Avocado Baby: questions to ask and activities to try
The Hargraves' baby won't eat a thing, until an avocado changes everything. Avocado Baby is a funny classic about fussy eating, babies and very surprising strength.
What age is it for? Avocado Baby is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Fussy eating, and the fun of being strong.
Avocado Baby (John Burningham)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Fussy eating, and the fun of being strong
Read it for the laughs and enjoy the baby's amazing feats. Afterwards, chat about the foods that help your child grow strong, without turning mealtimes into a battle.
What it helps with
- Fussy eating, in a light-hearted way
- A new baby in the family
- Feeling small, and growing strong
- Being the youngest, and still being capable
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why were the Hargraves worried about their baby?”
- “What did the baby eat?”
- “What strong things could the baby do?”
- “What was the funniest thing the baby did?”
- “Which food makes you feel strong?”
- “What can you do now that a baby can’t?”
5-minute activities to try together
Strong snacks
Make a snack together with foods your child likes, and talk about how food helps us grow.
Super baby
Draw the Avocado Baby doing something even stronger. What else could the baby do?
Free printables: Avocado Baby worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Green Eggs and Ham (Dr. Seuss)
- Best for
- Trying new foods and new things before deciding you don't like them
- Age
- 3-7
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle)
- Best for
- Growing and changing, and waiting for something good
- Age
- 2-5
15 Things Not To Do With a Baby (Margaret McAllister and Holly Sterling)
- Best for
- Getting ready for a new baby brother or sister
- Age
- 3-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.