Books are a very powerful media," said author Kathy Anderson, who recently released the second volume in a 10-book series. "A good story can change a person's life for the better, and that's what I'm hoping to do with this children's book series."

Kathy, who lives in Rapho Township, released "Bailey's Belly Battle" on Amazon in May. Like the first book in her series, "The Green Bean Time Machine," this story is geared toward picky eaters ages 4 to 8.

The Green Bean Time Machine comes back in book two and has a surprising solution to Bailey's tummy troubles, Anderson said.

"With the help of her twin brother, Billy, and a wildly imaginative scientist named Professor Orangenius, Bailey discovers something very important: Bravery does not mean loving every bite," she explained. "Sometimes, it simply means taking small steps toward trying something new."

With colorful illustrations and a story full of adventure, "Bailey's Belly Battle" uses kid-friendly science to help children explore new foods step by step.

"I reintroduce the 'look, smell, touch, lick, bite and chew' method, helping kids try new foods at their own pace," Kathy commented. "This story gently supports children with selective eating while validating the big feelings that often come with trying unfamiliar foods."

While the first book in the series focused on 5-year-old Billy, this book shines the spotlight on his twin sister, Bailey.

Writing the books is a natural extension of Kathy's role as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.

"During health coaching sessions, parents would often share how their children would struggle to eat healthy foods like vegetables but would have no problem at all eating junk food, which inevitably would make them feel sick," she said. "I had the idea of creating Bailey's adventure to include some of these details, and to lead her to discover that vegetables, in particular orange vegetables, could help her to feel better."

Each book in her series includes simple steps that parents can begin putting into practice right away with their children to help them learn to try new foods. The books also include recipes and a QR code for a free digital illustrated cookbook with kid-friendly recipes.

Kathy has been encouraged by positive feedback to her books from parents and their children. Her books have also been well-received on Amazon. "Bailey's Belly Battle" became an Amazon No. 1 Hot New Release, as well as an Amazon No. 1 Best Seller in Children's Diet & Nutrition.

"I have loved hearing from parents and their kids about how these stories are impacting their family's eating habits," she said. "Kids are learning to implement the 'veggie-explorer' method and have been trying new vegetables ... and they are actually excited about it! The fact that my little books are making an impact like that brings me so much joy. I absolutely love helping children grow healthier and stronger, from the inside out."

Along with helping children - and their parents - discover new foods, Kathy has enjoyed working alongside her husband, Dan, who illustrated "Bailey's Belly Battle."

"Dan did an outstanding job on the illustrations for this book, and I am so proud of him and the way this book turned out," she said. "I hired an illustrator for book No. 1 but then asked Dan if he would like to take on that task for the rest of the series. It has been so much fun working with him on this book, and I love that it's a project that we can do together."

Her biggest challenge in writing the book series has been finding the time to write.

"Like most people, I'm very busy with lots of commitments, and writing often gets put at the bottom of my priority list," she said. "I like to pray before I write, inviting God to help me, especially on those busy days, and I believe He does."

Kathy is currently working on book three, "The Back to School Fuel Tool," which focuses on helping families navigate school lunches and choose healthier options. It will be released in August, before children head back to school.

While she says promoting her books has been a learning curve and she's hesitant to market herself, she's happy to offer read-alouds for kids, and she encourages anyone who would like her to read for their group to contact her at info@kathyandersonhealthcoaching.com.