By Eliza Chin

How do we start kids on a lifelong journey of healthy eating? Food habits begin early, and with the constant pull of common conveniences, such as fast food, shelf-stable snacks, and sugary drinks, this can feel like an uphill battle for many families.

That’s why families will especially appreciate Tayo and the Super Produce Pals at the Grocery Store, a delightful new children’s book by AMWA Board Member, Dr. Bisi Alli, a dual board-certified lifestyle and internal medicine physician known for empowering others to embrace “small, manageable changes to create a greater health impact.”

This gem of a book follows Tayo, a bright and curious young boy, as he embarks on a grocery store adventure that feels magical and exciting, like a kid in a candy store. But instead of sweets, he’s choosing a rainbow of fresh fruits and vegetables, each bursting with flavor, fun, and its own special super power. 

The vibrant illustrations capture the energy and joy of discovery, with bold, expressive characters that practically leap off the page. Children will be able to see their grocery store visits – and their lunch boxes – with new eyes.

Best of all, the story manages to be educational without ever feeling preachy, which is no small feat. Healthy eating habits, “plant-powered” choices, and even safe practices like using seat belts and handling a grocery cart responsibly are all woven seamlessly into the narrative. Dr. Alli adds, “I wrote Tayo and the Super Produce Pals at the Grocery Store! to help make messaging about health and well-being more accessible from an early age. In the face of institutional barriers to nutritious food and joyful learning, every child and adult deserves tools – and stories – that support health.”

Parents and educators will appreciate the thoughtful extras, like the inclusion of easy recipes, engaging approaches to integrate plant-powered foods, and a weekly call to action for kids. These additions make the book not just a fun read, but a practical tool for real-life learning and family wellness.

Tayo and the Super Produce Pals is more than a story. It’s a conversation starter, a healthy lifestyle motivator, and a joyful new companion for children and adults on their journey towards better health.

And the next time I pack a box lunch, I’m going to aim for “layers of the rainbow,” borrowing a few great ideas from Tayo.