Green Eggs and Ham

As a mom of two picky eaters, I absolutely adore "Green Eggs and Ham" - it's been a total game-changer at our dinner table! Dr. Seuss really nailed the whole "I won't eat that!" attitude I deal with daily, and the persistent Sam-I-Am reminds me of myself trying to get my kids to try just one bite of broccoli. The silly rhymes and repetitive story of trying green eggs and ham in various places (on boats, with goats!) never fails to get giggles from my little ones, and I love how it all leads up to that wonderful moment when the grumpy character finally tastes the food and - surprise! - actually likes it. This book has become our family's go-to when we're introducing new foods, and I can't tell you how many times I've heard my kids quote show more "Try them, try them, and you may!" when encouraging each other to taste something different. show less

Anybody who has tried to get a child to eat something new, something suspiciously healthy that they resist, will understand the simple idea behind this book. Hey, try new things, you may just like them. Be open-minded.

It’s interesting to me that the shorter Sam-I-am seems more childlike than the guy he’s trying to get to eat the green eggs and ham, who starts the story in a classic parental pose, sitting in his chair reading the newspaper. It’s a little bit of role reversal, and from that perspective the other message for kids is one of persistence. Don’t always take no for an answer.

If someone seems adamant about trying something or doing something in real life, ask them “how about in a box? How about with a fox?”; odds show more are they will understand the reference and at least smile. show less

The basic story is a classic Seussian power struggle between two poor souls placed on an odd plane of reality with the mandate to impose their will on one another by any means necessary, but I like this one because it works if you read it singsongy in the traditional way but also if you read it straight, and is quite funny in either case.

Playful and imaginative classic that uses its whimsical rhymes and illustrations to explore themes of curiosity, persistence, and open-mindedness. The story follows Sam-I-Am as he persistently encourages an unnamed character to try green eggs and ham, despite his adamant refusal. Through its humorous repetition and creative scenarios, the book gently teaches children the importance of trying new things and embracing change. Dr. Seuss’s signature rhythmic text and vibrant, quirky artwork keep young readers engaged and entertained, while the simple yet impactful message resonates with all ages. My children love to read along, while giggling.

I never wanted to read this book
So as I child I didn't look,
The thought of moldy food was vile
Ignored it did I for all this while
Now I'm grown with stomach strong
I've put this book off much too long
You Got me Suess, you did your best
And now I sit here quite at rest
I like me some green eggs and ham
So much I may just read again
Your charming words and fun galore
Fond of you now, you're not a bore
I recommend this book to all
In love with greenish things you'll fall
And who'da thunk, Lets now rejoice
That Dr. Suess is pronounced Zoice.

My favorite book growing up! Dr. Seuss is wonderful at engaging people along a journey through his rhyming and lavish pictures. This book follows a character who refuses to eat green eggs and ham offered by "Sam I am". Sam constantly nags the character until he finally gives in to quiet Sam. He eats the dish, which to his surprise he actually likes, "I do so like
Green eggs and ham! Thank you! Thank you, Sam-I-am." The central message is the famous quote, "You cant judge a book by it's cover." Sometimes you have to try things before you judge them. I actually make green eggs and ham with the children I babysit and we read this book while eating!

Dr. Seuss uses rhyming and repetition paired with wild illustrations in this silly story where he uses no more than fifty words. In this story, Sam-I-Am tries to get a friend to just TRY a dish called green eggs and ham before he can claim that he does not like it. Sam offers his friend a variety of ways he can try the infamous dish. He can eat them with a mouse, or in a house, but his friend keeps refusing. Finally Sam convinces him to try the green eggs and ham, and to his friend's surprise, he loves them!

What a great message about trying something new for the first time, whether it's a food or a new experience. We can all relate to being afraid of doing something new for the first time because it looks or sounds scary. Kids show more especially can relate to this. Dr. Seuss sends a very important message in an adorable way: At least try something before you can truly say you dislike it, whatever "it" may be. I love this story and its goofy rhymes, "Could you, would you, with a goat? Could you, would you, on a boat?", and kids will be sure to love them too. This Dr. Seuss classic is as fun to read now as it was when I was a child, afraid of trying brussel sprouts. show less