Chew Chew the Food Chain Train

A Message to Parents, Teachers, and Healthcare Professionals
The health of today's children is in decline. If the current trend continues, one out of every three children born in this century will develop diabetes in his or her lifetime. In addition to that, other autoimmune diseases are becoming the newest epidemic. Adult diseases such as high blood pressure and cardiac problems are now found in children at rates not previously recorded. The foods we eat—not just the types of food, but also how they are produced—are having a dramatic impact on our health. Through this series of books children get the information and skills needed to maintain optimal health throughout their lives.
Each book will address one simple concept so that children can incorporate new information into their general consciousness and daily lives while having fun reading. Children will find themselves choosing a salad or apple slices instead of French fries, water instead of a sugared drink, orange slices instead of a cookie. Chew Chew makes learning fun because she doesn't lecture. She redirects the children as a friend—not an adult.
Future topics include:
• Planting a garden and composting
• Enjoying the Farmer's market
• Learning about My Plate guidelines and school lunches, with a special guest helping to teach the children about nutrition
• Creating healthy snacks and meals
• Learning about special diets such as diabetic, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free