Qatar University’s (QU) graduate from the Human Nutrition department Asma Jamal, recently published a book for kids titled “Food Adventures at the Farmhouse”.
Knowing about nutrition from the early stages of childhood makes children more familiar with its concepts. They can easily understand and adapt to healthy eating and move away from the tempting fast food culture and its harmful health effects. This helps them incorporate healthy eating into their lives as they grow older. Asma said that the book is a collection of six stories.
The story revolves around three children who spend their summer at their aunt’s farmhouse, exploring the farm and discovering new fruits and vegetables. Every day turns into a new adventure where they learn something new about food, nutrition, and their effects on the body. Child-friendly nutrition concepts have been incorporated into this book, accompanied by colorful illustrations to engage kids.
Children learn about the importance of calcium and vitamin-D for the bones and about their sources. The advantages of eating fruits and vegetables, trying new foods as children tend to be picky eaters, and working together to make delicious and healthy recipes even if it makes a mess.
“I wrote this book to teach kids about nutrition from an early age through a storybook whose main characters are also children. This way, kids can build a likeability towards the characters as well as nutrition,” said Asma.
Talking about her educational background, Asma said, “The education I received from Qatar University was the reason that this book was even possible. Graduating from a highly comprehensive nutrition programme, with the faculty’s guidance gave me confidence in doing more. Studying the principles of nutrition to the nutritional management of diseases made me realize the importance of sharing and educating the public through different mediums. This storybook is a way of communicating my learning to the young readers in the simplest form.”
Meanwhile, Asma said aspiring writers should not be discouraged by the process of writing and getting their work published. “The very first thing I would tell them is to write. All you need to start is an idea. Then everything else will build on it. Be sure to do your research about the process of writing a book and publishing it. It takes a long time, from editing to illustrations, and a longer time to write a captivating storyline. It took me six months to write the story and two months to make the illustrations. So, give yourself enough time and don’t give up.
The big question is, “Why do you want to write a book?” and if so, “Why for kids?” No matter what degree you have, if you can break down your knowledge into simple words, and if that subject motivates you, then you can inspire a generation to be interested in that field through your book,” she said.
Qatar University’s curricula are designed to graduate competent students armed with skills, knowledge, and personal characteristics that put them at the top of the competition. The university supports its students and alumni to reach their goals and aspirations.
