How Can I Wait When There's a Treat on My Plate?

It’s hard for some kids to wait for something that they really want! A marshmallow now or ice cream later? In this lively, rhyming picture book, twins Dell and Pete face a series of humorous choices that test their ability to stay strong in the face of temptation.

Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers that explores techniques to help kids build impulse control and learn to delay gratification. Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers that explores techniques to help kids build impulse control and learn to delay gratification.

Dan Graham, PhD, is a faculty member in applied social and health psychology at Colorado State University. His research focuses on promoting healthy eating and physical activity.

He lives in Colorado.

Teresa Martinez is a children’s book illustrator who grew up in Mexico. She studied graphic design and took painting courses and attended the Leonardo Da Vinci School in Florence.

She lives in Puerto Vallarta. Visit her onlineopens in new window and on Instagram @teresamtzjunopens in new window.

Pete and Dell are sweet-toothed brothers who learn strategies to help them delay gratification in this rhyming picture book… A solid conversation started on topics of self-control.
—Kirkus Reviews

• Help Them Wait: Strategies to Build Kids’ Self-Control (PDF, 110KB)opens in new window
  Here’s an excerpt from the Note to Parents and Caregivers that provides some strategies to help kids build their self-control.
• Watch the author read How Can I Wait When There’s a Treat on My Plate?opens in new window. Interested in this book? Purchase a copy to continue (or start) the conversation with the children in your life.