First Helpings: A History of Children and Food

“Impressive. . . . Albon and Palmer should be saluted both for their attempt to train a historian’s lens on an important, previously underexamined subject, and for their engagement with real examples of children’s eternal ability to surprise you.”―Anne Mendelson, The Wall Street Journal

How childhood and food have shaped each other through history―and still do.

What should children eat and why? How should they eat it, and what should they learn about food? Answers to questions like these have differed over time. First Helpings explores the relationship between children and food in history, drawing on a rich variety of social records, cookery and etiquette books, and children’s literature. Topics covered include breast/bottle feeding, the difference between “adult” and “children’s” food and drink, table manners, school meals, and learning to cook. Deborah Albon and Amy Palmer discuss wider social issues, such as teaching children about the ethics of food choices, the role children have played in food production, and the ever-present scandal of hungry children in society. First Helpings provides a unique look at childhood and eating that relates the past to the present and considers ways forward.

Deborah Albon is a former early-years professional and lecturer at the University of Roehampton, London, and has published widely about many food topics.

Amy Palmer is a former early childhood educator and lecturer at the University of Roehampton, London, and has published on children’s literature and education.