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🍉Why I wrote "Super Foods for Super Kids"
🌱 How Pain, Parenting, and a Picture Book Sparked Super Foods for Super Kids
When my son was just two years old, we were living in Seoul. Every morning I’d bike him to daycare, feeling like the picture of a healthy young mom. Until one morning, I couldn’t even get out of bed. My joints screamed with pain I’d never felt before. After dragging myself to the doctor, I learned the name of my unwelcome guest: rheumatoid arthritis. . . . . . . (read more)
The doctors suggested steroids. But I was still nursing my son, and I wasn’t ready to pump my body full of medication. So instead, I did what any stubborn, curious parent would do—I researched. And researched. And researched some more.
That’s when I discovered something life-changing: the food I was eating was either fueling my pain or easing it. I had always chased flavor over function, but suddenly, I realized that what I put in my body mattered more than I ever imagined. Through trial and error (and a lot of label-reading), I found that a plant-based diet was my lifeline. Meat and dairy? Instant inflammation. Plants? Relief.
🍭 From Seoul to School Snacks
Fast forward a few years. We moved back to America, and my son started kindergarten. That’s when I saw what was being handed out as “treats.” Spoiler alert: they weren’t treats. They were chemical cocktails disguised as candy—Red 40, red 3, blue 1, high fructose corn syrup, MSG, artificial sugars, preservatives. Kids grabbed them with innocent joy, but I couldn’t unsee the damage.
By then, I was a pro at reading labels. And the more I learned, the more I knew: our kids deserve better fuel for their growing bodies and minds.
🍅 The Spark of an Idea
One day, I remembered something fascinating I’d heard: some foods resemble the body parts they benefit. Tomatoes look like hearts and are good for your heart. Walnuts look like brains and support brain health. Grapes resemble lungs and help them thrive.
That quirky, clever connection lit a fire in me. What if kids could learn this through a fun, colorful picture book? What if they could see food not just as “something to eat,” but as super fuel for their super bodies?
So I started sketching, jotting down ideas, and digging deeper. That’s when I stumbled upon the ancient theory called the Doctrine of Signatures, which explores this very relationship between food and the body. And just like that, Super Foods for Super Kids was born.
📖 From My Kitchen to Yours
Since publishing, I’ve heard from parents who say their kids are now teaching them about healthy eating. Some moms tell me their children are calling grandparents to announce what foods they should be eating. That’s the kind of ripple effect that makes my heart burst.
I’ll be honest—I’m not glad I got sick. But I am grateful that my pain had a purpose. It pushed me to discover truths about food, health, and resilience that I now get to share with families everywhere.
💡 Takeaway for Parents
Food is fuel, not filler. What we feed our kids today shapes their health tomorrow.
Stories stick. Kids remember playful connections like “tomatoes for your heart” far more than lectures.
Small changes matter. Swapping one ultra-processed snack for a whole food can make a difference.
✨ My Final Thought
Super Foods for Super Kids isn’t just a book—it’s a movement. It’s proof that kids can learn to love healthy food when it’s presented in a way that’s fun, clever, and empowering. And it’s proof that even the hardest challenges can lead to breakthroughs that bless others.
With Love, Joy 🍉
With Love, Joy 🍉
🍌 Why I Wrote "Monkey Bananas"
If you’ve read Super Foods for Super Kids, you might remember the line: “Bananas look like a smile, and bananas make you smile.” That simple idea stuck with me—and it turns out bananas do a lot more than just brighten your mood. They’re shaped like a hand (that’s why a bunch is called a “hand of bananas”), and they’ve even been linked to easing arthritis pain. . . . . . (read more)
But here’s the funny part: when I started researching bananas, I realized I didn’t know much about them at all. For example, I thought bananas grew on trees. Nope! They grow on a very tall plant. Bananas are full of surprises, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to share their story with kids.
🌏 Bananas Then and Now
Growing up in South Korea, bananas were rare treasures. I still remember going to the outdoor market, Shijang, with my mom when I was in second grade. I begged for a banana, and because they were so expensive, she bought just one finger. We took it home and cut it into five equal pieces—one for mom, dad, and us three girls. That tiny slice tasted like pure magic.
Fast forward to today, and bananas are everywhere. Costco sells a whole hand for just $2. Kids grab them without realizing how precious they once were. That contrast made me appreciate bananas even more.
🍨 Bananas in My Vegan Kitchen
After switching to a plant-based diet, bananas became a staple in my kitchen. They’re the secret to “nice cream”—a vegan ice cream made from frozen bananas blended with fruit, plant milk, and a splash of vanilla. They’re also the star of hearty banana breads and smoothies. Bananas aren’t just convenient; they’re versatile, comforting, and downright fun.
🐒 The Birth of Monkey Bananas
With all this banana goodness swirling in my mind, I knew I had to write about them. But instead of a nutrition lecture, I wanted something playful and adventurous. That’s how Monkey Bananas came to life—a short jungle adventure where a curious little monkey searches for a super fruit. Along the way, he asks different jungle animals for hints, and (spoiler alert) discovers that the super fruit was a banana all along.
The book blends a cute story with banana nutrition facts and even a few recipes. It’s a way to connect kids with healthy eating through fun characters and relatable adventures.
💡 Takeaway for Parents
Bananas are kid-friendly fuel. They’re sweet, portable, and packed with nutrients.
Stories make food memorable. Kids remember “bananas look like a smile” far more than a nutrition chart.
Bananas are versatile. From smoothies to nice cream, they’re an easy win for busy parents.
✨ Final Thought
Writing Monkey Bananas was pure joy. It let me share childhood memories, surprising banana facts, and a playful story that makes kids giggle while they learn. My hope is that families see bananas not just as a snack, but as a super fruit worth celebrating.
Happy eating—and may your next banana bring a smile!
With Love, Joy 🍌
With Love, Joy 🍌
🏀 Why I Wrote "Basketball Breakthrough"
When my son first picked up a basketball in 1st grade, he didn’t stand out at tryouts. He was the fastest runner, sure, but dribbling? Not so much. We wanted to build his confidence, so we found a local coach who started with the basics—dribbling drills, running half-court and full-court, lunges, “Frankensteins,” agility ladders. Slowly, he moved up to shooting layups. It wasn’t just about basketball; it was about endurance, resilience, and character. . . . . . . (read more)
By 3rd grade, he began to shine. He was even asked to play on the 5th and 6th graders team. With a strong foundation and a supportive coach, he started having fun in games. He was starting to understand Basketball. Driving him back and forth, watching from the bleachers, I saw every type of player—fast, slow, agile, clumsy, tall, short, big, skinny. Each had strengths and weaknesses, but together they grew.
When my husband and I had the chance to coach, we saw firsthand that basketball wasn’t just basketball. It was a life skill: learning to cope with teammates, encouraging each other, working with different strengths whether they win or lose. That realization sparked the idea for Basketball Breakthrough.
📖 From Bleachers to Book
My son and I spent the last summer writing stories inspired by real NBA journeys. We researched players who faced struggles similar to the kids we coached. Stephen Curry missing shots but bouncing back. Muggsy Bogues playing bigger than his size. Damian Lillard staying calm under pressure. Chris Paul leading without shouting. Giannis Antetokounmpo loving the fundamentals. Dennis Rodman valuing the dirty work. The Boston Celtics building championship culture.
Each story ends with a Quick Huddle—3–4 practical takeaways kids can use right away, whether at practice, in games, or even at school.
💡 Takeaway for Parents
Basketball builds more than skills. It teaches grit, teamwork, and resilience.
Stories inspire action. Kids connect with real NBA struggles and see that even pros fail, learn, and grow.
Encouragement matters. Every child has something to contribute to the team.
✨ Final Thought
Basketball Breakthrough is for every young player who needs a boost, every parent who wants character as much as points, and every coach who wants motivating reads for their team. Writing it with my son was a joy—and hearing from families who say it encourages both kids and adults has been the ultimate win.
And yes, we’re already working on Basketball Breakthrough 2!
With Love, Joy (BBall Mama)🏀
With Love, Joy (BBall Mama)🏀
Have you ever noticed that walnuts look just like tiny brains? Nature has a clever way of giving us hints about the foods we eat. In fact, this resemblance isn’t just funny—it’s a reminder that walnuts are packed with nutrients that help our brains grow strong and stay sharp.
🍎 Food Meets Storytime
In my book Super Foods for Super Kids, I love showing children how foods resemble body parts. Carrots look like eyes, celery looks like bones, and walnuts look like brains. These playful connections make nutrition fun and help kids remember why healthy foods matter. Next time you snack, ask your child: “What does this food look like?” You’ll be amazed at the answers!
🔬 The Science Behind the Fun
Walnuts aren’t just shaped like brains—they’re actually good for them too!
Omega-3 fatty acids support memory and learning.
Antioxidants protect brain cells from damage.
Vitamin E helps keep the brain healthy.
So when kids munch on walnuts, they’re fueling their brains for school, play, and growth.
🎨 Try This Activity
Make snack time interactive!
Draw a walnut and a brain side by side.
Play “Superfood Detective” and find other foods that resemble body parts (grapes = lungs, tomatoes = heart).
Share your child’s discoveries in the comments—I’d love to see what they come up with!
📚 Want More?
If you enjoyed this fun food fact, you’ll love Super Foods for Super Kids. It’s full of playful stories and nutrition tips designed to help children ages 5–8 build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Click here to explore the book. STTL Publishing - Books
And here's a catchy song I made about this Walnut = Brain connection; Enjoy!🎵🎶
Did you know carrots are shaped like tiny eyes?
Slice one open and you’ll see a circle that looks just like the iris. It’s nature’s playful reminder that carrots are a super food for healthy vision.
Story Connection
In Super Foods for Super Kids, we explore how foods “talk” to us through their shapes. Carrots are the perfect example — they look like eyes and help keep our eyes strong. Kids love making this connection because it turns nutrition into a fun discovery.
Nutrition Nugget
Carrots are rich in beta‑carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A supports eye health, helps us see in the dark, and keeps our immune system strong. Parents can feel good knowing this crunchy snack is both fun and functional.
Kid‑Friendly Recipe Idea
Carrot Sticks with Hummus Dip
Slice carrots into sticks or fun shapes.
Pair with creamy hummus for dipping.
Bonus: Let kids arrange carrot “eyes” on their plate before munching.
This simple snack is colorful, crunchy, and packed with nutrients — perfect for lunchboxes or after‑school fuel.
Takeaway
Carrots remind us that food can be playful, powerful, and purposeful. When kids see the connection between what they eat and how their bodies work, healthy habits stick for life.
👉 Want more fun food connections? Check out Super Foods for Super Kids for stories and recipes that make nutrition unforgettable. Visit STTL Publishing
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