1st Edition
An Adventure with Childhood Obesity 'Down Mount Kenya on a Tea Tray' Storybook and Guidebook
An Adventure with Childhood Obesity is an exciting storybook and guidebook pair, designed to help readers understand the physical, social and psychological effects of obesity on children and young people.
Down Mount Kenya on a Tea Tray: Wesley had never thought much about his lifestyle or how he looked. He enjoyed eating his way through weekends in front of the telly with his mum. However, fate catapults him to a new life in East Africa and he is forced to face the negative impact that obesity is having on his life. When he rashly promises to climb Mount Kenya along with the rest of his class, an adventure in courage and determination begins …
An exciting and engaging story for children aged 8-12, this book explores some of the challenges faced by obese children.
Supporting Childhood Obesity: Providing an easy-to-read introduction to childhood obesity, this guidebook is rooted in current theory, and takes a holistic approach to supporting obese children. Chapters explain the surprisingly complex causes of childhood obesity and highlight that children often have little control over the factors that may lead them to become obese. The physical and psychological consequences of obesity are explored and strategies suggested, ranging from individual and family support, to changes that need to be made at a societal level to tackle this significant public health issue.
Supporting Childhood Obesity: A Teacher’s Guide for 'Down Mount Kenya on a Tea Tray'
Down Mount Kenya on a Tea Tray: An Adventure with Childhood Obesity
Biography
Plum Hutton is a chartered educational psychologist and former learning support teacher. She holds a doctorate in educational psychology. She has more than 15 years of experience working as a local authority educational psychologist and latterly has transferred to independent practice. Through her work she has pursued and delivered training on many areas of professional interest, including supporting children with persistent anxiety, attachment difficulties, literacy difficulties and sensory processing differences.
Plum is a keen storyteller. She has gathered inspiration for her writing from her work, the challenges of parenthood and also through a nomadic existence as an Army wife, which has taken her to many locations across the UK and as far afield as East Africa.
Kate Rennie is a GP, working within the NHS and Army medical services. Prior to studying medicine, she completed a psychology degree and also taught primary school age children. The triad of doctor, psychologist and teacher has given her valuable experience, working with children (and adults) in a variety of situations.
She has moved frequently around the UK with her Army husband, settling for a few years to do her medical training in London and then Edinburgh. She currently lives in London, works in Surrey, but travels frequently to Scotland to spend time in the beautiful Scottish Borders.
"Down Mount Kenya on a Tea Tray is a hugely enjoyable story that deals sensitively with the issue of obesity in children. It will appeal to a range of children, both girls and boys, as well as confident readers and those less so, who need coaxing to read. The setting of the story in Kenya provides a multicultural element that adds to its strengths, as well as a skilful and empathetic portrayal of the characters in the story. It would be an exciting addition to any school library, either as a stand-alone book, or as a story to be used by teachers in a learning environment to raise awareness of the problems accompanying the condition of childhood obesity. The accompanying [This] Obesity Guide is extremely thorough and provides both important factual information about obesity as well as useful strategies to use the story as a teaching aid."
Emma Morton, Educational Consultant, Nairobi
"A sensitive topic, dealt with honestly and compassionately. A story that starts with the main character reluctantly recognising a significant life challenge that he needs to face amidst his tragedy, how he sets a goal for himself and then, responding positively as those around him who rally around to support him, he experiences the life change that he needed. An inspiring story with adventure and humour, reflecting the journey and wonder of friendship, and that with the will, and the support, mountains, both literal and figurative, can be climbed! This is a wonderful read."
Caro Strover, Educational Psychologist
"Childhood obesity is a complex, often emotionally charged topic which can be incredibly difficult to broach. The guide opens the conversation in a gentle, accessible, yet thorough and well-evidenced way. It helps those keen to learn, but struggling to know where to start, understand and navigate this challenging and rapidly developing area of children’s health and wellbeing. Thoroughly recommended."
Dr Kirsty Hunter, MBBCh MRCGP
"Dr Rennie and Dr Hutton's book provides a straightforward, up-to-date overview of childhood obesity. The book is written in clear, easy-to-read language that will appeal to a wide range of readers. I recommend this book to anyone interested in childhood obesity, its causes and possible solutions."
Dr J Topalian, MBChb, RCGP 2016
