Meet The Minds Behind the Magic

Every story has a beginning. Ours started in an elementary classroom filled with boundless energy, creativity, and, yes, quite a few candy wrappers. From there, a dream was nurtured and brought to life – all with the aim of transforming the way children perceive nutrition.

Meet the Authors

Meet the duo of passionate creators who poured their heart, knowledge, and experiences into crafting this edible adventure.

Step into the enchanting world of Junk Food Jolene, skillfully crafted by Alexa and Catharine. Together, they've combined their wealth of knowledge, experiences, and unique talents to guide children on an incredible, edible journey.

ALEXA PALMER
Author of Junk Food Jolene

Alexa, an educator and writer, believes in the transformative power of stories in teaching vital life lessons.

From the sunny landscapes of Rancho Mirage, California, Alexa has nurtured and raised three talented daughters: Alexandra, Stephanie, and Tina. Her journey began as a preschool teacher, with a fervor for writing that sparked at the tender age of 8. With a rich background in performing arts, garnered from her time at the University of London and Oxford University, she adds a touch of theatrical flair to Jolene's world. Notably, she's a published songwriter, having honed her craft under the guidance of the late Buddy Kaye. Now, Alexa eagerly anticipates the unveiling of the musical version she's envisioned for Jolene.

CATHARINE KAUFMAN
Author of Junk Food Jolene

Catharine, a nutritionist with a deep love for storytelling, has been passionate about children's health since her university days.

A culinary virtuoso from Del Mar, California, Catharine wears many hats: a nationally syndicated food columnist, author, TV chef, and the brains behind the healthy gourmet cooking and food safety blog, www.FreeRangeClub.com. Here, she enthralls readers as “The Kitchen Shrink”, sharing her gastronomic insights. Her extensive repertoire includes appearances in numerous national magazines and collaborations with a myriad of authors and agents. Outside her professional life, Catharine enjoys her time with her hotelier husband Larry, fondly known as 'the Big Kid', and their two creative daughters, in their coastal abode.

Stroll Down Memory Lane with Alexa

Dive into the roots of our beloved "Junk Food Jolene" as Alexa, one of our visionary authors, shares the enchanting backstory of its creation. From the vibrant classroom observations to the compelling desire to reshape nutritional education, Alexa offers a heartfelt narrative on the birth of Jolene's whimsical world. Press play to uncover the passion and inspiration behind our favorite nutritional adventurer!

Alexa Talks To Mom’s Choice Awards

Read the full interview on our blog.

MCA: Hi Alexa, thank you so much for joining us today! I have to first start by saying as a reformed junk food addict, I absolutely loved your book! It was such a fun reading that really opens up the conversation about creating a healthier diet for children. Can we first start the interview by having you tell us about yourself?

Alexa: I have been writing since the age of eight years old when I penned my first short story. It caught the eye of someone who encouraged me to write! write! write! I started writing human interest poetry in college – at Scripps College, Claremont, CA – which was popular amongst my friends! I did a stint in performing arts at the University of London and was in many stages plays growing up and exposed to many productions. I have also written the full-length stage production musical of Jolene the book and wish to have it produced for kids in the future. As far as hobbies, I played team tennis in college and while growing up. It was my passionate hobby of choice. I love songwriting, too! I’m honored to receive this award and proud to be a part of such an impactful platform as the Mom’s Choice Awards. After all, it all begins with the moms and the way they choose to educate our future generations that positively change the world for the good of all!

MCA: We are beyond honored to have you a part of our award-winning family. Also, the musical production sounds amazing, we can’t wait to see it! Let’s talk a little bit more about your award-winning book, Jolene: Adventures of a Junk Food Queen. Tell us how Jolene educates kids about nutrition through fun and fantasy!

Alexa: Jolene is a transformational character which I love. She is relatable to all kids who are hooked on junk food. She meets colorful characters who take her on her own discovery journey, and she dreams about it and awakens to her new, improved self. There is so much fantasy in her dream and kids have fun experiencing the colorful characters and her antics along the way.

MCA: The characters are very colorful indeed! Can you share with us why was it so important for you to employ this medium (fun and fantasy), given the intended book audience?

Alexa: Kids have vast imaginations, and they are attracted to stories that propel this side of their personas. The more original fantasy content a book contains, the more kids are apt to be drawn to the storyline and learning aspect.

  • Kaira Nayfack

    I am a Preschool Director who was looking for a book that will talk about the benefits of healthy food! This book did just that! I read this book in sections to our PK students and they found it hilarious! They loved all the character's names such as Junk Food Jolene, Sugar Sam, Missy Sour Grapes, and so many others. The author takes you on an adventure discovering healthy food and it was very easy to follow. I recommend this book to schools, preschools, parents, and friends of young children. It was easy to read, even for my 8 year old!

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Great book for the classroom

    I really enjoyed the adventure this book takes you on. It is very relevant to children, today. As a teacher, I found multiple ways to use this book in the classroom. I think the topic of health and nutrition, often gets overlooked in schools. As a teacher and a parent this book would be very beneficial, because it provides adults with a quick, detailed way to discuss these important topics with children. The story is fun and intriguing with great illustrations too!

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Great book! Maryam

    This book is a wonderful addition to my classroom library! My students love the adventures Jolene takes throughout the story! It is definitely becoming a student favorite!

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Fun and exciting story for my students

    I read this story to my students and they loved it! The illustrations were fun and colorful. The storyline grabbed their attention because what young child doesn’t like junk food! Can’t wait to read it each year!! :)

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An Incredible Edible Adventure 🍎

An Incredible Edible Adventure 🍎

Start Your Edible Adventure

Let their taste buds travel and imaginations soar! Dive into Jolene's captivating stories that promise both giggles and growth. Gift your child a treasure trove of tales where every chapter is a bite into wisdom, fun, and a zest for health.