What You Never Knew About Fingers, Forks, & Chopsticks (Around-the-house History) Hardcover – September 1, 1999

My 8-yr old nephew loves this book and the other two in this series. He's read them so many times over and over again. Although the book seems to be about only utensils, it is very educational because it puts them in the context of history over the ages (e,g. stone age, middle ages, etc). So, children are also learning history. The book also talks aobut table manners, something sorely needed. Additionally, the writing is very engaging. I wish there were more in this series.

This book takes a humorous, illustrated look at the history of eating habits. It educates, while simultaneously poking fun at ancient and modern affectations associated with the dinner table. It starts and ends with a primitive family who are just beginning to make use of fire.It gives brief descriptions of eating customs and utensils in different cultures over the centuries. The evolving dining and feasting customs of medeval Europe are particularly amusing. Children will have a new appreciation for their spoons, knives and even forks after reading the author's amusing take on their introduction into our popular use.This is a book that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in our family--from the six-year-old to the adults.

I remember this book when I was a kid. The illustrations are what made this book so charming. So why would you print it in black and white!? It's a kids book! It makes no sense.

Just read this to my 8 year old son and we loved it. Very education and entertaining. My son enjoys reading about inventions and history so this was perfect for him. We laughed while reading it too.

I have enjoyed all of Patricia Lauber's books, and the text of this book meets my expectations and previous experience of her books. However, the illustrations in the book Amazon sent me are in black and white.I find it hard to believe that the author intended black and white illustrations. I am very disappointed and I am returning the book.

I didn't realize the book was written on a child's level. perhaps I missed something in the description. It was not very useful to me.

This book is entertaining, with cartoon characters and dialog bubbles. The fun cartoons make the text memorable and help kids see an everyday item (mealtime) in the context of history. Informative, well-researched illustrations.