THE PERFECT COMBO
Written by Jayne Whyte
Illustrated by Niyi Odeleye
Dedication
To every child.
In Nigeria, one out of every three children under five is malnourished. This child-friendly and easy-to-read book is designed to teach children the importance of healthy eating habits and dietary diversification. Teaching children to eat healthy meals can be a tricky task. I hope that this book will encourage them to make healthy choices and steer them in the right direction.
It is 6:30am and the alarm rings. It is time for 6-year-old Danna and her little sister, 4yr-old Denna to prepare for school. It is the first day of school for Denna.
Both girls brush their teeth together.
Clean up together.
Dress up together.
And have their breakfast together with their parents.
This morning, Mother had prepared Danna and Denna’s favorite breakfast, banana pancakes, scrambled eggs, a glass of orange juice and some water.
Both girls enjoy eating pancakes and this morning’s banana pancakes were just perfect.
The crust around the sides was Danna’s favorite part of the pancakes.
Danna: Mom, can I have extra pancakes for school, please?
Mother: For school today, I have packed in your snack box some minced meat pasta with carrots, an apple and a slice of cake.
Danna: That is awesome, Mom! I love minced meat pasta with carrots and apples. That’s a perfect combo!
Denna: What is a perfect combo?
Danna: Combo means combination. My teacher says that food with the right combination of all the nutrients is a perfect combination. Foods with the perfect combination make one healthier, smarter and happier.
Denna: I don’t like carrots but I want to be healthier, smarter and happier like you, Danna.
Mother: If you want to be healthier, smarter and happier you will have to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Just imagine the benefits as you eat them.
Danna: Watch me as I eat this cucumber
Denna: Wow, Danna! I think I want to try some too
Father: You can take a small piece of cucumber for a start
(Denna puts the piece of cucumber into her mouth)
Denna: It feels cold. (everyone laughs) I’ll want some cucumber with my favorite fried plantain and egg sauce for dinner. It will be a perfect combo (everyone laughs).
Father: I’ll get back from work on time to prepare your perfect combo my smart, healthy princess.
End
Jayne Whyte's Portfolio 