Reading list · Kids · Series
The Food Group: Big Lessons in Small Snacks
A seed, an egg, a bean and a cookie, each with one big lesson. Funny picture books children ask for again and again.
Mon Nov 02 2026
Some of the most loved picture books on our shelves are about a seed, an egg, a bean and a cookie. In the Food Group series by Jory John, illustrated by Pete Oswald, each book follows one small character with one big problem: a bad attitude, the pressure to be perfect, a grudge that will not go away, or too much time on the couch.
The stories are funny, the pictures are full of little jokes to spot, and every book ends with a lesson children can carry with them. These are not Islamic books, but the values in them are ones we teach our children every day: kindness, humility, forgiveness, confidence and the courage to change for the better.
The Bad Seed
by Jory John
A seed with a bad attitude decides to change. The message is one everyone can learn from: it is never too late to be a better you. A New York Times bestseller we are happy to recommend.
The Good Egg
by Jory John
The good egg tries so hard to be perfect that he cracks under the pressure. A gentle reminder for children that they do not have to be perfect. A number one New York Times bestseller.
The Cool Bean
by Jory John
The cool beans are not cool because of how they look, but because they are kind. A simple, lovely message about kindness, and a New York Times bestseller.
The Smart Cookie
by Jory John
A cookie who never feels smart learns that there are many ways to be clever. A wonderful book for children who struggle with confidence at school.
The Couch Potato
by Jory John
A potato who never leaves the couch learns to unplug and enjoy the world around him. A fun way to talk with children about screen time.
The Sour Grape
by Jory John
The Sour Grape holds a grudge against everyone, and learns how good it feels to forgive. A message about letting go that everyone can learn from.
The Big Cheese
by Jory John
The Big Cheese always wins and loves to brag about it, until the day he does not. A fun story about humility and being a good sport that every child can learn from.
The Humble Pie
by Jory John
The Humble Pie always lets others shine, until he learns it is OK to share his own talents too. A sweet story about confidence and friendship.
A tip from our team: after reading, ask your child which character they are most like today, and what they would do in their place. It is an easy way to talk about character without a lecture. The Toast of the Town, a new book in the series, is coming soon and can be pre-ordered now.
