Does 'How Are You Peeling?' Have Illustrations?

The main lesson in 'How Are You Peeling?' is a gentle yet profound exploration of emotions and self-awareness, wrapped in the playful guise of anthropomorphic fruits and vegetables. The book uses vibrant, quirky illustrations to personify produce with expressive faces, making it instantly engaging for kids while subtly teaching them to recognize and articulate their feelings. It’s not just about naming emotions like happiness or sadness—it delves deeper into the idea that all feelings are valid and temporary, much like the ever-changing expressions on a banana or tomato. The genius lies in how it normalizes emotional fluidity; a pepper might look furious one moment and content the next, showing young readers that moods aren’t fixed. This visual metaphor sticks with you, especially when paired with the book’s rhythmic, almost musical text that encourages observation and reflection. The underlying message extends beyond individual emotions to empathy and connection. By seeing a grinning eggplant or a melancholic lemon, children learn to "read" emotions in others, fostering early social skills. The book doesn’t preach or oversimplify; instead, it invites curiosity. Why is that onion crying? Is it sadness, or just its nature? This ambiguity cleverly mirrors real life—sometimes feelings are complex, and that’s okay. The absence of a rigid moral or forced resolution is its strength. It’s a celebration of emotional diversity, reminding readers that even the "uglier" feelings, like jealousy or frustration, are part of the human (or vegetable) experience. The takeaway isn’t a single lesson but a mindset: peel back your own layers, understand what’s inside, and accept it without judgment. For a book so whimsical, it carries surprising depth, making it a timeless tool for parents and educators to discuss emotions without ever feeling didactic.

This is annoying, but it usually boils down to a few familiar culprits — bad adhesion, wear, or chemical attack — so let me walk you through what I’ve seen and what works for fixing it. When a blackboard-like surface (the kind that feels matte or rubbery on many products) starts peeling, the simplest explanation is that the coating didn’t bond well to the substrate in the first place. That can happen if the surface was oily or dusty when it was coated, if the primer layer was skipped, or if the wrong type of paint/finish was used for the base material (plastic, metal, MDF, etc.). Heat and humidity make trapped adhesives or poor bonds swell and delaminate, and repeated friction — from hands, erasers, or cleaning — will eventually lift weaker finishes. Harsh cleaners or solvents (acetone, nail polish remover, some alcohol-based cleaners) accelerate peeling by dissolving the binder in the coating. If you want to repair it, first test-clean a tiny corner with a damp microfiber cloth to see whether the top layer wipes away — that tells you if it’s surface dirt or loose material. For areas where the coating is lifting but the substrate is fine, gently remove the loose bits, sand the edge smooth with fine grit, clean thoroughly, prime for the specific material (use a plastic primer for plastics), and then recoat with a compatible spray or brush-on finish. For chalkboard-style surfaces, a proper chalkboard paint or laminate works best; for plastic matte finishes, use a paint formulated for plastics and finish with a compatible clearcoat to protect from abrasion. If adhesives or sticker residue is involved, a gentle adhesive remover plus careful heat (hairdryer) helps; avoid aggressive chemicals on painted surfaces. I’ve rescued a few pieces that looked hopeless with careful prep and the right primer — it’s satisfying when the surface comes back solid and usable.

The author of 'How Are You Peeling?' is Saxton Freymann, a talented artist and writer known for his creative use of food in storytelling. This book stands out because it uses photographs of carved fruits and vegetables to express emotions, making it a unique blend of art and children’s literature. Freymann’s background in sculpture and his playful approach to everyday objects give the book its whimsical charm. The collaboration with Joost Elffers, an expert in graphic design, adds another layer of polish to the book. Together, they’ve created a visually engaging experience that helps kids explore feelings in a fun, relatable way. The simplicity of the concept—using peppers, oranges, and other produce to depict happiness, sadness, or curiosity—makes it accessible while still being deeply imaginative. It’s no surprise this book has become a favorite in classrooms and homes alike.

I've been collecting children's books for years, and 'How Are You Peeling?' stands out as a unique standalone title. The book uses photographs of creatively arranged fruits and vegetables to explore emotions, making it a brilliant tool for emotional learning. While it doesn't belong to a series, the author Saxton Freymann created other similar concept books like 'Play with Your Food' and 'Food for Thought' that follow the same artistic style. These books share the playful approach of giving personality to produce, but each focuses on different themes rather than continuing a narrative. Fans of the book might enjoy exploring Freymann's other works for more visually inventive takes on everyday objects. The lack of a series actually works in its favor, letting each book be a complete experience that sparks imagination.

I've been collecting children's books for years, and 'How Are You Peeling?' is one of my favorites to recommend. You can find it on major platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository. Amazon usually has both new and used copies, with options for Prime shipping if you need it fast. For indie supporters, check Bookshop.org—they split profits with local bookstores. If you prefer digital, Kindle and Apple Books have e-book versions. Libraries often carry it too, but buying guarantees you keep this gem. The book’s playful exploration of emotions through food faces makes it worth owning. Prices vary, so compare listings. Rare editions might pop up on AbeBooks or eBay, but standard copies are widely available.

'How Are You Peeling?' is a vibrant, engaging picture book that resonates most with preschoolers and early elementary kids, roughly ages 3 to 7. The book’s genius lies in its simplicity—using real photographs of expressive fruits and vegetables to teach emotions. Little ones adore the quirky faces and tactile appeal, while the minimal text keeps their attention. It’s perfect for read-aloud sessions where parents or teachers can discuss feelings, making it a social-emotional learning tool. The humor and creativity also captivate slightly older kids who enjoy guessing which veggie matches which mood. Beyond its core age group, the book’s artistic approach attracts art teachers who use it to inspire collages or emotion-based projects. Even toddlers as young as 2 might giggle at the carrot’s ‘angry’ scrunch, though they’ll grasp less of the emotional nuance. The lack of complex plot or dialogue makes it less engaging for kids over 8, but its charm is undeniable for the under-7 crowd.