 This series inspires children to be healthy by combining playful stories with meaningful lessons in exercise, nutrition, kindness, and safety. Each book encourages positive habits that build strong bodies, caring hearts, and confident choices. Let’s Get Moving! Let’s Play: The Importance of Exercise invites children to discover the joy of movement. Whether through team sports, individual activities, or free play, kids learn that exercise isn’t a chore — it’s exciting, energizing, and full of friendship.  Click here to get "Let's Play: The Importance of Exercise" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VtEbes Browse my whole collection of children's books: https://www.sallyhuss.com/childrens-books.html Caring for Our Bodies Everyone Has Eyes, Who Needs Teeth? and Hands Are for Helping introduce children to the wonders of their bodies and how to care for them. These playful books help establish simple, healthy routines that can last a lifetime.
Click on the cover of any book above to get it on Amazon. Browse my whole collection of children's books: https://www.sallyhuss.com/childrens-books.html Healthy Eating Habits In One Green Omelet, Please! and I Love Pizza!, children discover where food comes from and that food can be both fun and nourishing. With lively stories about ingredients and gratitude, kids learn that healthy eating is delicious, adventurous, and something to celebrate.
Click the cover of either book to get it on Amazon. Browse my whole collection of children's books: https://www.sallyhuss.com/childrens-books.html Making Good Choices No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs encourages children to avoid harmful substances in a gentle, supportive way. The message is clear: staying safe and healthy means making smart choices that help kids grow strong and confident.  Click on the cover of this book to get it on Amazon. Browse my whole collection of children's books: https://www.sallyhuss.com/childrens-books.html Kindness and Helping Others Helpful Henry shines a light on empathy, sharing, and compassion. Through Henry’s story, children see that kindness doesn’t just help others — it helps them feel happy and connected too.  Click on the cover of this book to get it on Amazon. Browse my whole collection of children's books: https://www.sallyhuss.com/childrens-books.html Awareness and Inclusion The Food Allergy Series builds understanding and safety in a positive, inclusive way. Kids learn how to protect themselves and care for friends with allergies, fostering empathy and awareness of others’ needs.
Click on the cover of any book to get it on Amazon. Browse my whole collection of children's book. Click here. More to Explore Many of these books are available in a multicultural version. All of these books may be found on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page and explore these stories along with many more. Why the Happy Healthy Children’s Series Works
This special collection is more than just books — it’s a toolkit for parents, teachers, and caregivers. By blending fun storytelling with lessons in health, kindness, and safety, The Happy Healthy Children’s Series urges children to be their best. These books help children develop habits that promote lifelong well-being, offering a spark of joy, a touch of wisdom, and a brighter path toward a happy, healthy future.
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Introduction: Why Helping Children Handle Worry Matters Worry and stress are part of life—even for children. Starting school, facing a big change at home, or dealing with something unique to them can stir up anxious feelings. While adults may see these moments as small, to children they can feel overwhelming. That’s where books can help. Stories give children both comfort and tools to handle emotions. Through characters and simple lessons, kids learn they are not alone, and that they can take steps to feel calm and strong. Below are several children’s books that focus on different situations that commonly cause worry or stress—and show children how to handle them with courage.  The Trick to Being Fearless This uplifting book introduces children to the idea that words can change how they feel. Instead of letting fear control them, kids learn that they can use a special “trick” to transform their perception of a situation. By shifting how they think and speak about fear, children suddenly feel powerful and in charge. It’s a joyful lesson that teaches kids: fear is not bigger than they are. (This book is also available in a multicultural version.)  Welcome to Kindergarten The transition from preschool to kindergarten is one of the first big steps in a child’s life—and it often comes with nervousness. In Welcome to Kindergarten, children follow along with characters who are also facing the unknowns of a new classroom, new teachers, and new friends. The story reassures children that they are not alone in their feelings, and that school is a place for learning, fun, and growth. By the end, what seemed scary becomes exciting, helping ease that big leap into kindergarten. (This book is also available in multicultural, Spanish, and bilingual versions.)  Our Father’s Smile Children with a parent leaving on deployment or for extended time away often experience deep sadness and worry. Our Father’s Smile gently addresses this fear of separation. Through story, children are reminded that even when a parent isn’t physically present, love remains constant. The book gives children comfort and emotional resilience, helping them find smiles, hope, and strength during a time of change. (This is a multicultural book.)  Max’s Big Adventure For children with food allergies, traveling or eating away from home can feel scary. What if something goes wrong? What if they can’t enjoy what everyone else does? Max’s Big Adventure follows a child with allergies as he faces these challenges with courage. The story shows children that they can still explore, have fun, and feel safe—even with special precautions. It encourages kids to be proactive and confident, rather than fearful, about their allergies.  Why Books Like These Matter What makes these books so valuable is that they don’t just name the fears—they give children a way to face them. Whether it’s a simple phrase, reassurance through love, or practical confidence, each story becomes a tool a child can carry with them.
Parent Tips: Reading to Calm Worry When reading these books, parents can help strengthen the lessons by:
 Final Thoughts: Courage Through Story Every child faces worry. But with the right tools—and the right stories—those worries don’t have to take over. Books like The Trick to Being Fearless, Welcome to Kindergarten, Our Father’s Smile, and Max’s Big Adventure offer children guidance, reassurance, and courage. They remind children that fears can be faced, challenges can be managed, and with the right perspective, life can be joyful and exciting—even in the face of worry. These books may be found on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page and explore this story along with many more.
Teaching children good character and values is one of the most important gifts we can give them. Reading stories that showcase kindness, responsibility, teamwork, and good decision-making helps young minds understand how to act in the world—and makes learning these lessons fun and memorable. Here are some of my favorite titles that help children explore character and values while enjoying a story:  1. It’s Easy to Be Nice – Kindness Kindness is a value that shapes everything from friendships to school life. It’s Easy to Be Nice shows children how small, thoughtful gestures can make a big difference. From helping a friend pick up a dropped toy to saying a cheerful hello, this story encourages children to see kindness as an everyday choice.  2. Let’s Everybody Fish – Teamwork Teamwork is all about working together to reach a goal, and this book makes it fun! Let’s Everybody Fish follows a group of friends as they combine their skills, learn to communicate, and support one another. The story demonstrates that when everyone works together, success—and a lot of fun—follows.  3. No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs – Making Good Choices Children are faced with many choices every day, and helping them understand right from wrong is key. No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs provides a simple, age-appropriate guide to making good choices. Through playful storytelling, children learn that their decisions shape their lives in positive ways.  4. One Green Omelet, Please! – Appreciation Gratitude and appreciation are values that can help children enjoy life more fully. In One Green Omelet, Please!, kids discover the joy of saying thank you and noticing the little things that make life special. Whether it’s enjoying a meal or appreciating a friend’s effort, this story encourages children to pause and be thankful.  5. Positive Pete – Positive Attitude A positive attitude can make challenges easier to handle. Positive Pete introduces children to the power of optimism. Pete faces small setbacks but learns to look on the bright side and find solutions with a cheerful heart. This story teaches that staying positive can influence both your day and those around you.  6. Think Green, Think Green – Responsibility Responsibility is an important life lesson, and Think Green, Think Green does an excellent job of making it relatable. Children follow the adventures of friends who care for their environment, learning that even small acts—like recycling or picking up litter—help make a difference.  7. Helpful Henry – Being Helpful Helping others is a value that builds empathy and community. Helpful Henry follows a young boy who discovers the joy of lending a hand. From assisting neighbors to supporting friends, Henry shows that helping isn’t just about doing chores—it’s about making people feel valued and loved.  8. Better Than a Princess – Good Manners Good manners are more than etiquette—they’re expressions of respect and consideration. Better Than a Princess teaches children that showing courtesy, saying please and thank you, and being polite can be more admirable than any fairy-tale crown. Parent Tips: Bringing Character Lessons to Life
Reading books that teach character and values is a wonderful way to guide children toward becoming thoughtful, caring, and confident individuals. Each story provides an engaging way to explore important life lessons, making reading both enjoyable and meaningful. Encourage children to reflect on these stories, discuss the values presented, and think about how they can apply them in their own lives. With the help of books like these, children learn that good choices, kindness, teamwork, and responsibility aren’t just words—they’re actions that shape who they are. These books may be found on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page and explore this story along with many more.
 Children are natural storytellers and story-listeners. They love the rhythm of rhymes, the excitement of adventure, and the comfort of happy endings. But beyond the fun of tales and poems lies something much deeper: stories shape the way children understand the world. They give kids a safe space to explore big ideas like honesty, courage, and — most importantly — kindness. One beautiful example is the book The Monkeys Who Tried Kindness. In this story, a pack of monkeys in the jungle is falling apart. They fuss and fight, bite and bicker, and forget how to care for one another. Teenagers act out. Grandparents look the other way. Everyone becomes selfish, fearful, and even sickly. The jungle is turning into a miserable place.  They realize that they are in trouble and need to change. They don't know what to do. Then, a small voice calls out: “Kindness.” At first, the monkeys don’t understand. But when they decide to give kindness a try, something extraordinary happens. The jungle changes. The monkeys share, care, and respect one another. Life improves in every way. This playful tale is more than just monkey mischief. It’s a lesson children can take to heart: kindness is powerful. When we treat others with respect and care, we create a happier, healthier world — for everyone.  Why Storytelling Works So Well for Kids Stories like this do more than entertain. They:
 A Takeaway for Parents and Teachers
Children don’t need long explanations about morality; they need stories that bring lessons to life. When kids see monkeys learning kindness, they can better imagine how kindness works in their homes, classrooms, and playgrounds. The Monkeys Who Tried Kindness is a gentle reminder that the simplest ideas often bring the greatest changes. If you’d like to share this story with a child you love, you’ll find The Monkeys Who Tried Kindness and many more of my children’s books, on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page.  If you ask kids what their favorite food is, more often than not you’ll hear a happy shout of “Pizza!” And I have to admit—I feel the same way. Pizza is colorful, delicious, and endlessly fun. That’s why I decided to create a children’s book all about it, called I LOVE PIZZA! When I began writing this story, I wanted to capture the sheer excitement children feel when they think about pizza. The gooey cheese, the bright red tomatoes, the smell of it baking in the oven—it’s a feast for the senses. And it’s something children everywhere can relate to. Capturing Joy in a Slice The book begins with the simple declaration: “I love pizza in the morning… Pizza at lunch. Pizza for dinner, and also if there’s brunch.” From there, the narrator’s love for pizza grows bigger and sillier with every page. He imagines being crowned the “Pizza King,” delights in pizza at the pool, and even dreams about eating three pizzas in a single day! Writing those lines made me laugh, and I knew children would laugh right along with me. Humor is such a powerful way to engage young readers, and pizza gave me the perfect subject to play with.  The Deeper Layers (Like Toppings!) Of course, as with many of my books, I didn’t want the story to be just about food. I tucked a few life lessons into the fun as well. One of my favorite parts of the book is when the narrator admits that sharing pizza can be difficult—after all, who wants to give up a slice? But then he discovers something wonderful: “Yes, I find sharing my pizza is somewhat of a shame. But then, I end up with more friends than I can name.” That simple truth—sharing leads to friendship—is one I believe children can understand deeply. It’s a lesson wrapped inside laughter, which makes it both memorable and meaningful.  A Gentle Lesson on Balance Another important message in I LOVE PIZZA! is moderation. While the book begins with an over-the-top love of pizza, it ends with a thoughtful reminder: too much of a good thing isn’t always best. “Maybe a little is better than a lot. In this way I won’t have to stop! Yes, there is a measure in all things… Just one slice of pizza and my heart sings!” For me, this ending was important. I wanted children to enjoy the silliness of loving pizza while also learning about balance and healthy choices. Life is full of wonderful things—pizza included!—but joy often comes from appreciating them in just the right amount.  Celebrating Diversity with Pizza Since pizza is loved all over the world, it felt natural to create a multicultural version of I LOVE PIZZA! as well. Food is such a universal connector, and pizza especially is enjoyed in countless ways across different cultures. By offering this version, my hope was to celebrate diversity while showing children that joy, food, and friendship belong to everyone, everywhere. Why I Love Sharing This Book
When I share I LOVE PIZZA! with children, their eyes light up. They giggle at the silly rhymes, shout out their favorite toppings, and sometimes even sing along with the repetition. And when they hear the lessons about sharing and balance, they nod knowingly—as if they’ve discovered something important for themselves. That’s what I love about writing for children. Every story is an opportunity to bring joy, spark imagination, and leave behind a little wisdom. So the next time you’re enjoying a slice with your family, I hope you’ll also enjoy a few giggles from I LOVE PIZZA! Because just like pizza, a good story is meant to be shared. I Love Pizza! may be found on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page and explore this story along with many more.  When most of us think of holiday classics, our minds jump straight to Christmas — and who doesn’t know the beloved cadence of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas? But what if Halloween had its own playful, rhyming story to capture its tricks, treats, and surprises? That’s exactly what inspired The Witch’s Big Night, a Halloween book for children written in sing-song rhyme and brought to life with cheerful illustrations.  A Halloween Tale Begins… It all starts on Halloween night when a little boy and his sister go trick-or-treating. They bravely knock on a witch’s door: “Trick or treat, what does that mean If I have nothing for you? Do you think you can trick me Or scare me, you two?” Of course, this witch is ready for a frightful night — and she has plenty of spookiness in store. One by one, costumed children appear at her door, only to be scared away by her tricks. After all, Halloween is her big night, the one time she can be her most wicked, witchy self. But then something unexpected happens…  Enter the Skunk Among the superheroes, princesses, and goblins stands one unusual trick-or-treater: a child dressed as a skunk. The witch can hardly believe it. She’s been frightening children all evening long, but this little skunk won’t budge. “No one has tricked me,” said the witch. “I live for Halloween. It’s my one night to shine. All I’ve been getting are smiling faces At the door all the time!” The skunk isn’t fazed. Instead, he outsmarts the witch with cleverness and kindness — showing her that sometimes the best surprises come when you least expect them. In fact, the witch discovers that even she can have a little fun, and a little friendship, on Halloween night.  A Message Wrapped in Magic While The Witch’s Big Night is first and foremost a joyful holiday story, it also gently carries an important message: Halloween is about more than costumes and candy. It’s about imagination, fun, and finding joy in surprises. Even a scary witch can find a friend. Even a smelly skunk can be the hero. And every child can see Halloween as a time to celebrate creativity and delight. Why Children Love This Story
 A Tradition Worth Starting Just as families revisit The Night Before Christmas every holiday season, The Witch’s Big Night has the charm and cadence to become a Halloween tradition. Imagine gathering kids together before trick-or-treating or ending the evening with a cozy read-aloud. The rhymes make it memorable, the humor makes it fun, and the message makes it meaningful. Final Thought Halloween is full of masks, costumes, tricks, and treats — but sometimes, the best part of the night is the surprise you never saw coming. In The Witch’s Big Night, that surprise is a friendship between a witch and a skunk. It’s a reminder to children (and adults!) that joy and connection can be found in the unlikeliest places. This Halloween, may your nights be filled with laughter, delight, and maybe even a witch or two. The Witch’s Big Night may be found on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page and explore this story along with many more.  Looking to meet new friends in a new neighborhood, I wandered over to our little community park one day. What I found was a group of middle-aged women having the time of their lives poking and pushing and smashing and slashing a small whiffle ball around. The old tennis court had been transformed into a makeshift pickleball court with hand-painted lines, a sagging net, and cracks where grass grew. Dogs ran through the play, kids whizzed by on bikes and skates, and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains loomed in the distance. I stood on the sidelines watching patiently, trying to figure out the scoring system and the point of the game—other than pure fun. I figured if I hung out long enough, someone would notice my eagerness and invite me in. And they did. When that moment came, I jumped right in, knowing I could probably manage this game. After all, I had once been the top junior tennis player in the country and even a Wimbledon semi-finalist. Surely pickleball couldn’t be too difficult—even at my age, 81. That was the beginning of my love affair with pickleball.  Finding Friends and Building Skills Those four women soon became my closest friends. Together we laughed, stumbled through the rules, and reinterpreted the scoring system every time someone new showed up with advice. Around the same time, I started teaching my unusual form of tennis—“Zennis,” a dance-like, happy way of swinging the racket—at The Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. Before long, I added pickleball to my teaching. The funny thing? I could barely keep score myself! But that didn’t stop me. Teaching kept me one step ahead of my students. It also sparked the idea for my book, DARE TO DINK: Pickleball for Seniors and Anyone Else Who Wants to Have Fun. The Head Rackets Pro was shocked.“You’ve only been playing six months!” he said. I smiled. Nothing was going to stop me. After all, I’d already written and illustrated over 100 children’s books. Why not pickleball? What Pickleball Means to Others While gathering stories for my book, I asked fellow players—most of them seniors—why they loved pickleball. Their answers warmed my heart.
 Lessons Pickleball Has Taught Me Over time, I’ve made some observations about the game:
I see the same excitement in my students. One woman with two hip replacements can no longer ride horses, but pickleball gave her a new passion. Another had never hit a ball before, yet she beams every week as she grows more confident.  A New Kind of Happiness Some of my happiest moments now are in the summers here in Colorado Springs. I sling my pickleball bag over my shoulder, grab my visor and water jug, and head to Monument Valley Park. Walking through the trees toward the courts, I can already hear the laughter, the pop-pop of the ball, and then the greetings begin: “Hi, Sally.” “Good to see you, Sally.” “Want to play in?” It makes my heart sing. Pickleball may look like just a simple game, but for me—and for so many others—it’s a source of joy, friendship, fitness, and lifelong learning. Want to Learn More?If you’re curious about trying pickleball, or if you’re already playing and want to dive deeper into the fun, my book Dare to Dink, click here.
For pickleball gifts and art by Sally Huss, click here. (Inspired by the children's book NO SMOKING, NO DRINKING, NO DRUGS by Sally Huss)  Helping Kids Say No to Peer Pressure Every child, at some point, will face a moment of decision. A friend may whisper, “Come on, just try it.” A group might laugh and say, “Don’t be a baby.” This is peer pressure — the invisible tug that makes kids want to fit in, even if it means doing something they know is wrong. For parents and teachers, the big question is: How can we prepare children to stand strong in those moments? One effective way is through stories that let children “practice” difficult choices in the safety of their imagination. Sally Huss’s book No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs — also available in a multicultural version — gives children just that chance. By following Billy and his guide, Mr. Consequences, young readers see what it looks like to resist peer pressure and choose wisely. Peer Pressure: Why It’s So Powerful Children naturally want to belong. Being accepted by friends feels good, while being excluded feels scary. This is why peer pressure is so powerful. Even confident, happy children can feel torn when friends encourage them to make poor choices. The challenge is that peer pressure often happens in the moment — on the playground, after school, or at a party — and kids don’t have time to stop and think. That’s why preparation is key. By talking through scenarios in advance, and by letting children “see” examples in stories, we give them the tools to respond with confidence.  Billy’s Story: A Choice at the Crossroads In No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs, young Billy walks home from school and stumbles upon a group of boys smoking and drinking. “Hey kid, take a puff,” they urge. For a split second, Billy is caught in the pressure of the group. Enter Mr. Consequences — a small mouse with big wisdom. He pulls Billy aside and shows him what’s really at stake. Through lively illustrations and powerful images — chimneys with smoke, Swiss cheese with holes, sick and unhappy people, and even glimpses of a wasted or bright future — Billy learns to see beyond the moment. By the end of the story, Billy has practiced saying no. He has learned that his health and happiness are worth protecting, and that good choices lead to a brighter future.  Practical Lessons for Saying No What makes this book so effective is that it doesn’t just say “Don’t do drugs” or “Don’t smoke.” Instead, it gives children reasons to say no — and even more importantly, it gives them words to use. Here are some strategies parents and teachers can draw from the story:
 Why the Multicultural Version Matters Children come from many different families, cultures, and communities. In the multicultural version of No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs, the message is clear: making good choices is universal. No matter who you are or where you come from, health and happiness depend on saying no to harmful habits. This inclusivity helps children see themselves in the story. When kids recognize characters who look like them, the lessons feel personal and powerful. It also opens the door for classrooms and families with diverse backgrounds to share the book together and know the message applies to everyone.  Conversations Parents and Teachers Can Have Stories are just the starting point. The real magic happens in the conversations that follow. Here are a few questions and discussion prompts to use after reading:
Giving Kids the Tools to Choose Wisely One of the most powerful lines from Mr. Consequences is: “Everyone has the right to make their own choices — good or bad. Now you understand the importance of making good choices. Your happiness depends on it.” This shifts the focus from rules and restrictions to empowerment. Children don’t feel like they’re just following what adults say — they realize they have control over their own futures. They see that their happiness is in their hands, shaped by the choices they make every day.  Why Stories Work Better Than Lectures Let’s be honest: children don’t usually respond well to lectures. “Don’t do this” and “Don’t do that” often go in one ear and out the other. Stories, on the other hand, spark the imagination. They let kids step into the shoes of characters like Billy and ask, “What would I do?” By experiencing the tug of peer pressure alongside Billy and then feeling the relief of making the right choice, children internalize the lesson in a way that sticks. It becomes their own story — not just something adults told them. A Universal Message of Health and Happiness At its heart, No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs is about more than just avoiding harmful substances. It’s about protecting health, nurturing happiness, and building a future full of possibility. It’s about giving children the confidence to stand tall, even when the crowd is pulling in another direction. Whether read at home with a parent, in a classroom with a teacher, or in a community program that celebrates diversity, the book delivers a message every child needs to hear: You have the power to say no. You have the right to choose health. Your future matters.  Final Thoughts
Peer pressure will always be part of growing up, but with preparation, guidance, and strong stories, children can face it with courage. No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs provides both the warnings and the hope, reminding children that their choices today shape their happiness tomorrow. With Mr. Consequences as their guide, kids learn that it’s not about being “cool” or “fitting in.” It’s about being true to themselves, protecting their health, and creating a future filled with joy and success. And that’s a lesson worth sharing with every child, in every culture. If you’d like to share this story with a child you love, you’ll find No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs and many more of my children’s books, on Amazon through my website. Click here to visit my Children’s Books page (Inspired by the children's book NO SMOKING, NO DRINKING, NO DRUGS by Sally Huss)  Whether it’s touching a hot stove, skipping homework, or following the wrong crowd, the results may not always be immediate — but they are real. As parents, grandparents, and teachers, we try to explain this in words, but sometimes words alone don’t sink in. That’s where stories come in. Stories make the abstract real. They take big ideas like “choices” and “consequences” and turn them into characters, images, and feelings that children can understand. One such story is No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs by Sally Huss, where a little boy named Billy meets an unusual guide — a mouse named Mr. Consequences. Why Consequences Are Hard for Kids to Understand Young children live in the present moment. They’re more focused on what feels fun, exciting, or comforting right now. Long-term effects don’t register easily. Telling a six- or seven-year-old that smoking could lead to lung cancer decades later won’t mean much to them. But showing them a mouse with a piece of Swiss cheese filled with holes — and explaining that bad choices can eat away at health and happiness — makes the idea memorable. In No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs, Mr. Consequences gently teaches Billy (and the reader) about how harmful habits like smoking, drinking, and drug use can damage the body and steal away happiness. The lessons are told with humor, imagination, and visuals kids can grasp.  Mr. Consequences and the Power of Storytelling The story begins with Billy walking home from school and encountering a group of boys experimenting with smoking and drinking. They urge him to try, and for a moment, Billy is caught in the pull of peer pressure. Just then, a tiny but mighty guide appears: Mr. Consequences, a wise mouse who steps in to help. Mr. Consequences uses powerful images to explain his lessons:
 Health and Happiness Go Hand in Hand One of the most powerful messages in the book is that health and happiness are deeply connected. When Mr. Consequences shows Billy sick and unhappy people who have lost their health, he explains: “When you lose your health, you lose your happiness too.” For children, this connection is important. They may not fully understand what it means to “damage your lungs” or “hurt your brain,” but they do understand happiness. Linking health habits directly to happiness gives them a clear reason to say no when temptations arise. Drugs, Doctors, and the Danger of Misuse The story also clears up confusion about drugs. Mr. Consequences explains that drugs have a place when used by doctors to help sick or injured people heal. But drugs found on the street are different. They damage health, hurt the brain, and rob young people of their potential. This is a vital distinction for children, who may hear the word “drugs” in different contexts. The story helps them see that while medicine can heal, street drugs harm.  Everyone Has the Ability to Become Great Another uplifting message in the book is that every child has the ability to become great at something. Whether it’s sports, music, art, science, or kindness, every child has gifts and talents. But harmful habits like smoking, drinking, and drug use can block those gifts from shining. By showing Billy kids who look lazy, hopeless, and stuck, Mr. Consequences highlights the danger of wasted potential. Then, by showing Billy his own bright future, he reminds children that their happiness and success depend on the choices they make today. Practical Lessons for Parents and Teachers While No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs tells its story through charming characters and illustrations, it also provides a springboard for important conversations at home or in the classroom. Here are a few ways parents and teachers can use the book:
 Why This Story Matters Today Children are facing pressures younger than ever before. Vaping, alcohol, and drugs are often portrayed as “cool” or “normal” in media. Peer influence can be strong, and children may not yet have the tools to resist. That’s why stories like No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs are so important. They give children not just information, but imagination — a way to picture both the dangers of bad choices and the rewards of good ones. A Message of Hope and Empowerment At the end of the story, Mr. Consequences reminds Billy: “Everyone has the right to make their own choices — good or bad. Now you understand the importance of making good choices. Your happiness depends on it.” Billy thanks him, now confident in his ability to choose wisely. He sees a future where he is healthy, happy, and successful. That’s the kind of vision every child deserves to hold onto.  Final Thoughts
Consequences may seem like a heavy topic for children, but when explained through stories, they become clear and meaningful. No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs offers children not just warnings, but hope — showing that their choices matter, their health matters, and their happiness matters. When children learn early that good choices lead to bright futures, they are far better equipped to resist pressures and live joyfully. Mr. Consequences is a delightful guide who reminds us all — young and old — that happiness is built one good choice at a time. The book, No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs, may be found on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page and explore this story along with many more. (Inspired by the children's book One Green Omelet, Please! by Sally Huss)  Why Kids Should Know Their Food’s Story Children today are surrounded by food, but very few actually know how it gets to their plates. Eggs come neatly packaged in cartons. Fruits and vegetables appear in bins at the grocery store. Bread comes pre-sliced in plastic bags. To many kids, it can feel as if food just magically “shows up.” That’s where One Green Omelet, Please! comes in—a delightful children’s book that not only entertains but also teaches one of life’s most important lessons: where our food comes from and why it matters.  A Girl, an Omelet, and a Big Question The story begins on a Sunday morning outing to a local restaurant with a hungry little girl who decides she wants one thing for breakfast: a green omelet. A funny request, perhaps, but kids will instantly recognize the curiosity and whimsy behind it. “Green?” asks the reader in their mind. Yes, green! The girl imagines the delicious dish, but she doesn’t stop there—she wonders what goes into it and how it is made. Where do the eggs come from? What about the spinach? What else goes inside? And so begins a playful journey of discovery, one that takes young readers from the chicken coop to the garden, and beyond.  The Egg Came First One of the first stops in our heroine's imagination is the chicken coop, where the girl discovers that eggs don’t simply appear in cartons—they are laid by hens. She can imagine the straw, hears the clucking, and watches the miracle of fresh eggs being gathered. For children who have never visited a farm, this is eye-opening. The humble egg becomes something special when kids understand the living, breathing animal that provided it.  The Garden Gives Its Greens Next, the girl learns where the “green” in her omelet comes from. String beans! They had grown with the help of the sun, their vines wound around sticks until done. Broccoli and diced zucchini, spinach, avocado, green onions, and peas color her omelet with bits of green. This part of the story is especially powerful for children because it’s so easy to replicate. Even a small pot of soil on a windowsill can show a child how seeds sprout, how plants grow, and how food is nurtured from the ground up. When kids see spinach (or herbs, or tomatoes) grow before their eyes, they begin to connect food to patience, care, and nature’s rhythms.  The Source of the Cheese She discovers a little shredded, melted cheese here and there that the chef has sprinkled with care. Where did it come from? She can almost smell the grassy fields where the cows graze and then the farmer milking a cow. The milk is then curdled and with a squeeze, it is turned into cheddar cheese.  The Magic of Cooking Once the ingredients are gathered, the story shifts to the kitchen where the chef performs his magic. Eggs are cracked, spinach is chopped, and the skillet sizzles. Children can understand that cooking is its own adventure—one that blends creativity, responsibility, and joy. By the end, the little girl doesn’t just eat a green omelet. She images that it fills her whole being. She understands it. She knows its story—from chicken, to garden, to pan. And that makes the meal taste all the more delicious.  Why This Lesson Matters One Green Omelet, Please! may be whimsical, but its message is deeply practical. When kids learn where food comes from, a few powerful things happen:
 A Recipe for More Than Breakfast
The green omelet in the story is more than a quirky dish—it’s a recipe for awareness. Just as the girl learns to connect the dots between egg, spinach, and skillet, children learn to connect the dots between effort and reward, patience and growth, gratitude and joy. When parents share stories like this, they aren’t just teaching nutrition. They’re planting seeds of responsibility, mindfulness, and appreciation. Final Thought: Omelets and Understanding One Green Omelet, Please! may seem like a playful tale about breakfast, but it’s really a gentle invitation for children to look deeper. Food doesn’t come from stores—it comes from the earth, from animals, from farmers, and from families who prepare it with care. When children understand that story, every bite feels richer. A simple omelet becomes a lesson in gratitude, curiosity, and joy. So the next time your child asks, “What’s for breakfast?” you might just smile and say, “One green omelet, please!” If you’d like to share this story with a child you love, you’ll find One Green Omelet, Please! and many more of my children’s books, on Amazon through my website. Simply click here to visit my Children’s Books page. |
Sally Huss
I'm an author/illustrator of many children's books, over 100. I've also had 26 of my own licensed art galleries across the country and filled them with my art and happy thoughts. Those thoughts became the basis of my King Features syndicated newspaper panel -- Happy Musings. In this blog, you will find themes on health and happiness, tennis and pickleball, love and life -- all to inform you and brighten your day. Archives
March 2026
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