About This Book
Reach for this book when you want to show your child how a single act of provision can ripple out to help others. It is a perfect choice for teaching mindfulness and the idea that what is 'extra' to one person might be a 'feast' for another. The story follows Farmer Jones as he feeds his horse, Spotty, a large measure of grain. As Spotty eats his fill, he leaves behind enough for the goats, then the hens, then the pigeons, down to a tiny ant. This gentle narrative introduces the concept of sharing and communal benefit without being preachy. It is an ideal read for preschoolers and early elementary children who are beginning to navigate social spaces and learning about the impact of their own resources. You might choose it to foster a sense of gratitude and to help your child notice the small creatures and quiet needs in the world around them.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is entirely secular and safe. It avoids any mention of hunger as a threat, focusing instead on the abundance of the 'feast.' There are no scary or sensitive themes.
Ideal Reader
A 4-year-old child who is learning about 'enough' and 'sharing.' It is particularly suited for a child who enjoys repetitive, cumulative stories and has a budding interest in the natural hierarchy of farm animals.
