Two Eggs, Please.

“Two Eggs, Please” is a picture book written by Sarah Weeks and illustrated by Betsy Lewin. The story takes place in a bustling diner, where various animal characters come in for breakfast.

Each customer orders eggs, but they all ask for them to be cooked in different ways: scrambled, boiled, fried, poached, sunny-side up, and more.

Despite their diverse preferences, all the characters want the same basic ingredient—eggs. The book’s central message is that while everyone may have unique tastes and preferences, we all share commonalities. It emphasizes that differences in appearance or choice do not make us fundamentally different from one another.

Main Themes:

• Unity in Diversity: The book subtly teaches children that although people may look different or have different tastes, everyone shares common traits or desires at the core. This is illustrated by the various animals wanting their eggs prepared differently but still asking for the same basic food.
• Tolerance and Acceptance: Two Eggs, Please promotes the idea of appreciating diversity, showing that differences in how we live or what we like do not make us any less alike in our humanity.
• Simplicity and Subtlety: The story’s simple, repetitive structure and minimal dialogue make the book accessible to young readers, while the illustrations and scenario provide plenty of room for deeper reflection on the themes of acceptance and commonality.

What People Are Saying

Two Eggs, Please has been well-received for its gentle approach to teaching inclusion and its unique illustration style. Reviews often highlight the following aspects:

• Messages of Tolerance and Common Ground: Reviewers appreciate the book's clever use of eggs to symbolize how people are fundamentally the same despite differences in preferences or appearances. This simple yet profound message resonates with parents and educators, making the book popular for teaching inclusivity.
• Illustrations: Betsy Lewin’s vibrant, expressive watercolor illustrations are frequently praised. The characters, drawn as various animals, are lively and distinct, with each one showing personality and charm through Lewin's playful, cartoon-like style. The diner setting is depicted with a warmth and nostalgia that adds to the book's comforting atmosphere.
• Educational Value: Many educators value Two Eggs, Please, for its ability to open up discussions on diversity and tolerance without being overly didactic. The book encourages children to look beyond surface-level differences and recognize the commonalities that bind us together as individuals.

Educational Benefits

1. Encouraging Inclusivity: Two Eggs, Please is an excellent tool for helping children understand and embrace peer differences. Children learn that diversity should be celebrated by seeing the animal characters appreciate each other's preferences without judgment.
2. Fostering Empathy: The book invites young readers to empathize with others by showing how each character is unique, yet still shares a common need for food. This promotes understanding how different preferences or appearances don't make anyone "better" or "worse" than others.
3. Developing Critical Thinking: Through its subtle themes, the book encourages children to think about how people or animals can be both different and the same. This opens up opportunities for discussions on what makes someone unique while highlighting shared human experiences.
4. Promoting Open Dialogue: The book is a natural conversation starter about inclusion and diversity. Parents and teachers can use Two Eggs, Please as a springboard for discussing differences in culture, background, or personal preferences and how these differences can be celebrated positively.

About Sarah Weeks

Sarah Weeks is a highly regarded author of children's literature, known for her wide-ranging body of work, including picture books, middle-grade novels, and young adult fiction. She has a gift for writing engaging, thoughtful stories that often tackle important social themes in an accessible and relatable way for children. In Two Eggs, Please, she effectively uses a simple concept—ordering eggs in a diner—to touch on broader themes of diversity and unity, showing her ability to address complex topics through seemingly ordinary situations.

Weeks’ works are well-loved for their warmth, humor, and emotional depth, making her a favorite among educators and parents. Her stories often emphasize kindness, empathy, and understanding, qualities that resonate with young readers and help them navigate social and emotional challenges.

About Betsy Lewin

Betsy Lewin, the illustrator of Two Eggs, Please. Lewin is known for her lively and humorous illustration style, often using watercolor and ink to bring her characters to life with expressive, exaggerated features. In Two Eggs, Please, her artwork adds a layer of humor and warmth, with her animal characters displaying a range of emotions and personalities through simple yet effective illustrations. Lewin’s work perfectly complements Sarah Weeks’ text, enhancing the book’s message about celebrating differences and finding common ground.