Green Eggs and Ham: questions to ask and activities to try
A very persistent Sam-I-Am, a very stubborn friend and a plate of green eggs and ham. A funny way to talk about trying new things, at the table and beyond.
What age is it for? Green Eggs and Ham is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Trying new foods and new things before deciding you don't like them.
Green Eggs and Ham (Dr. Seuss)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Trying new foods and new things before deciding you don't like them
Read it for the rhymes and the silliness first. Next time, pause just before the friend finally tries the food and ask what your child thinks will happen. Keep it light: the point is curiosity, not pressure to eat.
Why I like this one
This is a lovely book about trying something before deciding you don't like it. One word of caution from me: I'd keep it away from the dinner table. If it turns into “See, you should try your peas”, children quickly learn to dislike the book as well.
Read it for the rhythm and the silliness instead, and talk about trying new things in general: a new park, a new game, a new friend. The food bit lands better when it isn't aimed at them.
Apoorva, Growing Wise
What it helps with
- Fussy eating, without turning dinner into a battle
- Trying something new before deciding you don't like it
- Noticing that “no” can turn into “yes” when you're ready
- Reading practice: simple rhyming words for early readers
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 do you think he kept saying no?”
- “How do you think Sam-I-Am felt each time his friend said no?”
- “What made him try green eggs and ham in the end?”
- “Is there something you didn’t like at first but like now?”
- “What is something new you might like to try?”
- “Was Sam-I-Am being kind, or a bit annoying? Why?”
5-minute activities to try together
A tiny taste plate
Put a small amount of one new food next to two favourites. Your child can look at it, smell it, touch it or taste it, and any of those counts as trying.
Would you, could you?
Take turns making up silly places, like “Would you eat it on a bus? Would you eat it with a cat?”, and answering in rhyme.
Free printables: Green Eggs and Ham 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.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
The Koala Who Could (Rachel Bright and Jim Field)
- Best for
- Handling change and unfamiliar situations
- Age
- 3+
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle)
- Best for
- Growing and changing, and waiting for something good
- Age
- 2-5
The Lion Inside (Rachel Bright)
- Best for
- A child who feels too small or too quiet to be noticed
- Age
- 4-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 6 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.