"Give Peas a Chance?" Night of the Veggie Monster by George McClements

Something TERRIBLE happens every Tuesday night.

It's not the pork chop or the mashed potatoes.

It all starts when I'm forced to eat. . . PEAS!

My parents act as if I'm making it up, but I'm NOT! With just the slightest touch. . .IT begins!

While Mom and Dad watch with weary fascination, (Dad--"Time for another fun-filled hour." Mom--'And we're off!") PEAS-aphobia sets in. First the kid's hands begin to wiggle almost imperceptibly. Then his eyes begin to water and his toes twist and curl up inside his shoes. (Dad--"That's a new one."!)

"I try to keep control" the kid manages to say, "but the pea is too strong. I start to transform into

A VEGGIE MONSTER!"

But just as a full-fledged food fit is about to take over, the kid accidentally swallows the pea. ("GULP! It tasted all right really," the kid observes with surprise.) (Dad--"Quite a performance tonight." Mom--I particularly enjoyed the toe-curling.")

With the kid's new taste for the spherical veggie, the pea performance seems to be passe. But tomorrow is Wednesday and Wednesday brings another dinner theatre of its own. Because Wednesday dinner means . . .

BROCCOLI!

George McClements' Night of the Veggie Monster brings us another familiar episode in the famous family food fight drama. McClements' googly-eyed picky eater and his bemused and slightly sarcastic parents act out their well-worn roles in familiar but hilarious fashion as the much-maligned pea is finally consumed.

For an even more "peas-full pair," put this one with Rookie Reader classic Eat Your Peas Louise (Rookie Readers). Although they may not bring, um, peace to the table when peas are on the plate, they will definitely tantalize the funny bone and whet the appetite of early readers.