New release, Tiger in My Tummy, uses humor and whimsy to teach children the importance of eating breakfast

FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Despite all the information showing the many benefits of children eating breakfast, studies show around 20 percent of school-age children still regularly skip a morning meal.1

If a list of negative outcomes, such as lowered school performance and inability to think clearly, isn’t enough to motivate children to eat breakfast, then perhaps a relatable and engaging story is the answer.

“One of my goals in writing Tiger in My Tummy is to teach children, in an entertaining way, the value of a healthy meal to start their day,” says Nora Carman, author and mother of two. As the main character becomes an unintentional source of classroom amusement, readers see his embarrassment escalate as he desperately attempts to calm his hungry tiger.

Children reading the story will feel encouraged to tend to their “tiger’s” appetite, placing them in the role of being this hungry creature’s caregiver. In reality, they are also discovering how to tend to their own needs.

Nora Carman recognizes that some children are unable to eat breakfast due to factors outside their control. As someone who is passionate about ministering to others, she has included an author’s note in the book to raise awareness about the critical issue of hunger, and encourage people to find ways to help. She will be donating part of the book’s proceeds to the Food Program of Kids Around The World..

Tiger in My Tummy (Redemption Press) is a delightful new release with expressive rhymes and vibrant illustrations to engage children while they learn to nurture themselves as well as others.

¹ “Importance of Not Skipping Breakfast: A Review,” Rani, International Journal of Food Science & Technology, Wiley Online Library, 2021.

About the author
Nora Carman first began to depict the world as seen from a child’s perspective while reading with her two young children and creating stories together. Her experience as a tutor and substitute teacher heightened her awareness of students’ needs and sharpened her storytelling skills. She blends rhyming text with humor to encourage a love of reading as well as care for oneself and others. She holds a BA in literature and a master’s in public health. After thirteen moves in twenty years as a military family, they now call San Diego home. Along with work and writing, she serves as a care minister with Stephen Ministry. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, s’mores by a campfire, and going on long hikes.

For interviews, contact noracarman.author@gmail.com.

Website: noracarman.com

Suggested Interview Questions

What led to the idea to use a tiger to depict a child’s stomach growling?
How did experiences with your own children inspire the story?
Do you have any tips for making a healthy breakfast part of the morning routine?
What is your favorite part about writing in rhyme?
How do you think the story would have been different if it had been written in prose?
How have your ministry experiences inspired your writing?
Has seeing more of the world contributed to your storytelling. If so, how?