Raising Vegetarian Children: a Guide to Good Health and Family Harmony.

by Joanne Stepaniak and Vesanto Melina

Raising Vegetarian Children is, to put it simply, an excellent book. When I finished reading it, I asked my local library to order a copy. I think this is a book that should be readily available to everyone with vegetarian children, children who want to become vegetarian, or children who don't want to be vegetarian even though their parents are.

The authors combine an impressive nutrition section with a thorough examination of practical ways of dealing with relatives, siblings, teachers, caregivers, and friends who are not vegetarians. Topics in the nutrition section include a total vegetarian food guide, vitamin [B.sub.12], vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, supplements, breastfeeding, introducing solid foods, growth, picky eaters, weight management, eating disorders, athletes, and teens. The only topic I can think of that is not addressed is whether or not a child can eat too much soy.

The tone throughout the book is positive and supportive. Needs of both vegans and lacto-ovo vegetarians are addressed. The book includes an extensive section on food safety, not something I usually see in a vegetarian book but very helpful. There are a number of child-friendly recipes, all vegan. Nutrient analyses are included for all recipes, many of which are from previous books by these authors.

As a parent, a vegetarian, and a dietitian, I highly recommend Raising Vegetarian Children.

Raising Vegetarian Children (ISBN 0-658-02155-9) is published by The McGraw-Hill Companies Contemporary Books. It is 381 pages and retails for $18.95. Look for this book in your local bookstore.