n the town of Tandumtoo, politeness isn’t just encouraged — it’s practically a way of life. People say “Thank you” the way they breathe. It’s instinctive. Automatic. Almost musical.
So when someone forgot to say “Thank you,” it caused a full-blown civic emergency.

That’s where my story, HOW THE GOLD GOT INTO THE GOLDEN RULE?, begins — with a berry, a broken custom, and one very blue fellow named Willy Saladheimer.

Willy had done what any decent citizen of Tandumtoo would do: he shared a tandumberry from his own bush with a newcomer. A small kindness. A friendly gesture. Nothing fancy.
But then something unthinkable happened.

The newcomer took the berry… and walked away.
No smile.
No nod.
No “Thank you.”

In Tandumtoo, that’s not just rude — it’s emotionally destabilizing.
Poor Willy was devastated. His feelings were hurt. He turned blue (which in Tandumtoo is a very visible sign of sadness). His friend George tried to help, even offering Willy shelter under his coat while they figured out what had gone wrong. Naturally, Willy said “Thank you” for that — because that’s what people do in Tandumtoo.
And soon, the situation escalated.

When politeness is the glue that holds a town together, one missing “Thank you” can cause cracks in the foundation. So the elders were called. And when the elders meet, everyone listens — sometimes from behind doors and windows, because in Tandumtoo, even eavesdropping is done politely.

As the story unfolds, the town collectively grapples with an impossible idea:
Could someone truly not know they’re supposed to say “Thank you”?

To the residents of Tandumtoo, gratitude isn’t a rule you memorize — it’s a reflex. You say “Thank you” when someone helps you, gives you something, compliments you, or even passes you the news of Willy’s blues.
“Thank you” flows through this story the way kindness flows through life when we let it.

But then comes the twist — and this is where the gold comes in.

When the newcomer is finally questioned, he isn’t defensive. He isn’t rude. He’s simply… different. In his culture, gratitude isn’t expressed with words at all.
It’s expressed with gold.

Actual gold.

Suddenly, the town hall is filled with clattering riches, overturned chairs, stunned silence, and a profound realization: gratitude can look different depending on where you come from — but its value is universal.

And yet, the conclusion is beautifully simple.
Even with all that gold, the people of Tandumtoo know something deeper. Kindness and politeness — the sincere acknowledgment of another human being — are worth more than treasure.
The newcomer adapts. He bends his tradition. And he leaves behind what he calls the Golden Rule:
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
In Tandumtoo, that means forgetting the gold and remembering the words.
Just say, “Thank you.”

Why This Story Still Matters
I wrote HOW THE GOLD GOT INTO THE GOLDEN RULE? to make children laugh — but also to gently remind adults of something we often forget: appreciation changes things.
It changes how people feel.
It changes how communities function.
It even changes the color of the day.

In a world that often moves too fast, where courtesy gets skipped and kindness gets assumed, this little story asks us to pause — and acknowledge one another.
You don’t need gold.

You don’t need grand gestures.
Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can give is two simple words, spoken sincerely:
Thank you.

Christmas has a way of reminding us of things we forget the rest of the year. Not the big things — the small, quiet truths. Like appreciation. Like love. Like seeing what is instead of mourning what isn’t.
That is how this story came to me.

It was the day before Christmas, and the tree lay on a pile of discarded pine boughs. While a few remaining trees stood upright on the lot, bravely beckoning last-minute shoppers — “Take me! Take me!” — this tree knew better. No one would take him.

He was scrawny. Scraggly. Undernourished. A Christmas tree that had clearly lost the genetic lottery, with broken branches and very little hope.

Then two children arrived.

I can see them so clearly — wandering through the lot, examining the remaining trees, checking price tags, shaking their heads. The kind of head shake children make when they already know the answer but are hoping for a miracle anyway.

The lot man noticed them and walked over.
“What can I do for you?” he asked.

“We would like a Christmas tree,” one of them said, “but we only have two dollars.”

“Ho, ho, ho,” the man laughed. “That won’t buy a proper Christmas tree. But you can have anything you can find in that pile over there for two dollars.”

And with that, the children ran toward the heap of pine rubbish.
The tree lay right on top.

They couldn’t believe their eyes — and the tree couldn’t believe his.

“It’s perfect!” they squealed, lifting him up, setting him upright, dancing around him as if he were the most magnificent tree on the lot.

The tree did what trees do when hope returns — he rose to the occasion. He fluffed himself out as best he could. Even though it wasn’t much.

Still, it was enough.

They grabbed him by his feet and headed for home, calling back, “Thanks, Mister!” The lot man waved and laughed again, looking suspiciously like Santa as he stuffed the two dollars into his pocket.

The tree was going to be a Christmas tree after all.

When the children dragged him through the door of their small home, calling out names — Mama! Charlie! Eloise! Leanne! — the room filled with excitement. The family gathered around as the tree was stood up in the corner.

“Oh my, oh my,” they exclaimed.
“It’s beautiful!”
“It’s lovely!”
“It’s divine!”

And just like that, something extraordinary happened.

With their praise, the tree became the tree-within-the-tree — a magnificent, full-bodied, full-scented, full-fledged Christmas tree. Not because his branches had changed, but because he had.

Mama clapped her hands. “I know what we’ll do. We’ll decorate it.”

“With what?” the children asked.

“Anything and everything.”

And they did.
Popcorn garlands. Tin-foil ornaments. Hair ribbons turned into bows. Baby rattles transformed into joyful music. A ballerina angel perched proudly at the top. Handmade creations carefully placed in just the right spots.

Nothing was expensive. Nothing was store-bought. Everything was perfect.

Left alone for a moment, the tree looked around the room. The chairs were chipped. The curtains stained. The couch torn. The rug spotted. And yet — it was beautiful. Because it was loved.

And then the tree saw something else.
The chair-within-the-chair.
The curtain-within-the-curtain.
The couch-within-the-couch.
The rug-within-the-rug.
As he loved them, they brightened.

This is the heart of the story for me — and the heart of Christmas itself.
Appreciation changes things.

Not the things themselves, but how we see them… and therefore how they become.

When the family stood back and admired their work, Mama sighed.
“No greater tree has there ever been.”

And each child echoed, “I love it.”

The tree-within-the-tree knew it was true. They loved what they had, not what they didn’t.

On this Christmas Eve — where presents were few but gifts were plentiful — the greatest gift of all was given to the tree: the gift of appreciation.

And in receiving it, he learned to love what he was, not what he wasn’t.

Which made him perfect.

That is the message I hope you carry with you — not just at Christmas, but all year long. When we appreciate what is, we allow it to become its fullest self. And sometimes, in doing that, we discover the beautiful tree-within-the-tree inside ourselves too.

Traveling should feel exciting, eye-opening, and full of possibilities — even for families managing food allergies. In fact, with a little preparation and confidence, children with severe allergies can enjoy vacations just as fully as anyone else. That’s the heart of the message in my new children’s book, MAX’S BIG ADVENTURE: Traveling with Food Allergies, written with Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino.
The story follows Max, a bright, enthusiastic boy who loves exploring the world, even though he has a severe allergy to peanuts and tree nuts. His summer trip to San Diego gives young readers a friendly, reassuring look at how to travel safely — and happily — with food allergies. And parents will find the lessons just as valuable.
Below, we’ll walk through practical steps for traveling with food allergies, all inspired by Max’s experiences along the way.

1. Preparation Starts at Home
In Max’s Big Adventure, Max begins packing for his family vacation with the same excitement every child feels — swimsuit, baseball cap, and favorite travel gear. But Max also knows something very important: he needs his emergency kit.
His emergency kit includes:

• Two epinephrine auto-injectors
• Antihistamines
• Additional prescribed medications
• A doctor’s note explaining his allergy and emergency protocol
• His MedicAlert® bracelet

For parents traveling with a child with food allergies, this step is essential. Before any trip, make sure:

• All emergency medications are current and not expired
• The auto-injector is in an easily reachable section of your carry-on
• You have back-up medication in case one set is misplaced
• Your child knows the kit is important and understands its purpose

Having everything organized builds calm, not fear. Max’s confidence comes from knowing he has what he needs.

2. Pack Safe Snacks (Your Best Travel Companion)Max loves snacks — especially his Vermont Nut Free Chocolates! His mother makes sure to bring plenty of safe, pre-selected foods along for the flight and the trip.
This is one of the smartest strategies for allergy-safe travel.
Safe snack ideas include:

• Fruit bars made in dedicated nut-free facilities
  
• Pretzels or crackers in sealed packaging
  
• Homemade muffins or cookies
  
• Dried fruits
  
• Nut-free chocolates
  
• Mini meals prepared at home
  

Why does this matter? Because traveling is unpredictable. Planes may run out of options. Airport kiosks vary widely in labeling. Restaurants may be closed. Snacks you know are safe prevent hunger, stress, and risk.

3. Advocate for Yourself — Even as a Child
One of the powerful moments in the story is when Max meets another boy on the airplane. The boy offers Max a homemade cookie, and Max politely says no, explaining:
“I am allergic to nuts of all kinds. So, I have to be very careful what I eat.”
Max’s health depends on speaking up — and he does it clearly and kindly.
Teaching kids to advocate for themselves may be the most important skill of all. Encourage your child to say things like:

• “I’m allergic to peanuts and tree nuts.”
• “Does this have any nuts or nut oils?”
• “Can you check with a chef, please?”
• “No thank you, I can’t have that.”

Children who feel empowered are safer everywhere — on planes, at birthday parties, in restaurants, and at camp.

4. Communicate with Airlines, Hotels, and Restaurants
In the story, Max’s parents alert the flight attendants before the plane takes off. Later, in the hotel restaurant, Max politely tells the waitress about his allergy. She checks with the chef to ensure his meal is safe.
Communication is a key component of allergy-safe travel.
Before your trip, contact:

• The airline — ask about cleaning procedures, food service, and pre-boarding
• The hotel — request allergy-friendly rooms or refrigerator space for safe foods
• Restaurants — ask about cross-contamination and whether nut products are used in the kitchen

Once you arrive:

• Re-communicate your child’s allergy
• Ask staff to double-check each meal
• Don’t hesitate to return any dish that seems questionable

Most hospitality staff want to help — they just need clear information.

5. Stay Calm but Aware: Safe Fun Every Day
Max’s vacation becomes a joyful adventure — walks along the beach, splashing in ocean waves, and an exciting trip to the zoo. Throughout the story, he always keeps his safe snacks nearby, and his mother carries his emergency kit.
Their message is simple: You can have enormous fun while still being smart about allergies.
Whether visiting a zoo, amusement park, museum, or beach, keep these tips in mind:

• Carry snacks in a small backpack or waist bag
• Keep epinephrine cool but accessible
• Read labels on any purchased treats
• If unsure about an item, choose something else
• Check that hands are clean before eating

Allergy-friendly travel is not about fear — it’s about awareness.

6. The Big Lesson: You Can Go Anywhere
At the end of Max’s Big Adventure, Max realizes something empowering:
“By being prepared and careful, he could go anywhere and do most anything.”
That is exactly the message we want young readers — and their parents — to take with them.
Traveling with food allergies does not need to limit your world. It simply requires planning, communication, and confidence. Families can visit new cities, try new experiences, and make beautiful memories, all while staying safe.
This book gives children reassurance that their allergy doesn’t have to hold them back. Max isn’t fearful — he’s prepared. He’s capable. And he’s excited to explore.

Want to Share Max’s Story with Your Family?Max’s Big Adventure: Traveling with Food Allergies is a wonderful addition to any family bookshelf, classroom, or doctor’s office. Children will feel comforted and empowered as they watch Max navigate his journey with awareness and courage.

Every once in a while a sentence, a paragraph, or even a single idea takes root in your heart and refuses to leave. It lingers quietly, then rises again and again until you finally understand that it’s asking something of you. That’s what happened when I first read this passage by Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov:
“… equality is only possible thanks to fraternity, for humans are not equal anywhere except in dignity. This dignity comes from the fact that they are all sons and daughters of God and therefore all brothers and sisters…”

This small paragraph followed me for months. Maybe even years. It resurfaced during moments of reflection and tucked itself into the back of my mind when I was working on other projects. I even lost track of it for a time and had to ask one of the sisters to help me find it again. When she did, she also sent another complementary teaching:
“In fact, nature does not like equality and uniformity or a general leveling out… the truth is that equality does not exist in the universe: inequality is the general rule.”

Coming from a teacher who constantly encouraged us to learn from Nature, this clarification made absolute sense. Nature has never been in the business of making everything equal — leaves differ, waves differ, people differ. And yet, beneath all this beautiful diversity, there is one unshakable place where equality does exist.
In our dignity.
In our divine origin.

A Truth Worth Passing On
As an author and illustrator of children’s books, I am always listening for ideas worth passing along — ideas that children can carry with them for life. When Aïvanhov said this was “of the utmost importance to teach children,” I felt that responsibility deeply.

But how? How do you explain such a delicate, nuanced truth to young minds? How do you express that we are not equal in looks, abilities, talents, or circumstances — and yet, we share the greatest equality of all?

I let the idea sit with me. I didn’t force the answer. I simply held the teaching like a seed and waited. Eventually, the way revealed itself, and from that seed grew my children’s book:
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO KNOW
The story begins on an ordinary school day. A teacher stands in front of her class and announces boldly:
“Isn’t it wonderful that you are all so perfectly equal?”

Well — as you can imagine — the children were stunned. Because they knew what they saw with their eyes:
They weren’t equal at all!
Some were taller.
Some were cleverer.
Some were poorer or richer.
Some were more athletic, more artistic, more something or less something.
The book follows their earnest objections — and then the teacher’s gentle clarification:
“You are all equal in only one way,
And in that way you always will be.
You are each sons and daughters of your heavenly father…
Regardless of the many differences you are seeing.”
This is where the heart of the teaching shines through.
Not equality of appearance.

Not equality of ability.
Not equality of achievement.
But equality of dignity — the dignity that comes from being a child of God.
And with that understanding, the children in the story begin to see one another differently. As brothers and sisters. As fellow beings of divine worth. Their hearts soften. Their spines straighten. Something inside them lifts.
And isn’t that exactly the response we hope for?

Why This Lesson Matters Today
We live in a world that talks a great deal about equality, often in ways that can be confusing to children. They are constantly comparing themselves to others — at school, on social media, even within their own families. They notice differences before they have the tools to interpret them.

If we don’t teach them where true equality lies, they may assume that differences diminish them.
But they don’t.

Differences make life beautiful and interesting, but dignity makes life sacred. Children need to know this. They need to understand that their worth does not depend on talent, beauty, money, or ability.
They are worthy because they come from something divine.
They are equal because of their source.
They are sisters and brothers because they share that origin.
This is a truth that steadies a child from the inside out.

Nature Agrees
If you walk into a forest, you will find towering trees and tiny saplings, flowers that bloom quickly and others that take years, streams that roar and ponds that rest quietly. Nothing is equal in form or function — and yet everything belongs.

Aïvanhov often pointed to Nature as our greatest teacher. And Nature tells us:
Unity does not require sameness.
Value does not require comparison.
Equality does not require uniformity.

Children understand this intuitively when it is presented simply and beautifully. That is what I tried to do in THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO KNOW — bring a universal, spiritual truth into a form a child can hold in their hands and take into their hearts.

A Message for Parents, Teachers, and All of Us
Imagine how different our world could be if children grew up knowing:
My worth is unshakable.
Your worth is unshakable.
We are different — and that’s fine.
We are equal — because we are children of God.

This understanding softens envy, quiets comparison, and strengthens compassion. It helps children appreciate others without diminishing themselves. It sets a foundation for moral, emotional, and spiritual strength.

When I finished writing the book, I felt like one of the kids in the story.
I stood a little taller.
I felt a little kinder.
I got it.
And I hope the children who read it — and the adults who read it with them — feel that too.

If you’d like to share this message of divine dignity and true equality with a child in your life, you can find THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO KNOW among my collection of uplifting, heart-centered children’s books. It was written with great love and with the hope that it will help young readers see themselves — and each other — through a gentler, truer lens.

Raising Self-Confident Kids in a Pressured World
Childhood isn’t as simple as it used to be. Today’s children grow up surrounded by expectations—academic pressure, social comparison, sports performance, and the fast-moving world of digital media. It’s no surprise that parents and teachers often wonder, “How do I help my child feel confident in who they are?”
The good news is that confidence isn’t something a child has or doesn't have. It’s something that can be taught, nurtured, and strengthened every single day. Like a muscle, the more it’s exercised, the stronger it becomes.
And the tools we often overlook—simple routines, honest conversations, and meaningful stories—are some of the most powerful confidence builders of all.

Confidence Begins with “I Can” Moments
Kids do not build confidence by being told how great they are. They build it by doing things—even small things—and recognizing their own capabilities. Here are a few everyday “I can” moments that strengthen self-belief:

1. Taking Responsibility Making their bed… feeding the dog… carrying in groceries… setting the table.
When children contribute, they see themselves as capable members of the family or classroom.
2. Solving Little Problems Tying shoes, zipping jackets, figuring out what to do next—these tiny successes add up to big self-esteem.
3. Tackling New Experiences Trying a new sport, speaking to a new friend, or learning a difficult skill shows kids that bravery is simply trying, not succeeding.
4. Helping Others Acts of kindness—helping a sibling, assisting a classmate, or supporting a parent—teach kids that their actions have value.
These everyday opportunities are the building blocks of confidence.

Why Confidence Matters More Than Ever
Self-confidence affects everything:

• How children tackle challenges
  
• How they treat themselves and others
• How they bounce back after disappointment
• How they build friendships
• How they approach learning and creativity

A confident child is not a perfect child. A confident child is one who believes, “I can try.”
That belief is the spark that ignites resilience, curiosity, courage, kindness, and joy.
Today, the world needs children who trust themselves. And children need the adults around them to show them how.

The Power of Modeling Positive Self-Talk 
Children listen closely, especially to the things we say about ourselves. If they hear adults saying, “I can’t do this,” “I’m terrible at that,” or “I’m not good enough,” they internalize those messages too.
But when adults model positive self-talk--

• “This is challenging, but I’ll figure it out.”
• “I’m learning something new, and that takes time.”
• “I can try again.”

—children learn that confidence isn’t about perfection; it’s about perseverance.
Encouraging children to speak kindly to themselves is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

How Stories Become Secret Teachers of Confidence
Children absorb lessons through stories far more deeply than through lectures. When a book shows a character trying, failing, helping, creating, or discovering their own strength, a child naturally sees those possibilities for themselves.
Stories are safe places to explore confidence.
They allow children to:

• Witness courage
• Experience empathy
• Understand effort
• Celebrate uniqueness
• Recognize their potential

That is exactly why the right books can do what even adults sometimes struggle to do: teach children that everything they need is already inside them.

Introducing Self-Confident Sandy
Few books embody this message more beautifully than Self-Confident Sandy.
Sandy’s motto is simple, strong, and deeply empowering:
“Some may wonder why I can do anything I try,
And the only answer can be: all these things are inside me.”
In this delightful rhyming story, Sandy wraps her arms around herself—not as a sign of selfishness, but as a gesture of recognition. She acknowledges her own strengths, her own possibilities, and her own inner worth.
Throughout the book, Sandy shows children dozens of ways to build confidence:

• Running, hiking, painting, and reading
• Making new friends
• Helping others without being asked
• Practicing the Golden Rule
• Learning new skills
• Having gratitude
• Trying new things with an open heart

Her world is filled with “I can” moments, from hitting a baseball to cooking with her mother, from writing poems to helping clean a closet. Each action reinforces the truth: confidence comes from doing.
The book closes with one of the most powerful messages a child could hear:
“Once I set my heart and mind to it,
I find that there is nothing to it, but to do it…
That’s how I can be the Best Ever Me.
You can do it too.
You can be the Best Ever You!”
What a remarkable invitation for children.

Using Sandy’s Message at Home and in the Classroom
You can bring Sandy’s confidence motto into daily life with these simple ideas:
“Inside Me” Mirror Mantra
Have children look in the mirror each morning and repeat Sandy’s line:
“All these things are inside me.”
Sandy’s “I Tried Something New Today” Chart
Each day, kids record one new action, effort, or challenge they attempted—big or small.
Sandy’s Helping Hands Challenge
Children choose one person to help each day, without being asked.
Confidence Through Creativity
Just like Sandy frames her artwork, children can create something they’re proud of and display it at home or school.
These small rituals build habits of courage and positive self-regard.
Why Parents and Teachers Love This Theme
Parents appreciate Self-Confident Sandy because it reminds children that their talents aren’t measured by trophies or grades—they’re shaped by effort, attitude, and willingness to learn.
Teachers love using Sandy as part of SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) because the entire book is a confidence-building toolkit disguised as joyful, playful rhymes.
And children love Sandy because she feels like a real friend—someone cheerful, uplifting, and ready to try anything.

A World that Needs Confident Kids
The world will always offer distractions, comparisons, and pressures. But it will also always offer opportunities—especially for children who believe in themselves.
When we teach kids the truth that Sandy knows--
that the tools they need already live inside them--
we give them a lifelong foundation of resilience, optimism, and joy.
And that, truly, is how a child becomes their Best Ever Self.

Self-Confident Sandy can be found on my website, along with the rest of the Sally Huss collection of children's books.

The Morning Struggle Every Parent Knows
The cereal bowl sits untouched. A backpack lies open on the floor. One shoe is on. The other is… where? Your cheerful reminder—“Sweetie, brush your teeth!”—is met with a groan that could rival a foghorn.
Most parents know this scene by heart.
And many quietly ask themselves…

“How do I help my child build good habits without becoming a broken record?”
Healthy habits matter—brushing teeth, playing outside, eating something green once in a while, appreciating what we have. But getting kids to want these habits can feel like pushing a giant, wobbly boulder uphill.
The good news?

Healthy habits don’t have to be battles.
They can actually be fun—and even lovingly embraced—when approached with a little creativity, a bit of play, and the right stories to back them up.

Why Kids Resist Healthy Habits (It’s Not What You Think)
It’s easy to assume that kids refuse brushing teeth or eating vegetables because they’re being difficult. But the real reasons are more innocent:

• Healthy habits feel repetitive
• Kids can’t yet see long-term benefits (“Cavities? Not my problem!”)
• They crave autonomy (“I do it MY way!”)
• Many habits feel boring compared to screens, toys, or pets
  
• They don’t yet connect habits with feeling good

What looks like disobedience is often developmental.
So your secret superpower becomes this:
Turn habits into stories, games, and rituals—not chores.When you frame habits as adventures, meaningful routines, or chances to shine, children lean in instead of pulling away.

Healthy Habit #1: Brushing Teeth—Turning Battles into Belly Laughs
Tooth-brushing is one of the biggest parental pain points. Two minutes can feel like twenty.
But when you turn it into a moment of delight, kids surprise you.
Here are parent-approved strategies:

• Have your child pretend to brush a lion’s giant teeth first
• Use a song that lasts exactly two minutes
• Create a “sugar bug safari”
• Name the toothbrush something silly (“Sir Bristlesworth”)

Most importantly, tell a story.
That’s where this charming book Who Needs Teeth? comes in.
With humor and lighthearted illustrations, it reminds children why teeth matter—and once they understand WHY, the brushing becomes much easier.
Kids laugh, parents breathe, and suddenly brushing time is a friendlier place.

Healthy Habit #2: Moving Their Bodies—The Joyful “Let’s Go!” Approach
Kids are naturally wired to move, jump, dance, wiggle, run, and tumble.
But screens… oh, those glowing screens… can freeze even the wiggliest child.
Parents often say:
“How do I motivate my child to exercise without nagging them to go outside?”
The secret is simple:
Movement must feel like play, not exercise.Some parent-tested tricks:

• Hide-and-seek (classic and unbeatable)
• A giant animal walk: stomp like elephants, hop like bunnies
• Family dance breaks every afternoon
• Obstacle courses made with pillows and chairs
• “Beat the Clock” races to finish chores

Even 10 minutes of joyful movement adds up.
This lively book Let’s Play! perfectly reinforces this message.
It shows kids that exercise is not a chore—it’s a celebration. A game. A grand adventure. When they see characters having fun while moving their bodies, something clicks inside them:
“I want to do that too!”
Teachers love this book. Parents adore it. And kids start saying, “Let’s play!” before the adults do.

Healthy Habit #3: Trying New Foods & Appreciating What We Have
Healthy eating is about more than nutrients.
It’s about curiosity, courage, and gratitude.
Many children naturally fear new foods. (Green foods especially!)
Parents KNOW the battle:
“Just take one bite.”
“Try it before you decide you don’t like it.”
“It’s not going to bite you!”
But children respond beautifully when the goal is not forcing—but exploring.
Try these tricks:

• Create a “try one new color this week” chart
• Let the child pick one vegetable at the store
• Arrange foods into faces or shapes
• Cook together (even stirring builds ownership)
• Introduce new foods through stories

Which leads to my delightful book One Green Omelet, Please!
This book is a celebration—of trying, tasting, discovering, and appreciating the good things that life (and breakfast!) has to offer. It’s a gentle nudge toward gratitude and open-mindedness, told with your classic warmth and whimsy.

Kids see a character giving something new a chance--
—and suddenly they’re willing to give that green thing on their plate a chance, too.

The Secret Thread: Connection Over Correction
Healthy habits stick when:

• Kids feel connected
• Children understand the “why” behind the habit
• The routine is supported by stories
• The approach is light, playful, and warm
• The parent models the habit joyfully

Nagging rarely works.
Connection always does.
Kids don’t want perfection—they want participation.
Brush together.
Play together.
Cook together.
Laugh together.
Read together.
These are the moments that build habits and childhood memories.

How Stories Make Healthy Habits Stick
These books work because they do something essential:
They teach the lesson without the lecture. Children learn best through:

• Play
• Emotion
• Repetition
• Humor
• Visuals
• Characters they love

My stories take a potentially stressful topic—brushing, exercising, trying new foods—and turn it into something warm, funny, and inviting.
Parents don’t have to push.
Teachers don’t have to preach.
The story does the heavy lifting for them.

www.sallyhuss.com/childrens-books.htmlwww.sallyhuss.com/childrens-books.htmlBringing It All Together
The morning struggle gets easier.
The reminders soften.
The nagging fades.
Why?
Because healthy habits become something your child enjoys—not something they endure.
And thankfully, here are books that support parents on this journey:

• Who Needs Teeth? – for helping kids take charge of their own dental health with joy and a smile
• Let’s Play! – for getting kids moving, laughing, and celebrating an active life
• One Green Omelet, Please! – for encouraging curiosity, gratitude, and the courage to try new foods

Each one offers a gentle, happy reminder of what healthy living looks like from a child’s point of view.
Together, they support families in building routines that shape strong bodies, bright minds, and grateful hearts—without nagging, bribing, or battles.

A Final Word to Parents and Teachers
Healthy habits don’t happen overnight.
But when we make them light, fun, and full of meaning, children flourish.
They grow into kids who can brush their teeth proudly…
run into the sunshine joyfully…
try something new bravely…
and say “thank you” sincerely.

And that is the true secret to a happy, healthy childhood.

Many of my children's books are available in a multicultural version and some in a Spanish. You can find them on my Children's Books page at SallyHuss.com.

The Power of a Single Choice
Every day brings a thousand choices. Some are small — what to wear, what to eat. Others are big — how to live, how to treat others, how to care for yourself.
For children, those choices begin early. That’s why stories that teach decision-making, health, and self-respect are so important. One of my favorites on this subject is my book NO SMOKING, NO DRINKING, NO DRUGS — a simple story with a powerful message: good choices lead to good results; bad choices lead to bad results.

A Winter Day and a Temptation
The story begins with Billy, a boy walking home from school on an ordinary winter day. Everything is normal — until he turns a corner and sees a group of older kids laughing and smoking.
“Here, kid,” one says. “Take a puff.”
Another shoves a drink in his direction.
Billy hesitates. Then, from behind a bush, a tiny mouse jumps out, waves a finger, and says, “No! No! Tell them no!”
That little mouse, of course, is Mr. Consequences — and he’s about to change the way Billy sees the world.

Meet Mr. Consequences
Mr. Consequences is that wise little voice we all wish we had whispering in our ear. He explains that every choice — big or small — carries a consequence.
Smoking, drinking, and taking drugs may look exciting to some, but each leads down a path of harm.
“Smoking is for chimneys, not for people!” he says.
Chimneys are made of bricks and stone. Our lungs and throats are made of living cells — and smoke damages them over time.
Mr. Consequences goes on to explain that alcohol can hurt the body’s vital organs — the heart, liver, kidneys, and brain. “You need these to live a happy, healthy life,” he tells Billy.
Then, with a piece of cheese in his paw, he shows Billy something shocking — inside the cheese are unhappy, unhealthy people who once made poor choices. “When you lose your health,” he says, “you lose your happiness, too.”

The Lesson About Drugs
Billy asks about drugs.
“Drugs are for doctors,” says Mr. Consequences. “When a doctor gives medicine, it’s to help someone heal. But the drugs used on the street only harm. They damage the brain — the very thing that makes each person special.”
He reminds Billy that everyone is born with the ability to be great at something — maybe art, music, sports, or learning — but drugs can take that away.
Again, Mr. Consequences holds up his cheese. Through one of its holes, Billy sees young people slumped on a street corner, hopeless and joyless.
Billy’s face falls. “Oh, no,” he says. “Why do they do it?”
“Because they don’t understand the consequences,” replies the mouse. “But now you do.”

A Lesson for Every Child
That’s the beauty of this story — it doesn’t scold or lecture. It gently teaches cause and effect in a way children understand.
As a parent or teacher, you can use Billy’s story to open conversations about peer pressure, healthy living, and personal responsibility. Children quickly relate to Billy’s hesitation — that moment when you want to fit in, but something inside says, “Wait. This isn’t right.”
That “something inside” is their own Mr. Consequences.
It’s a way for kids to see that saying “no” isn’t weakness — it’s strength.

Why Educators Love This Story
Teachers often tell me they use NO SMOKING, NO DRINKING, NO DRUGS in classrooms to start discussions about making good choices.
It fits perfectly with character education programs, health classes, or Red Ribbon Week activities. The rhyming language and cheerful illustrations keep young readers engaged while delivering an important message.
The story makes complex topics like smoking, drinking, and drug use simple, visual, and age-appropriate. It helps children see that health and happiness go hand in hand — and that protecting your body and mind is a lifelong gift to yourself.

The Bridge Back to Happiness
As Billy learns from Mr. Consequences, life is full of choices. The good news is that children can learn to make the right ones early on — through guidance, love, and positive examples.
Good choices bring health, strength, and confidence.
Bad choices bring the opposite.
When Billy thanks the little mouse for his wisdom, Mr. Consequences calls back,
“Good choices lead to good results; bad choices lead to bad results.”
And with that, the story circles back to its most important lesson — one worth repeating in every home and every classroom.

A Message Worth SharingIf you’re a parent, teacher, or counselor looking for books that teach values, decision-making, and health awareness, this is a story to keep on your shelf.
NO SMOKING, NO DRINKING, NO DRUGS helps children see how their choices today can shape their happiness tomorrow — and it does it with warmth, humor, and heart.
Because, as Mr. Consequences would say, your life depends on the choices you make. 

This book is also available in a Multicultural version. 

We all have something we love — something that makes us smile just thinking about it. For some, it’s chocolate. For others, it’s video games, ice cream, or screen time. And for one very enthusiastic young character in my children’s book I LOVE PIZZA, that something is… you guessed it — pizza!
This fun, rhyming picture book celebrates the joy of loving something a little too much — until the moment we realize that sometimes, less is more.

The Magic of “Just Enough"
The star of I LOVE PIZZA adores pizza morning, noon, and night — with extra cheese, extra toppings, and extra joy! But as the story unfolds, he discovers that too much of a good thing can start to feel… not so good.
That’s when the idea of moderation sneaks into the story — gently, humorously, and deliciously.
Children learn that enjoying something special doesn’t mean having all of it. Sometimes, one slice, one scoop, or one turn is just right.
And that’s the secret to balance — appreciating the moment without overdoing it.

Why Teaching Moderation Matters
Moderation is one of the most valuable life lessons children can learn — and one of the hardest to teach. We live in a world full of more: more treats, more excitement, more screen time, more everything!
That’s why books like I LOVE PIZZA are so important. Through laughter and rhyme, children discover that balance leads to happiness.
This little book helps children:

• Practice self-control (learning when enough is enough)
• Develop gratitude for what they have
• Build healthy habits for eating and playing
• Understand that joy doesn’t come from more, but from enough

Parents and teachers can use the story to start conversations about healthy eating, balance, and the joy of sharing.

Joyful Art, A Happy Message
As with all of my children’s books, I LOVE PIZZA is filled with bright, happy art and playful rhyme. The pictures burst with color — reds, oranges, and gooey cheese yellows — and the rhythm rolls along like a song.
Each page delivers laughter first, then wisdom. The character’s discovery that “maybe a little is better than a lot” comes as a natural and funny conclusion, never as a lecture.
That’s what I call a “happy lesson” — a truth tucked inside a giggle.

Moderation Beyond Pizza
The message of moderation goes far beyond food. It touches everything — screen time, sweets, toys, even talking!
Reading I LOVE PIZZA together opens up wonderful family discussions:

• How do we know when we’ve had “enough”?
• Why do we sometimes feel sick or tired after “too much”?
• What other things are fun in moderation?

These conversations give children tools for self-awareness and lifelong well-being — all through a lighthearted story about pizza!

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, grandparent, or counselor, I LOVE PIZZA is a perfect read-aloud for helping kids understand balance while celebrating life’s little joys.
It reminds us all — young and old — that too much of a good thing might not be so good after all.
“Twice of a good thing is not necessarily twice good.
It might even be half bad.”
So grab a slice, share a story, and remember — life is happiest when we enjoy it one slice at a time.

Where to Find I LOVE PIZZA
You can find I LOVE PIZZA on Amazon It’s one of over 100 joyful picture books I’ve written and illustrated — all designed to help children grow up happy, kind, and wise.

Other popular books that share happy life lessons include:

• Helping Henry — about the joy of being helpful
• Positive Pete — about finding the good in everything
  
• Hands Are for Helping — about kindness in action
  

Each book carries a simple truth — wrapped in rhyme, color, and cheer.

“I’m here to help!”
That’s how Henry begins every day in Helpful Henry, a delightful story that celebrates one of the most beautiful qualities in a child — the desire to be helpful.
Before adults teach lessons on responsibility, kindness, or teamwork, most young children already have the instinct to help. They want to stir the pancake batter, water the flowers, carry groceries, or feed the family dog. Their little hands may not always do things perfectly, but their hearts are in the right place. And that’s where real character begins.

A Child’s Natural Instinct to Help
Helping comes naturally to children because it’s tied to love and belonging. When they contribute, they feel part of something bigger — the family, the classroom, or the world around them. Henry, for example, starts his day by making his bed, helping with breakfast, and washing dishes without being asked. He’s not motivated by reward; he simply wants to make life a little brighter for everyone around him.
In a world that often emphasizes “me first,” Helpful Henry is a refreshing reminder that most children actually want to be of service — if only we give them the chance.

Why Helping Matters
When we let children help, even in small ways, we teach them that their actions matter. It’s one of the most powerful lessons a young person can learn. They begin to understand that they can make a difference — whether it’s setting the table, comforting a friend, or standing up for someone being treated unfairly.
Henry shows that helping goes beyond chores. It’s also about courage. When he encounters a school bully, he doesn’t turn away or fight back with anger. Instead, he stands up calmly, showing the bully a better way. His strength is quiet but steady — the strength of kindness and integrity. And in doing so, he helps the bully see the possibility of change.
This is the kind of “helping” the world needs more of — help that comes from understanding, not superiority; from kindness, not control.

Building Emotional Intelligence Through Helping
Every time a child helps, something remarkable happens inside them. They build empathy. They begin to notice how others feel. They start to read emotions and respond in ways that strengthen relationships.
Teachers often notice that children who enjoy helping tend to cooperate better, handle frustration more calmly, and show greater leadership later on. When they volunteer in class, comfort a crying classmate, or take turns without being asked, they are practicing social-emotional learning in the best way — through action.
Henry models this beautifully. He doesn’t need to be the star student or class leader; his leadership shines quietly through kindness. His example tells children, “You don’t have to be big to make a big difference.”

Encouraging Helping at Home
Parents can nurture this helpful spirit by offering real, meaningful opportunities for children to contribute — not just “pretend help.” Here are a few ways:

• Invite participation: Ask, “Would you like to help set the table?” or “Can you feed the dog today?”
• Acknowledge effort, not perfection: Praise the intention behind the action. “Thank you for helping,” is more powerful than “Good job.”
• Be patient: Helping takes time, especially when little hands are learning.
• Model helpfulness: Children imitate what they see. When parents show kindness, children naturally follow.

Henry’s mother understood this. She didn’t turn away his eagerness to help — she welcomed it. She knew that every act of helpfulness strengthens not just the child’s skills but the child’s heart.

Encouraging Helping at School
Teachers, too, play a vital role. A classroom where helping is valued becomes a community of caring learners. Here are a few ways educators can foster that spirit:

• Assign “helping jobs” — line leader, materials helper, classroom greeter.
• Create a kindness chart to celebrate moments of service.
• Read stories like Helpful Henry to start conversations about what it means to help at school, at home, and in the playground.
• Highlight upstanders. When a child stands up for another, as Henry did, that deserves quiet recognition. It tells others that kindness is courageous.

The Two Natures in Every Child
At the end of Helpful Henry, there’s a gentle reflection for adults — that children, like all of us, have two natures: one that is selfish, fearful, and sometimes unkind, and another that is generous, loving, and strong. Which one grows depends on what we water. When we nurture the higher nature — by inviting children to be kind, responsible, and helpful — we guide them toward joy, confidence, and resilience.
Henry represents that higher nature in action. He doesn’t scold or shame; he simply shows what’s possible when kindness leads the way. Every parent and teacher who helps a child discover that feeling — the joy of helping — is shaping a happier, more harmonious world.

The Gift of Being Helpful
At its heart, Helpful Henry is a love letter to the spirit of helpfulness that lives in every child. It reminds us that when we encourage helpfulness, we’re not just teaching chores or manners — we’re awakening compassion. We’re giving children a sense of purpose that will guide them for life.
As the book so beautifully concludes:
“Children come into the world to help make the world a better place. Give them every opportunity to do so. Once they know they can be helpful, they will never be helpless!”
That’s a lesson worth sharing — in every home, every classroom, and every heart.

f you’d like to inspire a child with the joy of helping, discover Helpful Henry — one of Sally Huss’s many uplifting children’s books that nurture kindness, courage, and joy in young readers.
Find it on Amazon or visit www.sallyhuss.com