Tomie dePaola's The Popcorn Book (40th Anniversary Edition)

This charming nonfiction picture book serves up a delightful blend of storytelling and factual information about one of America's favorite snacks. Through the engaging framework of twin brothers—one cooking popcorn while the other researches it—children discover the science behind why popcorn pops, its storage methods, and its fascinating journey through history. The narrative seamlessly weaves together practical kitchen safety tips with cultural legends and historical anecdotes, creating a rich educational experience about food science and social studies. Young readers will be captivated by how everyday curiosity can lead to meaningful learning adventures.

DePaola's distinctive illustration style, with its warm, folk-art quality and expressive characters, makes this 40th anniversary edition particularly special for developing readers. The book's dual narrative approach—balancing a simple cooking storyline with factual sidebar information—makes it versatile for both read-aloud sessions and independent exploration by early elementary students. Families will appreciate how this title transforms a simple snack into an opportunity for shared discovery, encouraging children to ask questions about the world around them. It's the kind of engaging educational book that children return to repeatedly, each time popping open new layers of understanding.