If you’re searching for a picture book that will have your students laughing during Book Week 2026, Dear Broccoli by Jo Dabrowski is well worth adding to your classroom library.
At first glance, it’s a funny story about a child who refuses to eat broccoli. However, it’s much more than that. Told through a series of entertaining letters, the book follows a playful exchange between a determined child and a persistent piece of broccoli. Along the way, Broccoli politely explains why vegetables deserve another chance.
As a result, students are introduced to persuasive language, humour, and letter writing in a way that feels natural and engaging. Best of all, the story encourages thoughtful conversations about healthy eating, trying new foods, and respecting different opinions.
A Classroom Activity Your Students Will Love
After reading the story, invite your students to write a letter of their own. This simple activity is always a class favourite.
For example, students could:
- write to their least favourite vegetable
- write from a vegetable trying to convince someone to eat it
- write from a favourite fruit encouraging healthy choices
Next, encourage students to include persuasive reasons, interesting facts, and a little humour. They can also illustrate their letters to make them even more engaging.
Finally, display the finished work on a bulletin board titled “You’ve Got Veggie Mail!” Not only does this create a colourful classroom display, but it also gives students a genuine audience for their writing.nd you’ll have a colourful display that celebrates both writing and healthy eating.
Extend the Learning Across the Curriculum
One of the reasons I love Dear Broccoli is that it naturally connects several areas of the curriculum.
After enjoying the story, your class could explore:
- persuasive writing
- letter writing
- opinion writing
- healthy eating
- fruit and vegetable investigations
- descriptive vocabulary
- character perspectives
- oral discussions and debates
It’s the kind of picture book that keeps inspiring conversations long after you’ve turned the final page.
Looking for Ready-to-Use Activities?
If you’d like to save planning time, I created a Dear Broccoli Book Companion filled with engaging literacy activities that pair perfectly with the story.
The resource includes low-prep worksheets, comprehension activities, vocabulary tasks, writing prompts, word searches, a crossword, classroom craft, persuasive writing activities, and printable lessons designed for Kindergarten through Year 3. It’s an easy way to keep the excitement of the story going while building important literacy skills.
You can explore the complete resource here: Dear Broccoli Book Companion
Whether you’re celebrating Book Week 2026 or simply looking for a picture book that inspires laughter, thoughtful discussion, and meaningful writing, Dear Broccoli is sure to become a classroom favourite. Its clever humour, memorable characters, and endless opportunities for creative literacy activities make it a wonderful addition to any primary classroom.derful story to life in your classroom.
You Might Also Enjoy These Book Week 2026 Activities
If you’re planning your Book Week 2026 program, I’ve got plenty of resources and activity ideas to help make the week engaging, meaningful, and easy to prepare.
Check out these related blog posts:
- Creating a Frog-Friendly Garden with Frogs Are Our Friends
- Book Week Costume Ideas for Teachers (That Are Fun, Easy & Cheap!)
- Teaching the Difference Between Telling and Dobbing with Bob and Dob for Book Week 2026
And check out my Book Week resource collection, and each one includes ready-to-use resources, classroom activities, and practical teaching ideas that you can take straight into your classroom. Happy Book Week planning!
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