I received a complimentary copy of Half Popped in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Who knew popcorn could be so heartwarming and charming? I sure didn’t! I mean, I know my son loves to eat it (like obsessively, he has a snack-sized bag almost every night) but I never thought the yummy snack could translate into such a sweet tale for kids. Somehow, though, author Jeff Feuerstein managed to take a snack food and turn it into a story about accepting your differences and embracing the things that make you unique.
See, Kenny the Kernel started out his life like all the other kernels in the bag: totally unpopped. When the microwave suddenly stopped, the kernels were divided into two categories: popped and unpopped. Kenny, though, was neither and both. He was half popped! As the hand swooped in for bite after bite, poor Kenny hung out on the bottom of the bowl waiting for his turn. It never came though.
Feeling despondent, Kenny hopped out of the bowl and took a stroll around the kitchen. He ran into a baby carrot who was upset about his size, a bunch of red and green grapes arguing about wanting to be the others color and other food that wasn’t quite “right.” Kenny pointed out all that WAS right about the foods. The over-ripe banana, for example, would be great in bread! Everyone was cheered up except poor Kenny, who went back to the bowl in misery. How does it end? Read it and find out!
Half Popped: Teaching Kids to Embrace their Differences
I’ve always been a firm supporter in being yourself. I never quite conformed to society’s idea of “normal” and I’m fine with that. I teach my son to be himself as well. Sadly, many times when we choose to be individuals, we struggle with feeling left out. I love that Half Popped first and foremost is a story about being proud of who you are. As Kenny points out each food’s strengths, he sends a message to kids that we all have wonderful qualities. The fact that Feuerstein managed to do it in such a clever way just makes it better. It’s a totally unique book, just like Kenny is a totally unique kernel of popcorn!
This would make a great book to read to younger children in school, especially those who are feeling a little down about the things that make them different. Check it out on Amazon for Kindle and in Paperback. I recommend the paperback version, it’s reasonably priced and the illustrations are adorable. Check out the Half Popped website to learn more about the authors and Kenny the Kernel. Check out Half Popped on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with news!
My Grandson just recently got glasses that he has to wear. This would be a great book to read him.. thanks for letting us know about this book.
Sounds like a great book for kids to feel better about themselves.
This sounds like an awesome book and it would reiterate the lessons that I try to teach my kids already!
Now, that book must be really interesting – especially for kids who loves to munch on them, right? I mean, who doesn’t love popcorns – I still do, too – haha! <3
What a great book this is–teaching children that being different is not bad!! If I had any young people still around me I would certainly be buying and reading this to them!
That sounds like a lovely for for the little ones to learn thats its ok to be different than other people i will see if i can find a copy that i can get sent over here thank you for sharing.
I really like the clever way the message is told in this book. This is definitely one to share!
This is a nice book for kids. I like that it teaches a lesson.
I love fresh spins on things, and this one sounds like it’s really got it going on! Thanks for the share, I’m totally interested in the book for my kiddos!
I love this! Children definitely need to be taught about differences and learn that it’s OKAY!
Sounds like a great book for teaching kids to pespect and find good things about being different. Would love to know how the book ends!
That’s a pretty cool idea for a book. Kids really do need to see being different is ok and they should be proud of themselves. I’ll try to find this for a read
Seems that is a vital message for kids in today’s world. Teaching kids to embrace their differences. Awesome!
What a great book! It sure teaches a great lesson to children!
This is a great topic for kids, considering how prevalent bullying is becoming!
Wow. Now that is very inspirational. Who knew a snack can lead to such a wonderful lesson.
This is such a cute way to teach children about accepting their differences.
I am so excited for this book! It sounds absolutely brilliant! I love the idea behind being unique and different and finding beauty in the difference.
What a great story and a great way to teach children how to embrace the differences we all have. Thank you for sharing!
That is such a creative way to try to explain to kids that they are perfect the way they are. I will look int o this for my youngest, it would be nice for story time.
What a great sounding book – it really sounds like it has an important message to it. x
I would love a copy of this for my kids. This could be a great help for me to explain to them how it is important to deal and understand with their differences.
Well this is a creative idea for a book. How cute. 🙂 In my life, it wouldn’t have happened that way bc I fish first for the half popped kernels.
I love that this book is teaching that being different is good! No one wants to be the same as everyone!
This sounds like a really cute book! My daughter would love it! I am trying to teach her about loving herself and eating right, so this would be perfect!
This is a very inspiring post. I will never look at popcorn quite the same
Thanks for this great review. My little one would love to read this book and I can imagine her giggling while reading. I will check it out.
what a great book for kids or even a classroom for a teacher to read
What a cute idea. This teaches empathy in an indirect way.
I’ve had a taste aversion to popcorn since I was a kid but I have recently begun to enjoy it again, especially when I am enjoying a good movie.
Really? I have a taste aversion to just about half the foods on the planet, lol, I’m such a picky eater. Popcorn, though, I’ve always liked. Except I eat too much of it at movie theaters and that never ends well for me.
Don’t you just love books that teaches life lessons. I totally love how this one encourages kids to embrace their differences. We can’t all be the same. Such a lovely story.
I do really love books like that. I think it helps kids feel less alone.
I remember in school that I always feel that I’m different. It was a struggle. This looks like a good book to read for those kids who is struggling being different to their classmates.
I was always the “different” one in school too. A vegetarian before it was the “cool” thing to be, a punk rock girl and incredibly opinionated. I took a lot of flak!