Module Two: Bread and Jam for Francis

This is the story of Francis and how she loves her Bread and Jam and doesn't want to try any other food and what happens when her parents let her eat her bread and jam all the time.

Bibliography: Hoban, Russell (1992). Bread and Jam for Francis. Harper Collins Publishers, USA


I really enjoyed this book. It may think of the importance of trying new foods. Having a favorite food is fine but its important to try new things. After all, how do you know if you'll like it or not, if you don't try it. This story could be expanded as a general life lesson, its important to have new experiences, such as riding a roller coaster (still not a fan, but I do ride the occasional coaster), or roller skating. I guess that's the real reason I like this book. Reminds me to step out of my comfort zone.

Reviews:

Children's Literature

Frances is determined to eat only bread and jam for every meal. She likes it so much she makes up rhymes in honor of her favorite food. She also makes up rhymes about food she does not like. She sings about the egg her parents want her to try: "I do not like the way you slide, I do not like your soft inside " However, "Jam on biscuits, jam on toast, jam is the thing I like most " Her parents encourage her to try veal cutlets, chicken salad, and spaghetti and meatballs. At school, her friend Albert enthusiastically takes out a variety of foods from his lunchbox, but, thanks to her parents' wisdom, it is not long before Frances willingly asks for something to eat besides bread and jam. Being picky about food is a trait to which many children can relate, and new readers will enjoy seeing how Frances learns to appreciate new foods. The use of repetition and rhyming create a sense of predictability and fun, and the simple yet warm and expressive illustrations bring this story to life. This is part of the "I Can Read" series. Reviewer: Victoria Ryles

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Publishers Weekly : No author given. Frances loves nothing better than jam and bread, and turns up her nose at other kinds of food. Then her mother starts giving Frances jam and bread for breakfast, lunch and dinner. ""What I am/is sick of Jam,'' Frances sings to herself. That's the end of Frances's jam-only days, as she discovers, in her own winsome way, that variety really is the spice of mealtimes. (4-8)


This book could be used with preschoolers ( PreK), kids at story time, to get them interested in trying new things, or eating new things.

Cover remains the property of Lillian Hoban.