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Making the Leap
from Executive to Author?
Two women manage the change — for a very worthy cause.
There are daily reports in the media that address issues surrounding
childhood obesity. While it’s easy to point to statistics that catalog
images of serious disease and psychological trauma, it’s quite another
experience to hear the story told with unprecedented depth and feeling.
It’s the difference between reading an article in a medical journal and
hearing a warmly told tale of feelings managed with diplomacy and deft
psychological insight. That’s precisely the nature of a new children’s
book, Mini and Me, Learning Healthy Habits.
The book is the brainchild of two former executives who realized the
pressing relevance of addressing the issue of childhood obesity. The
result? They quit their jobs and devoted themselves to their new cause
on a full-time basis. As part of a series of children’s books, Mini and
Me, Learning Healthy Habits, tells the story of the gift of a overweight rescue dog
and the important events that subsequently unfold. Authors Shelly Stockum and Sandi Stewart have both struggled with issues of body weight
and no doubt, it’s their recollection of actual childhood experiences
that lends scope to their subject — which is anything but typical. They
realized that childhood obesity is a problem for children during their
formative years and just as importantly, alters the tenor of their adult
life. It informs one’s psyche in a way that few other “maladies” can —
and the pain inflicted can’t be simply reckoned with in terms of pounds
or inches.
Body image, self esteem and a feeling of isolation and alienation are
all part of the package of being different — especially when what sets
you apart is body size. In fact, it was recently reported that parents
finding their children being judged “fat” is deemed more loathsome than
any other single characteristic. Apparently, anything is preferable to
excess pounds. However, the Mini and Me series, isn’t for a limited
audience. It’s also great material for fit children. After all, it’s
about making healthy choices regarding food and exercise and that’s
applicable to everyone’s life.
Mini and Me takes on the situation with a sensitive approach that
involves a child being given a gift, a cuddly overweight puppy,
improbably named “Mini.” The book’s character, Maddie, struggles with
the issue of weight and realizes that caring for her newly found friend,
Mini, leads to a life changing experience. It’s not a wrenching regimen
that’s prescribed or a “diet” inflicted by well-meaning parental
guidance. Instead, it takes the form of a gift. Moreover, the gift
engenders a feeling of inspiration that unfolds into a new realization
that caring for another can spill over into a new sense of wellbeing and
a pervasive atmosphere of encouragement.
For those who understand that parents are the most powerful influence
in children’s lives, there’s a guide in the back of the book that offers
powerful and important insights. It’s a springboard for discussion and a
reminder that there are “words that hurt.” Put shortly, there’s an
appropriate way to discuss this profoundly important topic that’s both
effective and delicate.
Stockum and Stewart have teamed up to create a new approach to an issue
of growing national concern and their dedication is evident. They’re
forming a non-profit organization and they exhibit a zeal and enthusiasm
rarely found in the marketplace. But that’s appropriate. This isn’t the
marketplace. It’s a delicate intersection with the lives of children and
families that’s sorely needed.
There should be a place for Mini and Me in every school library and
every household. It’s crucial reading for teachers, coaches and
caregivers. Plus, a portion of all income generated from the sale of the
book will be donated to a cause related to childhood obesity. The
authors are shedding light on an important topic with unprecedented
passion and fervor. There’s wisdom here and that’s always pertinent and
right on time when it comes to opening up worthy avenues of discussion.
The authors deserve kudos for their efforts and one would hope their
important and timely message is one that will be heeded and fully
embraced.
For more information and to purchase these books go to:
www.miniandme.com
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Copyright 2009
©- By Shelly Stockum and Sandi Stewart.
All Rights Reserved. The terms "Mini and Me" are solely owned by the copyright
holders. Any Reprinting or copying of any or all of this material is expressly
forbidden without the written permission of the Authors and copyright holders.
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