Picky eaters rejoice: This children’s book offers solutions for food anxiety

When author Jennifer C. Kelly experienced first-hand her child’s anger issues, she decided to write a children’s book with Ryan, her 11-year-old boy.

That book, “Fred Gets Frustrated,” ended up winning the prestigious Mom’s Choice Gold Award.

“I wrote the first book,” Fred Gets Frustrated,” based on my personal experience with my son’s frustrations,” said Kelly, 49, of Wayne. “I researched ways to help with those issues, then compiled everything I found in the book.”

Kelly went on to write her second book, “Fred Conquers the Cafeteria,” with feeding therapist Lisa Jiannetto and illustrator Stephen Stone.

The book offers practical and easy-to-apply techniques to picky eaters and children with food anxiety while encouraging them to feel more confident and less anxious at mealtime.

By following Fred’s inspiring journey as he bravely faces his food anxiety, children will discover how to overcome fears and find joy in trying new foods.

According to the National Library of Medicine, up to 50% of children are considered picky eaters.

Kelly is passionate about creating resources for families facing challenging issues. She also drew from her journey to offer relatable and practical guidance, but working with her son, Ryan, was truly rewarding.

Ryan agrees.

“When I was younger, mom would tell me Fred the frog stories,” he said. Then, he smiled, adding, “So, I helped mom write the book.”

“Fred Conquers the Cafeteria” is combined with a toolkit that gives parents an engaging guide to navigate picky eating at home.

“I know many parents who are frustrated with their children’s eating habits,” Kelly said. “This toolkit gives effective strategies to combat that problem.”

Co-author Jiannetto owns Reach for the Stars pediatric clinic in Cranford. She said picky eating can be a serious issue.

“Picky eating can be a psychological, physical, or psychosocial matter,” said Jiannetto, 50, of Cranford. “Our book can be used with a variety of audiences, most ideally a child who is struggling with variety in his diet.”

A certified speech-language pathologist who owns two clinics in central New Jersey, Jiannetto co-authored the book after seeing countless patients with the disorder.

“Fred Conquers the Cafeteria” is intended to help with picky eating but does not replace therapy, she said.

“I truly hope the book inspires children to be more adventurous when it comes to food and also to equip parents with practical strategies they can use to help their child eat well.”

Isabelle Warchol, a speech pathologist and feeding specialist, reviewed the book.

“‘Fred Conquers the Cafeteria’ is a wonderful book for kids and families beginning their food adventure journeys,” she said. “I particularly loved watching Fred’s friends expose him to a new food in a supportive and caring way. Having concrete examples and practical suggestions within this book and the toolkit companion is very helpful.”

Jiannetto considers writing this children’s book a milestone in her career.

“My passion is helping children and families overcome what they often see as insurmountable difficulties,” she said. “I’m always overjoyed to offer some help.”

“Fred Conquers the Cafeteria” will be available on Amazon on May 9. Kelly and Jiannetto will sign books at the Cranford Street Fest on May 18.

Karim Shamsi-Basha may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter & Instagram.

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