Harvey and the Not-a-Snack Surprise
Hi friends — Harvey here!
Today started like any other day. I was playing at home with my toys, and my brother was nearby building a tall tower with blocks.
After a while, we got curious.
You know that feeling… when you want to explore something new?
My brother found a bottle on the counter. Inside were bright, colorful tablets.
“They look like candy,” he said.
I sniffed the air. Hmmm…
They didn’t smell like my treats… but they sure looked interesting.
Nearby, I saw something else — a squishy little pod in a basket of laundry. It was shiny and colorful, too.
Everything looked like it might be a snack.
But something didn’t feel quite right.
Just then, Mom walked into the room.
She saw what we were looking at and came right over.
“I’m so glad you didn’t taste those,” she said gently. “Those are not snacks. They can make you very sick.”
My ears perked up.
Not snacks?
Mom explained that some things in our home—like medicine, vitamins, and cleaning supplies—can look fun or colorful, but they are only safe when grown-ups use them the right way.
My brother looked a little worried.
“What if someone eats them by mistake?” he asked.
Mom nodded. “That’s why we always tell a grown-up right away. Right away means right away—no waiting.”
Dad joined us and pointed to a paper on the fridge.
“This is an important number,” he said. “It’s the Poison Control number. If anyone ever eats or drinks something they shouldn’t, we can call and get help fast.”
Mom gave us a hug.
“You’re not in trouble for being curious,” she said. “But we always check before we taste or touch something new.”
Later, I went back to my toys and my real treats.
Because now I know…
If I’m not sure, I don’t taste.
And if something doesn’t seem right…
we tell a grown-up right away.
Talk About It
Use these questions to help your child connect with the story:
- What did Harvey and his brother find that looked like a snack?
- How could they tell something wasn’t quite right?
- What should you do if you see something that looks like candy but you’re not sure?
- Who are the grown-ups you can tell right away?
- Why is it important to act quickly and not wait?
Practice together:
Point out a few safe and unsafe items around your home (without touching). Ask your child, “Is this something we eat, or something we ask about first?”
Remember:
“If I’m not sure, I don’t taste—and I tell a grown-up right away.”
A Note to Parents and Caregivers
Young children are naturally curious and often explore the world by touching and tasting. Everyday household items—like medications, vitamins, and laundry pods—can look appealing but can be dangerous if swallowed or handled improperly.
This story reinforces three key safety habits:
- Check first: Teach children to always ask a trusted adult before tasting or touching something unfamiliar.
- Recognize look-alikes: Help children understand that some non-food items can look like candy or snacks.
- Act quickly: Emphasize telling a grown-up immediately if something unsafe is touched or swallowed.
Consider keeping potentially harmful items out of reach, using child-resistant packaging, and posting the Poison Control number (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.) somewhere visible in your home.
Reassure your child that curiosity is normal—they won’t get in trouble for asking questions or speaking up.