Yum: Your Ultimate Manual for Good Nutrition.

Janet Collins is a freelance writer in Sechelt, British Columbia.

This book may be designed to motivate children to choose nutritious foods more often, but it serves as a wonderful resource for parents as well.

Author Daina Kalnins is a registered dietitian at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. This experience enables her to present complex information in a fun way that will not only engage young people, but will encourage them to think about embracing a healthy lifestyle. Cartoon-like illustrations up the entertainment factor.

Yum explains how to get exactly what your body needs from the foods you eat. In addition to explaining how to read food labels, the book offers a number of recipes and food/activity suggestions that will empower kids to make healthy lifestyle choices. Celebrities also weigh in with comments on their favourite foods— such as NHL player Jarome Iginla’s love of smoothies. There’s even a six-month challenge to get readers motivated.

Who knew that one hour of sleep burns more calories than one hour of watching TV (30 calories vs. 15)? Or that the milk in “milk” chocolate prevents the body from absorbing some of the antioxidants found in chocolate (reason dark chocolate is considered a better choice)? Those are just some of the amazing facts found in this informative book.

Ample chapter notes, a list of resources in Canada and the U.S. for everything from national food guides to tips for growing veggies at home, and information about nutrition issues in other parts of the world helps round out the text. Highly recommended.