The Picky Eater: Recipes and Survival Tips for Parents of Fussy Eaters

Arlene M. Gryfe is a Toronto-based professional nutritionist and home
economist.

Many parents at one time or another fantasize about the perfect family
dinner, where everyone is eating a delicious meal (with perfect
etiquette) and enjoying stimulating conversation. The reality may be
that both parents work and have little time for fancy meal preparation;
the children have poor appetites (too tired, too much snacking);
patience is limited; arguments develop. In The Picky Eater, McKay tries
to modify the fantasy of the first scenario, while suggesting how to
prevent the second.

The author offers advises on how to feed picky eaters in specific age
groups (beginning with infants and toddlers) and in different situations
(such as allergies, birthday parties, eating out); how to stimulate
picky eaters’ interest in food (such as varying conventional meals to
increase a needed nutrient); and how to cope with picky eaters while
traveling. The many examples she gives and the tips she dispenses are
useful. The rest of the book is composed of simple, mostly nutritious,
appealing recipes.

This book can ease the burden of any parent who is challenged by a
recalcitrant child at mealtime, especially if readers keep in mind
McKay’s closing list of 10 things not to say to a picky eater.