Children and families are set to enjoy a fresh and educational take on healthy living with the release of Birdie’s Picnic Party: A Tasty Take on Food Safety. This engaging new book invites young readers to join Birdie the bluebird and her adorable woodland friends as they prepare for a perfect picnic—complete with lessons in friendship, fun, and food safety.
Through colorful storytelling and lively illustrations, Birdie guides her animal friends step by step in planning their picnic adventure. From washing hands and packing snacks to protecting food from pests and enjoying the meal safely outdoors, Birdie’s Picnic Party makes the essentials of food safety come alive for children. By combining entertainment with real-world guidance, the book helps families teach young ones the importance of cleanliness, preparation, and safe eating practices.
A Story That Blends Fun and Food Safety
The charm of Birdie’s Picnic Party lies in its ability to make learning enjoyable. Children follow Birdie and her woodland crew—each with unique personalities—through every stage of picnic prep. Whether it’s remembering to wash hands, keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold, or packing a balanced basket, Birdie demonstrates simple practices that encourage kids to take responsibility for their health.
The book empowers children to understand food safety in a playful, memorable way, ensuring that habits like handwashing or safe food handling stick with them as they grow. For parents and caregivers, the story provides a fun, relatable entry point into conversations about hygiene, nutrition, and safety.
About the Author: Jessica McAnelly
Birdie’s Picnic Party was written by Jessica McAnelly, a Food Safety Professional, Registered Dietitian, and Registered Sanitarian with more than 20 years of experience. Jessica brings a rare and valuable blend of clinical nutrition expertise and environmental health knowledge to her work, making her uniquely equipped to communicate the importance of food safety to all audiences.
Over the course of her career, Jessica has served across healthcare, regulatory, and food service sectors. She has developed, implemented, and managed programs dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in food safety, sanitation, and nutrition. Her work has consistently focused on ensuring public safety while promoting wellness in communities.
Her decision to write Birdie’s Picnic Party stems from her commitment to extending that knowledge to children and families. She recognized a gap in resources that address food safety education for young readers and chose to use storytelling as the bridge. By bringing together her professional expertise and her passion for teaching, Jessica offers a tool that is both fun and impactful.
Why Food Safety for Children Matters
Each year, foodborne illnesses affect millions of people. While adults may learn about food safety in professional or health settings, children are often left out of the conversation—despite being at higher risk for complications from foodborne illness.
Jessica McAnelly’s mission with Birdie’s Picnic Party is to change that. By reaching children directly through engaging characters and stories, she helps establish safe food habits at an early age. In doing so, she also equips parents, teachers, and caregivers with an accessible resource to spark discussions on safety, nutrition, and overall wellness.
“Children love to copy what they see their favorite characters doing,” McAnelly explained. “Birdie makes food safety fun, and when kids see her washing her wings or making sure food is packed correctly, they want to do the same.”
A Resource for Families, Schools, and Communities
While designed as a children’s storybook, Birdie’s Picnic Party also serves as a valuable educational resource. Parents can use the book at home to introduce hygiene and food safety in a non-intimidating way. Educators and librarians can integrate the story into lessons about science, nutrition, or healthy living. Community groups and health programs may find the book especially useful for outreach initiatives focused on promoting safety and wellness among families.
With its bright illustrations, simple language, and interactive storytelling, the book is especially suited for preschool and early elementary audiences. The lessons, however, are universal—reinforcing the importance of safe practices for everyone who handles and enjoys food.
Availability
Birdie’s Picnic Party: A Tasty Take on Food Safety is now available for purchase in both print and digital formats through major retailers, including Amazon and other online booksellers. Families, educators, and community organizations looking for a resource that combines fun with valuable life lessons will find Birdie’s story a welcome addition to their collection.
For those seeking to instill lifelong healthy habits in children, the book provides a lighthearted yet practical approach to a serious subject—ensuring that learning about food safety is as enjoyable as a day at the picnic.
For media inquires please contact Jessica McAnelly at:
birdsbenchingpublishing@gmail.com
Media Contact
Company Name: Birds Bench Publishing
Contact Person: Jessica McAnelly, Author
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://jessicanicolemcanellybooks.com/