A Conversation with Jessica McAnelly Author of Birdie’s Picnic Party: A Tasty Take on Food Safety
Food safety might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of children’s picture books—but Jessica McAnelly is changing that with Birdie’s Picnic Party: A Tasty Take on Food Safety. This delightful story follows Birdie the bluebird and her woodland friends as they prepare for a perfect picnic, learning essential food safety habits along the way.
With over 30 years of experience as a Registered Sanitarian and Dietitian, Jessica brings a wealth of public health knowledge to her storytelling. Her passion for educating families and young children about safe food practices is evident in every page of this colorful, engaging book. As a leader in environmental health and a dedicated community advocate, Jessica believes that food safety education should start early—and that it can be both fun and memorable.
We sat down with Jessica to talk about her inspiration, her mission, and how Birdie’s Picnic Party is helping spark lifelong healthy habits in young readers.
To learn more about Jessica’s work and explore her resources, visit her website: www.jessicamcanelly.com
Jessica McAnelly Interview
📚 About the Book
What inspired you to write Birdie’s Picnic Party? Was there a particular moment or experience that sparked the idea?
When I was first working as a Sanitarian and Dietitian with the San Antonio Health Department in my twenties, I had always wanted to write a book about food safety. I spent years educating people about the importance of safe food handling, preventing foodborne illness, and making food safety approachable in everyday life. Writing a book was always on my bucket list and with a milestone birthday approaching I felt the time was finally right, but I knew I wanted to present it in a way that was fun, accessible, and engaging—especially for children and families.
Birdie and her woodland friends are such charming characters! How did you come up with them, and what do they represent in terms of food safety education?
Birdie is actually my daughter’s nickname. “Birdie” has always been her nickname, and it felt like the perfect inspiration for the main character. When I started writing, I wanted the story to feel personal and full of heart, so creating Birdie allowed me to bring a piece of my own family into the book. Her animal friends came naturally after that. I thought about the kind of playful, diverse group of characters kids could connect with while also helping me share different lessons about food safety. Each friend adds their own personality and perspective, making the picnic feel like a true team effort—just like how learning and practicing safe habits works best when we do it together.
Food safety isn’t a typical topic for a children’s book. How did you approach making it fun and accessible for young readers?
Instead of teaching rules and facts directly, I created Birdie and her friends to model safe habits in a playful way, like washing hands before eating, keeping food at the right temperature, and packing things properly for a picnic.
By weaving those lessons into rhymes, colorful illustrations, and a cheerful adventure, kids don’t feel like they’re being “taught a lesson.” They’re just following along on a fun picnic with characters they enjoy, while naturally picking up important habits.
Can you share a favorite scene or moment from the book that you think really captures its spirit?
I really love the ending where they all come together to enjoy their safe picnic as friends and now Food Safety Superstars.
What kind of feedback have you received from parents, educators, or children since the book’s release?
Everyone has truly embraced Birdie and her friends, especially teachers. I have had families tell me their kids are begging to go have a picnic in the park together just like Birdie. These stories make me so happy to hear. Even Girls Scout troops have introduced Birdie into their troops and earned patches for learning about food safety.
🧠 Behind the Scenes
With over 30 years in food safety and public health, how did your professional background shape the storytelling in this book?
My background gave me the tools to turn important lessons into a story kids could enjoy. As a former sanitarian, I saw how teaching safe habits early makes a real difference, and Birdie’s Picnic Party became my way to share those lessons in a fun, lasting way. And having been a mom of young children myself I wanted something children could relate to.
Were there any challenges in translating technical food safety concepts into a child-friendly narrative?
By using rhymes, characters, and everyday examples, I could turn serious lessons into playful habits kids actually remember.
Did you collaborate with illustrators or educators during the creation process? What was that experience like?
I collaborated with illustrators. That was a really fun process for me interviewing illustrators and bringing Birdie and her friends “to life”
🌱 Impact & Education
What do you hope children (and their families) take away from Birdie’s Picnic Party?
I hope children come away feeling empowered—that even small choices, like washing their hands or keeping food cold, make them “food safety experts” just like Birdie. And for parents, I hope the book opens the door to easy, meaningful conversations about healthy habits that keep their families safe while still having fun together.
How do you see this book being used in classrooms, libraries, or public health programs?
Funny you should ask that is my next step with Birdie incorporating her lessons into the classroom and curriculum. I see the book as a fun way for teachers to combine story time with practical lessons. It can spark quick discussions about food safety and lead into simple activities like handwashing or packing a safe lunch. It makes learning both interactive and memorable.
Are there any companion resources or activities that go along with the book to reinforce its lessons?
Right now, if you go to my website you can download coloring sheets, and at the end of the book there is your very own food safe picnic packing party checklist and Food Safety Superstar certificate for your child to fill in his or her name.
✨ Personal Touch
You’ve been deeply involved in community service and education—how does this book reflect your personal mission?
I am extremely involved in education and community service. I have served in numerous roles on the PTA from President to Vice President to currently serving on the Comal Education Foundation as a board member and committee chair. Also having served as President of the Central Texas Environmental Health Association and increased literary awareness through my time on the Junior League of San Antonio, I’ve always believed in giving back to the community, especially when it comes to education and health. Those experiences really reinforced my passion for educating children and families.
What’s next for Birdie and her friends? Do you have plans for a sequel or other educational books?
My second book will be released this October just in time for my birthday. Birdie is back with her friends but this time in the kitchen teaching her friends about nutrition and healthy eating.
When you’re not writing or working in public health, what kinds of adventures do you enjoy most?
I am a very adventurous person and love a challenge. I have even rappled off the side of a hotel building all to raise funds and awareness for public libraries and literacy awareness, have swam with dolphins, sharks and beluga whales, and I love playing and coaching youth tennis, traveling and enjoy discovering new restaurants.
🎉 Final Thoughts
If you could give one piece of advice to parents about teaching kids food safety, what would it be?
Children look up to their parents daily. So model great food safety practices. Kids learn most by watching, so something as simple as washing your hands before meals or keeping cold foods cold shows them that safety is just a normal part of taking care of your family.
Where can readers find your book and follow your work?
You can follow me at my website at www.jessicanicolemcanellybooks.com or on my Instagram page Birdsbenchpublishing.
As our conversation with Jessica McAnelly comes to a close, one thing is clear: Birdie’s Picnic Party isn’t just a delightful read—it’s a meaningful tool for teaching kids how to stay safe while enjoying the foods they love. Jessica’s passion for blending storytelling with practical life lessons shines through every page, and we’re grateful she brought Birdie’s world to life.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply someone who believes in the power of picture books, this story is a tasty treat with lasting impact.
Thanks again to Jessica for sharing her insights—and to you, dear reader, for joining us at the picnic table.