Mommy Adventures With Ravina Kurian: Author Interview

Thursday 1 August 2013

Author Interview – Heather Manley, ND

1. What genre are you most comfortable writing? I, happily and excitedly, write for the childrens’ book market for ages 4 to 10.

2. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?  I feel that Human Body Detectives series is the modern version of Magic School Bus.

3. What inspired you to write your first book? Basically, I was flipping pancakes one Sunday morning when it dawned on me that I could write a series of entertaining and educational adventure stories through the different systems in the body; however, it all began in the classroom. When my kids were younger, I spent time in their elementary classrooms, talking about the digestive system and nutrition. It was quite obvious that kids loved learning about how their bodies work and what foods best fueled them. I searched through the library, book stores and Amazon but was unable to find any books about the human body that were engaging. When I was flipping those pancakes, I was pondering all this and knew that kids would gravitate towards these books and in return, would provide a profound, long-term healthy effect on them. Human Body Detectives, specifically, The Lucky Escape: An Imaginative Adventure Through the Digestive System, was then born.

4. Do your books have a teaching objective? If so, what is it? Yes! But what is so wonderful about the series is that kids do not even realize they are learning. My goals for students are:

Have a basic understanding on how each body system functions, how they work independently, yet are dependent on each other to function optimally.
Understand the important role nutrition plays in having a healthy body.

5. What is your writing schedule? I usually spend a few hours in the morning writing down ideas and key medical points for the story and then begin writing. It maybe a little backwards but I like to just get writing as you can always edit!

For those wanting to know a little more about Dr. Heather:
Dr. Heather Manley, who in 2001 received her medical degree from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, is a practicing physician whose primary interest is preventative healthcare for families. She is the author of the award winning Human Body Detectives, her children’s educational series of story-telling books, curriculum, eBooks, and iPhone/iPad apps. She also promotes wellness and naturopathic healthcare on her website DrHeatherND.com. She lives on the Big Island of Hawaii with her husband and two daughters, and is currently at work on the next human body adventure for kids.