Book review: 'Yum Yummy Yuck' is just as fun for parents as kids

As the mother of five kids, "Yum Yummy Yuck" spoke to me in so many ways. As in, ways that are absolutely, hilariously, and grossly true! I'm not sure if my two-year-old loved having me reading this book to her because she honestly enjoyed it, or if it was because it was entertaining watching my obvious enjoyment over reading it. But, whatever the case, as soon as we finished this short board book, she begged me to read it several more times to her.

Image from Prestel Random House Publishing

"Yum Yummy Yuck" is a simply illustrated book geared towards toddlers and slightly olders, about which things are, and are not, okay to put in mouths. For instance, oranges are okay, and even a yum. Milk is okay, and actually a yummy. But band aids? No, they should not go into your mouth, that's gross.

Image from Prestel Random House Publishing

And, side note here, but it's obvious that husband and wife authors, Cree Lane and Amanda Jane Jones are parents with some experience because, even though some people might doubt kids would ever put something as nasty as a used band aid in their mouths, they're wrong. Kids do put band aids in their mouths! My son, when he was in kindergarten, found an obviously used band aid (gross) on the street (double gross), and placed it happily in his mouth. Eww! So dang gross. But, up until that day, it had never occurred to me that I'd have to tell him not to put such obviously not-okay things into his mouth. However, the Jones duo is obviously trying to help parents like me and teach kids the do's and do not's of such things.

Image from Prestel Random House Publishing

This book is a delightful read. It's only 30 board book pages with very few words, but it teaches a good lesson in a simple, yet fun, way. The Joneses cover other mouth-able items such as, boogers, sand, and crayons to help teach youngsters items that aren't safe for juvenile ingestion.

Book breakdown:
30 board book pages
Simple color illustrations
Best for ages: 6 months to 4 years old
Educational factor: medium
Religious content: None
Parents could be concerned about: Nothing. This book is a great way to teach kids items that are okay and not okay to put into their mouths.