Book Review: Sneaky Spinach
Author Alexis Schulze Illustrator Sophie Hanton
About the Author:
It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to Alexis Schulze, co-founder and chief visionary officer of Nékter Juice Bar, and author of her first children’s book, Sneaky Spinach, published by Nekter, with consulting services by Cardinal Rule Press.
In 2010, Alexis and her husband Steve set out to transform the juice and smoothie experience based upon the fundamental belief that “healthy” can taste great, be easily accessible for those on their path to wellness, and be affordable too. While the juice bars of yesterday had lost their way, making a hodgepodge of sugar-laden, processed options that were marketed as healthy, Nékter purposefully chose to offer a simple and truly healthy menu of fresh and clean juices and foods, free of processed ingredients, artificial flavors, added sugars, and unnecessary fillers. Today, Nékter has nearly 70 restaurants in five states with plans to grow nationally to 300 restaurants in the next four to five years.
As a way to extend Nékter’s mission to help transform lives by offering a gateway to wellness, Alexis wrote Sneaky Spinach to encourage children and their families to eat healthier and live more active and balanced lives. Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit local, regional and national non-profit organizations, causes and programs that benefit children in America.
Nationally, Nékter has partnered with Festival of Children Foundation and will donate $4.00 from each book sold in participating stores beginning January 25, and online at www.nekterjuicebar.com and on Amazon to support the foundation’s mission of improving the lives of children by strengthening the charities that serve them. Festival of Children Foundation now supports more than 480 children’s charities across the United States.
Schulze will also hold book readings, signings and “Sneaky Spinach Smoothie” demonstrations at local schools, libraries and other child-focused non-profit organizations, and will donate $4.00 from books sold at those events to the respective organization. A free Teacher’s Guide is also available for download at www.nekterjuicebar.com, offering primary-level educators the opportunity to easily integrate lessons around healthy eating into their curriculums.
Book Description:
This is a story about a boy named Nick who refuses to eat his vegetables. He doesn’t know how important fruits and vegetables are for his brain and body, so a group of Super Spinach leaves come up with a clever little scheme. Will their sneaky plan finally show Nick the power of fresh fruits and veggies?
My Review:
Nick is a character who has a strong personality and day after day refuses to eat healthy foods. This story line is relatable to mealtime with my own children as I am sure other parents will relate to as well. Parents and teachers will love this story with it’s make believe spinach leaves who teach Nick the ultimate lesson in food, the importance of fueling our bodies with fruits and vegetables. The illustrations are lively with a variety of bright colors and there is a predictable pattern that children will pick up in the story. I highly recommend this book, and encourage parents and teachers to use the discussion questions at the beginning of the book to deepen children’s understanding of the topic. The author put a ton of thought into making this story valuable with it’s message, yet silly and playful for children as well.
