Full Mouse, Empty Mouse: A Tale of Food and Feelings

By Dina Zeckhausen

Book Overview

iParenting Media Award Winner

Moonbeam Children's Book Award for Childhood Wellness (Gold)

Sally Rose and Billy Blue
Were two mice just like me and you
They grew up to be amazing mice,
So here's a bit of good advice:

Eat when you feel hungry
And stop when you are full
Your body's just a little part
Of what makes you beautiful

Listen to your body
It's not too hard to read.
Go inside and you will find
The answers that you need.

What can two little mice do when they are chased by the cat, hounded by the dog, and threatened by the deadly mousetrap? Billy Blue tries eating more food to soothe his distress, and Sally Rose stops eating altogether. But when stuffing and starving themselves don't help, they learn to look for answers in their hearts, and with their family and friends.

Full Mouse, Empty Mouse is one of the first books to sensitively address disordered eating for children. This book gently encourages healthy ways to express feelings and is a valuable early education tool on habits that may lead to obesity of eating disorders. Written in engaging verse and alive with rich, full-color illustrations, the book shows children healthy ways to satisfy their hunger and express their emotions.

Includes a Note to Parents.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1433801329
• ISBN13: 9781433801327
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: Magination Press
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.4" x 10.2"
• Age Range: 7 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 7

Customer Reviews

A must-read children's book to promote positive healthy attitudes and body image

This is an excellent book that focuses on positive body image and healthy behaviours. A must-read for parents, teachers, health-care professionals, and anyone who works with children! Highly recommended.

A note to parents and discussion questions round out this "must-have" for children's reading lists

Written by Dina Zeckhausen, an expert in the field of eating disorders prevention, Full Mouse Empty Mouse: A Tale of Food and Feelings is a rhyming children's picturebook with an important underlying message about the importance of drawing the distinction between emotional craving for food and true hunger. Chapters teach young people how to separate "food" messages from "feelings" messages and respond properly to each. A note to parents and discussion questions round out this "must-have" for children's reading lists and library collections, especially in today's era with its unfortunately high rate of child obesity. "With Tummy and Heart they stay in touch. / They eat enough, but not too much. / They talk about the way they feel, / And now they love their family meal!"