New Book Helps Combat America’s Child Obesity Epidemic

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“The Andersuns: Jarrell’s Sweet Tooth” Reinforces Healthy Eating Habits Among Children

Hartford, CT, May 25, 2010 — According to Michelle Obama’s initiative against childhood obesity, “Let’s Move,” obesity in children has tripled over the last 30 years and nearly one-third of the world’s children are obese. Initiatives such as “Let’s Move” and ABC’s “Food Revolution” from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver call for action to reform children’s diets and make this issue increasingly hard to ignore. With a child obesity epidemic sweeping the nation, how can children learn it’s actually possible to have too much of a “good thing”?

“We have reached a place in our society where over-abundance and indulgence is becoming less fashionable and more detrimental,” says E. Diann Cook, author of “The Andersuns: Jarrell’s Sweet Tooth.” “As parents and adults, we need numerous learning tools to protect and enhance our children’s health and welfare.”

Cook’s new children’s book, published by AuthorHouse, uses the story of Jarrell Andersun – an eight-year-old boy with a giant sweet tooth – to reinforce healthy eating habits. One day Jarrell refuses to eat the dinner his mother prepares, so his mother puts him in a “time out.” While there, he has a strange dream that changes his mind about eating sweets instead of balanced meals and shows him the importance of healthy eating.

Cook also illustrated the book herself, and includes lyrics for an original song entitled “Veggies and Fruits.” She hopes that the song will increase the reader or listener’s comprehension of maintaining a healthy diet, and will be available for download soon from Cook’s website (http://www.dijarodesigns.com). The chorus of “Veggies and Fruits” includes:

Apples, bananas, oranges, and peaches / Strawberries, grapes, all are delicious / Carrots and peas, more salad please / Veggies and fruits keep me strong and healthy

“Jarrell’s Sweet Tooth” is the first in a series of books about the Andersun family. Each book will feature family members in learning situations that will captivate readers of all ages.

About the Author: E. Diann Cook is an Adjunct Professor with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts Illustration Design and Master’s degree in Art Education. She also facilitates art-based workshops for all ages. Additionally, Ms. Cook is a youth advocate in the greater Hartford, Conn. area, where she resides. Ms. Cook is also a vocalist who has performed and been billed with several recording artists.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com.

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