their entries on a Sunday
and brought them to school on Monday. After the presentations, we ate the food.
Books to Eat was so successful that it became an annual
event. We now stagger it over 3 or 4 weeks, often in March, with different
grade levels submitting entries each week. The students love showcasing their
imagination and creativity.
In the early years, there were many large, grand
cakes, often representing a fairy tale, such as Rapunzel and Frozen. You could
smell the sugar in the halls. Laura Numeroff’s books were always featured, and
we had regular Hungry Caterpillars and Click Clack Moos.
In our community we have children representing more
than 40 countries, however, increasingly the students’ ethnicity is Asian. Some
of our families don’t have western-style kitchens, so at Books to Eat time, we
hear comments like “We don’t eat cake,” “We don’t have an oven,” and “My
mom can’t cook.” Therefore, recently, we’ve seen a rise in savory
entries, and many of these represent nonfiction texts.
To help students generate ideas, I share examples of past
entries and let them know it is their responsibility—not their parents. The
focus is on participation, imagination, and creativity, not exceptional culinary
skills. That’s what makes it fun.
Some popular nonfiction entries are based on Minecraft
books, science books, and cookbooks. This year we also had some representing biographies,
how-to books, and books with animals on the cover.
Seeing the trend toward nonfiction has made me so
happy, and it’s given Books to Eat a real boost because they often feature some
of the most imaginative elements. Nonfiction really helps students develop
their thinking and imagine what if?
Kimbra Power, “the Barefoot
Librarian,” has been a High School English and Drama teacher in Australia and a
5th grade teacher in China. For the last 10 years she’s worked
in the Elementary Library of Shanghai American School as a teacher librarian,
and it is there that she feels most at home. Putting amazing books in
children’s hands brings her joy and satisfaction. Kimbra’s library is buzzing
with recommendations, color, and creativity as she runs events like Books to
Eat, Battle of the Books, and the Global Cardboard Challenge
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3 Responses
what a brilliant idea!
What a terrific idea! Thanks for sharing this
This is great! I wish I had you as a librarian when I was growing up, Ms. Power!