Did you eat your greens when you were younger?

Friday 01 December 2023

A local author, GP and illustrator have teamed up to create a new children’s book aiming to encourage Jersey’s youngsters to eat healthily and understand the importance of good nutrition.

'Rainbow Flo' is the latest book by local author Penny Byrne, and has been illustrated by Erin Brown and designed by Liz Wackett.

It follows the story of Flo, who does not like to eat her dinner, and copy will be given to every primary school across the island, the Jersey Association of Home Educators and those in foster care who may not currently be in the school system, in an effort to spread the message about healthy eating habits.

Food "fundamental to our overall wellbeing"

Ms Byrne said: "What we eat is so fundamental to our overall wellbeing.

"I was really keen to create this book and I felt having a 'fussy' eater was something most people will be able to relate to."

Pictured: Penny Byrne selling copies with illustrator Erin Brown at the Christmas Market this week.

"In the story, Flo's big sister is inspired by the range of fruit and vegetables in our local market stalls and decides to cook in a way that will encourage Flo to try new things. But what happens when she eats a 'rainbow' of foods surprises her as much as it will our readers," she added.

Quarter of children overweight in first year of school

Created with input from GP and lifestyle medicine expert Jo Darwood, the book has also been linked to the primary school curriculum to help children access the information they need to choose a balanced diet.

Jersey'slatest Child Measurement Report, which regularly analyses the Body Mass Index of children in two different year groups, revealed that a quarter of children in their first year of school were overweight or obese – and this figure rose to include nearly a third of pupils in Year 6.

Dr Darwood said: "Getting our children to eat a healthy, brightly coloured and varied diet should be one of our ultimate aims as parents, and as a society.

"I was absolutely delighted to be asked to participate, in a small way, towards this lovely book. It will certainly be essential reading in our house!"

"So useful in our schools"

Sonia Tomas, a teacher at Trinity School, further said the book would be "so useful in our schools as it covers many aspects of the curriculum".

Ms Byrne also involved Caring Cooks, whose mission includes the instilling of healthy eating habits in children.

Yvonne Corbin, CEO of Caring Cooks, said: "This enchanting story aligns perfectly with the ethos of our 'Let's get cooking' programme in primary schools, weaving together the fun of exploration with essential nutritional education."

Pictured: Inside pages from 'Rainbow Flo'.

The book was printed with environmentally-friendly methods by local company Mailmate Print, without chemicals and using FSC-approved paper.

It is the twelfth book from Ms Byrne, who has also written 'Seymour's Seaside Picnic' which raised funds for local charities.

She will be selling 'Rainbow Flo' at the Genuine Jersey Simply Christmas market in Royal Square, and reading the book at a free event in the Jersey Library on Wednesday 20 December at 3pm, along with local author Jennie Jewell.