Episode 56: Exploring Food Safety Through Children's Literature: A Tasty Take 

The episode features a profound exploration of the intersection between children’s literature and food safety, as we engage with Jessica McAnelly, the author of "Birdie's Picnic: A Tasty Take on Food Safety." 

Jessica shares her journey of becoming a children's book author, spurred by a desire to impart essential lessons on food safety to young readers in a captivating and accessible manner. 

The inspiration for her book is deeply personal, rooted in her relationship with her daughter, affectionately nicknamed Birdie, and the values instilled by her grandmother regarding friendship, community, and the significance of a bluebird. 

Throughout our conversation, we explore the importance of incorporating educational themes into children's narratives, highlighting how her book both entertains and educates. 

Jessica's commitment to fostering a culture of food safety among children is underscored by her efforts to develop accompanying educational curricula, aiming to enhance the learning experience beyond the pages of her book.

In this episode, Jessica McAnelly shares her experiences as a first-time author with an unwavering passion for food safety. Her book, "Birdie's Picnic Party: A Tasty Take on Food Safety," reflects her professional background in public health, intertwining the theme of food safety with the joy of family picnics. 

The discussion traverses her motivations, which stem from personal experiences and a desire to impart knowledge to children in an engaging manner. 

Jessica emphasizes the value of interactive reading experiences, like packing a picnic basket with children, to facilitate discussions about safety in an engaging and accessible manner. 

The episode culminates with insights into her ongoing journey as an author, her plans for future projects, and the invaluable role of community support in her endeavours.

Takeaways:

• The podcast features Jessica McAnelly, the author of 'Birdie's Picnic Party', which emphasizes food safety for children. 
• Jessica's journey to becoming a children's book author was inspired by her daughter and her passion for public health. 
• The book aims to teach food safety lessons in an engaging way while fostering family values and friendship. 
• Jessica's approach includes interactive reading sessions where children participate in activities related to food safety. 

Links referenced in this episode:

• jessicanicolemcanellybooks.com
• https://a.co/d/fc3CeO2 (Amazon)

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Bird's Bench Publishing
• Amazon
• Barnes and Noble
• IngramSpark
• Sketco Studios