Book Spotlight in Partnership with Vasavi Koka
The Children’s Book Review
“Seville Orange“ is a story and a series of therapeutic activities designed to help young readers understand their feelings and discover the intriguing connection between emotions and nourishment. Through a variety of food metaphors and a sensory journey, the importance of emotional balance is emphasized.
Set against the backdrop of Andalusia, Spain, the story revolves around the endearing relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter, Rosa. Culinary analogies are used to teach the reader about different feelings through the lens of traditional Andalusian dishes.
Following the story, the book features a therapeutic and creative arts section in which nine whimsical characters are introduced. Each represents one of the nine aspects of hunger as identified by Dr. Jan Chozen Bays. The characters help children distinguish the difference between eating for physical hunger and eating in response to emotions which can help them recognise when they are using food to cope with feelings. This awareness can lead to better emotional regulation as well as a healthier approach to eating.
The concept of meta-emotions is also introduced through playful characters who take their inspiration from a variety of vegetables. Meta emotions refer to the feelings and thoughts we have about our own emotions, such as feeling guilty for being angry or proud of feeling happy. Readers are also introduced to the playful art of food design, and the idea of consuming with visual senses is also explored.
Through meditation and creative visualization tasks, children are also given the opportunity to express gratitude for the food they have and the effort that goes into preparing it, which can help instill a sense of appreciation and mindfulness.
“Seville Orange” is designed to be a thought-provoking story that helps young people; nurturing both their intellect as well as their emotional well-being. The book utilizes a variety of approaches, which show parents and educators how they can use food as a vehicle to achieve balance and perspective.
Buy the Book
For more information, visit https://ropanastories.com/
Read our exclusive interview: Vasavi Koka Talks About Seville Orange: A Therapeutic Story about Mindful Eating and Embracing the Present Moment
Sources: Bays, Jan Chozen. Mindful Eating: A Guide to Rediscovering a Healthy and Joyful Relationship with Food. Shambhala, 2017.
