Hungry Johnny

By Cheryl Kay Minnema, Wesley Ballinger (Illustrator)

A hungry boy learns patience and respect as he waits for his turn at a community feast.

3.5/5 Goodreads · 145 ratings

32 pages· 593 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

$17.95Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Young Johnny eagerly anticipates a feast prepared by Grandma, but tradition dictates elders eat first. As he waits, his hunger grows, and he worries the food will run out. Through Grandma's gentle guidance, Johnny learns the value of patience and respect. When her friend Katherine arrives late, Johnny's newfound understanding is put to the test. Will there be enough for everyone, and can Johnny's patience hold out? Discover how gratitude and respect earn him a place at the table, with plenty to eat, eat, eat.

From the publisher

“I like to eat, eat, eat,” choruses young Johnny as he watches Grandma at work in the kitchen. Wild rice, fried potatoes, fruit salad, frosted sweet rolls–what a feast! Johnny can hardly contain his excitement. In no time, he’ll be digging in with everyone else, filling his belly with all this good food.But wait. First there is the long drive to the community center. And then an even longer Ojibwe prayer. And then–well, young boys know to follow the rules: elders eat first, no matter how hungry the youngsters are. Johnny lingers with Grandma, worried that the tasty treats won’t last. Seats at the tables fill and refill; platters are emptied and then replaced. Will it ever be their turn? And will there be enough?As Johnny watches anxiously, Grandma gently teaches. By the time her friend Katherine arrives late to the gathering, Johnny knows just what to do, hunger pangs or no. He understands, just as Grandma does, that gratitude, patience, and respect are rewarded by a place at the table–and plenty to eat, eat, eat.

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