A Children's Science-based Fiction Story about the Importance of Healthy Food
"Skippy and Oaf: The Battle Against Oxygen Radicals" (ISBN: 9781933255279), by Craig S. Cousineau, has just been released by DNA Press. Heroic characters portray antioxidants battling evil oxygen radicals in this lively, science-based story. Skippy and Oaf are rats living at a science and nutrition research laboratory. Skippy, a very intelligent rat, is concerned about his friend Oaf's terrible eating habits, and tries to get his friend to eat healthier food. Oaf is skeptical until Skippy explains the science of nutrition at a molecular level, complete with descriptions of battles between superheroes (antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables) and oxygen-radical villains. Based on fascinating scientific information and including a lesson on genomes and DNA, the book is illustrated by playful drawings that clarify its key concepts.
Eagleville, PA (PRWEB) July 16, 2007
The DNA Press team is happy to announce the publication of "Skippy and Oaf: The Battle Against Oxygen Radicals", a book that gives children the tools they need to make the right choices about the food they eat. Craig Cousineau, a student at the University of Michigan, majoring in molecular biology, wrote the book while working as an intern at the Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District.
"Skippy and Oaf" will help children and their parents understand the research behind nutrition and why fruits and vegetables are good for them," says the young author. "Oftentimes when a child is told what they should eat without being told why, they won't eat the right foods willingly or may completely refuse. This book not only explains to children what they should eat, but it also tells them why. It uses information about genetics and microbiology that they might not otherwise start learning about until they are in high school."
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the number of overweight children in the United States has tripled over the past 30 years, with one in five children now being overweight.
"Parents and teachers are looking for books that deal with this topic and can help educate children," says Kristine Paulsen, General Education Director at the Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District. "This book teaches children and their parents about health and nutrition in an entertaining way. Reading "Skippy and Oaf" inspires children to start eating more fruits and vegetables."
Delta-Schoolcraft ISD used "Skippy and Oaf" as the centerpiece in two pilot projects aimed at introducing elementary students to healthy eating and nutrition. 75% of participating students increased the number of healthy foods they were eating, 90% of the students talked about the book at home, and 76% of the parents believe this experience will impact the food choices their children will make in the future.
Following is a sample of the many enthusiastic parent responses:
"Skippy and Oaf made my son more aware of why fruits and vegetables are good for him and opened him to eating things he might avoid." "This book made my daughter aware that veggies are a good snack. It's not just Mom saying it." "My daughter tried new foods and I didn't have to 'make' her."
"Schools in Michigan, California and South Carolina have begun using this book and the feedback from teachers has been great," says Ms. Paulsen.
Joanne Woodard, a teacher in Poway, California, wrote, "My first-grade children loved the book. Every day they wanted to know when we were going to read the 'Skippy and Oaf' book and what the 'Skippy' snack was going to be that day. I can't believe how much the children understood and were fascinated by the information about DNA, oxygen radicals and antioxidants."
"Skippy and Oaf: The Battle Against Oxygen Radicals" can help children and their families improve their nutrition and become excited about the science behind good eating.
Book Details:
ISBN13: 9781933255279
Book binding: Paperback
Pages: 48
Price: $8.95
First printing: 10,000 copies
Marketing budget: $10,000
The book is be available wherever books are sold through DNA Press distributor IPG Books http://www. ipgbook. com (http://www. ipgbook. com), Ingram, Baker&Taylor and other book wholesalers. It can be found at www. amazon. com as well as at www. dnapress. com.
Interviews with the author, Craig Cousineau, can be arranged through the editorial office of DNA Press. Please call 267-760- 4667 if you need to speak with the Managing Editor, Alexander Kuklin, Ph. D. For information about using "Skippy and Oaf" in the classroom, contact Kristine Paulsen at 906 786 9300.
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