This is a great book to introduce children to the basics of good nutrition. I learned a lot, too! I bought a few to give to my relatives.

In 2002 the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported an increase in child obesity (6-11 year olds) by 16% in boys and 14.5% in girls. This brings the total number of overweight children in the US to over 30%. Using the Body Mass Index (BMI) of these 30% who are overweight, 15.5 % are considered obese. Furthermore, the CDC found that children from minority populations (Latinos, Blacks, and Native Americans) are more prevalent to obesity (www.obesity.org).

It is no wonder many books on child nutrition are coming out. One local writer and teacher, J.A Slack, has written a wonderful book on child nutrition, Crunching Carrots Not Candy, specifically for children. Its language is clear and simple to understand and is divided into color groups. She writes that ‘5 a day the Color Way’ was established “by the National Cancer Society and the Produce for Better Health Foundation…to encourage all children and their families to eat 5 to 9 fruits and vegetables every day for good and better health” (pg. 3). She also has a chapter on fiber and healthy snacks.

It is now clear that being overweight or obese leads to greater health risks. The CDC reports that from 1992 to 1994 the percent, type 2 diabetics skyrocketed from 4% to 16%. Asthma, hypertension and sleep apnea are also common health effects that can develop from being overweight or obese. Orthopedic complications are common as the excess weight can lead to “bowing and overgrowth of leg bones” (obesity.org). Socially, children who are overweight or obese are stigmatized which may lead to other disorders such as eating disorders.

Schools and families should work together to provide healthier lifestyles for children. As a teacher and a mother, Slack knows firsthand about children’s eating habits and thinks children need to develop healthier eating habits if they are to lead healthier adult lives. She includes a chapter on exercise called “Get Moving!” that provides great examples of fun activities children can do such as roller blade and dance.

I found the book to be a great resource not only for children but adults. There are many aspects of nutrition that adults do not understand such as calories and good fats versus bad fats. Slack explains the difference between a serving and a portion of food, calories and how to read nutrition facts labels.

Crunching Carrots Not Candy is also written in Spanish for the growing Latino community. You can order the book directly from the author at wwwcrunchingcarrotsnotcandy.com, and check out her health links.

My wife and I enjoyed the “Willy” book. It is a well-finished little book. Top quality paper, vibrant colors, and such attractive illustrations… not to mention the clear and accurate reproductions of the various vintage motorcycles. Very skillfully interwoven into the text are subtle suggestions in respect to nutrition. It is a very praiseworthy product.

I have enjoyed reading and rereading Willy and the Winchester Motorcycle. Judy Slack did a very fine job of illustrating and making the subject matter interesting, even to non-riders. This book is a quick read, with a good bit of historical information. It’s a great gift for any friend who likes to ride motorcycles and is keen on knowing some motorcycle history.

Crunching and Munching the Alphabet is displayed with colorful illustrations of healthy fruits and vegetables to attract the attention of young children. It also includes playful poetry to introduce each page in a fun way. It’s a book for children as well as adults to enjoy reading.

Being a person raised on a farm and having an interest in creating art, I find “Color Me Wholesome” very engaging. My young son and I enjoy coloring each page of the alphabet, discussing the fruits and veggie that coordinate with the alphabet letters. The fruits and veggies are labeled to strengthen his reading ability. This book is great way for my son and I to participate in the learning process in a simple and fun way. I highly recommend this book.

Although, I’m not a person who indulges in purses, jewelry, or makeup, I can find the humor and reality of
The Purse Curse. Some thought went into the dialog as well as the illustrations! GOOD JOB!