The Story of Celery Charles

Foodville
Foodville

Welcome to Foodville, the imaginary world where the “Celery Charles & Pals” series written and illustrated by Artist Alessandra Calamai takes place. In Foodville, all foods live together and take the readers on their many adventures with the aim of retaining the attention and loyalty of the children. The fruits and vegetables, once the kids’ natural choice, are now forgotten in favor of the fabricated tastes of the fast foods. Led by clever and kind Celery Stick Charles, the fruits and veggies must come up with ways to rekindle the kids’ loyalty towards them to go back to being a deliciously healthy component of their everyday diet and life.

Main characters
Main characters

Alessandra has created Foodville and the Charlespals (as in, pals of Charles) with the goal of helping parents and caregivers reiterate the importance of well-balanced nutrition with their children in a way that is fun and captivating for the child (and adult alike). With the rise of childhood obesity all across the globe, it is more important than ever to instill healthy eating habits in children from an early age. Researchers have found that a child’s taste in food is pretty established at, and less likely to be influenced after, the ages of 4-5.

Alessandra, an Artist with experience spanning from graphic and fabric design to painting, was born and raised in Florence, Italy. Writing and illustrating children’s books has been on the back of her mind for a while, and now she has embarked with enthusiasm on this new and exciting enterprise.

Alessandra's coloring tools
Alessandra’s coloring tools

All the drawings found throughout the books were drawn and painted by hand with passion and a good dose of humor, truly bringing each character to life in vivid color.

From black & white to color
From black & white to color

Laura is the project’s collaborator. She is helping Alessandra to spread the word about the “Celery Charles & Pals” series. Laura believes these books will help children improve their eating choices, making them understand the importance of a well-balanced diet. This couldn’t be encouraged in a more beautiful, fun and practical way than in the “Celery Charles & Pals” series.

The Word Nuts
The Word Nuts

Hidden in every story are the Word Nuts, seven nuts who play a game of hide-and-seek with your little readers. The Word Nuts also present the children with a new vocabulary word, which is highlighted within each story and defined at the end in a way that kids will be able to comprehend.

Easy, healthy recipes
Easy, healthy recipes

At the end of each story there is also an easy, healthy recipe that children can help you create and will enjoy eating.

Show and Tell & Christmas Eve
Show and Tell & Christmas Eve

“Show and Tell” and “Christmas Eve” are the first books of the series to be brought to print. We believe this stories will help teach children valuable lessons, starting with an improved awareness of what goes into their tummies and what will ultimately help them to grow up strong and healthy.