The concept for the book grew out of Linda Hodge-McLoud’s keen desire to help fight the growing obesity crisis among children, which in 1997 was just starting to emerge as a national medical concern. In 1998, Hodge-McLoud developed an entertaining and child-friendly presentation with “Gabby Grape” as the main character. Twenty years in the making, “Gabby Grape” presentations began in Dayton, Ohio elementary schools, daycare centers, public libraries, churches, and bookstores.
“Gabby Grape” presentations – still ongoing to this day – offer educational but entertaining activities resulting in children sincerely wanting to eat healthy foods at home and at school lunch time – a feat not easily accomplished by parents. Initiating healthy eating habits and physical exercise at an early age is more significant now than ever before!
About the Author
From a very young age, Hodge-McLoud had always dreamed of becoming a writer. However, life took her on a different path. For over 20+ years, she has embraced a passion for acting as well as writing. She has appeared in numerous indie films, made-for-TV movies, industrial videos and theatrical plays. In 2002, Hodge-McLoud was chosen to work with Oprah Winfrey as her stand-in for a mini-documentary film. While an instructor at the Colonel White High School for the Arts in Dayton, Hodge-McLoud taught theatrical arts.
Hodge-McLoud is also a seasoned veteran in the health and fitness industry with over 20 years experience as an aerobics instructor, strength trainer and health consultant. She has received fitness instructor certifications from the National Dance Exercise Instructor’s Training Association (NDEITA) and The Aerobic Pipeline Organization.
“Gabby Grape Meets Junk Food Junkie!” is available on Amazon.com in Paperback and Kindle versions at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DSHDK4P.
