Dear parents, caregivers, and teachers,

A big thank you for selecting this book to teach your children the multitude of ways whole foods can contribute to overall health. Kids love color, so I wanted to unpack the uniqueness of each food in relation to its color and portray the benefits using a fun & snappy rhyme. 

We’ve reached a time in our history where chronic disease in our kids is the highest it’s ever been. This is partially due to hyper-palatable processed foods filled with sugar, artificial fats, preservatives, and industrialized chemicals that are introduced to our children in some form every day. And though we are taking steps to unravel the negative effects of the food system, we cannot be blind to the fact that processed foods are meant to be addicting, so our kids will need time to re-adjust their palates to truly appreciate the taste of foods in their natural form with pleasure and ease. For this reason, fostering enthusiasm for these foods must come from us as parents and care-givers.

Since the book may be long for a Kindergartener or first grader, it is advisable to break up the sections into separate colors and review the information slowly. 

Some decide to give their school kids colorful prizes (sticker, charm, plush toy) at the end of each week using the specific color that was discussed. Upon completion of the book, the child will have collected 7 prizes (one for each day of the week). 

Because it’s difficult to teach more complicated nutritional benefits to this age group, I’ve left a bit more detailed information at the end of the book. 

It is my sincere hope that after getting more acquainted with this book, your child will get more excited to try new foods and even spark some interest in how they’re prepared.

I believe food, in its simplest form, can be medicine to the body when used often and properly, and your kids will too. 

Let’s get them excited about it! 

In health,

Karen Sherwood, CNS, LDN, MS