top of page

Hungry Johnny

Author(s):

Cheryl Kay Minnema

Illustrator(s):

Wesley Ballinger

Hungry Johnny

"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.

Donate

Help Make A Change

Here are some other ways you can support us:

Donate

Make a tax deductible

donation‏.

Shop our Merch

Get the look and share our brand

while you wear it.

NICCA

Our purpose is to enhance the quality of life of Native Children through education, leadership, and advocacy.

The National Indian Child Care Association is a not-for-profit grassroots alliance of Tribal child care programs and is recognized as tax-exempt under the internal revenue code section 501(c)(3) and the organization’s Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 73-1459645.

Get NICCA Updates

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Click below to stay up-to-date on all issues, news, and updates affecting Tribal child care and early learning.

© 2027 by National Indian Child Care Association |  Terms of Use  |  Privacy Policy

bottom of page