The Dragon’s Wisdom: A Magical Story, Healthy Lifestyle Tips, and Recipes

Currently only available in Lithuanian

About the book:

“The Dragon’s Wisdom” presents an enchanting story with wonderful recipes and nutrition tips for adults and children aged 3-7, making learning about healthy eating and lifestyle both fun and engaging. Readers can embark on a magical adventure with their little ones to discover healthy lifestyle habits.

The book is divided into three parts:

1. The First Part – The story “The Dragon’s Wisdom.” Here, readers are invited to visit the Kingdom of Salad when the dragon challenges the bravest knight in the kingdom to a duel. Why did the dragon Rodnas do this? How did the battle end, and how is it related to healthy eating and lifestyle? You’ll find out when you read this tale with your children.
2. The Second Part – Easily prepared and tested recipes by dietitian Rita Šilenskienė, suitable for everyone. Here you will find advice on healthy eating formulated in “grown-up language” and delicious recipes from the lands of Elf, Dwarf, and Gnome, as well as from Grandma Rita’s notes. All the dishes in the book can be prepared with children, and the story encourages exactly that so that children, with the help of adults, can develop proper eating habits while having fun together, strengthening their bond.
3. The Third Part – While more serious, it is closely related to the story. Those who wish to be true sages are recommended to read this part of the book carefully, as it contains practical tips from dietitian Rita Šilenskienė for adults raising children aged 3-7.

About the authors

Rita Šilenskienė is a Lithuanian dietitian, healthy lifestyle coach, and author of several books on nutrition. In her book “The First Spoon,” she provides sugar-free and gluten-free recipes, seasonal nutrition advice, and tips on how to incorporate healthy eating habits into daily life. A year later, she co-authored the book “Health from the First Spoon” with doctors Edita Juodžbalienė and gastroenterologist Birutė Čijunskienė, offering a balanced nutrition program for three generations. In her book “Keto Menu,” the author presents the results of 15 years of experience in nutrition, based on long-term observations of people’s eating habits. “The Dragon’s Wisdom” is her fourth book. Rita’s proposed meal plan has helped many people lose weight, manage chronic diseases, and enjoy better life.

The didactic fairy tale and beautiful illustrations in the book were created and illustrated by Finnish artist and certified personal trainer Markku Harri, who based the illustrations and story on best practices of an active lifestyle. Some of the book’s illustrations have already been showcased in art exhibitions in Finland alongside his other works. In addition to visual arts, Markku also makes crafts and jewellery from the chainmail, leather, wood, stones, and other natural materials.

Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful to Aušrinė Šilenskytė, who, in addition to translating the fairy tale, also contributed by enhancing the story with educational elements, diversity management tips, and suggesting some activities for adults and children featured in the book.

Reviews:

“In this fast-paced society, where relationships between children and adults often face endless challenges, fairy tales remain a panacea. They have a therapeutic effect, helping to process emotions, teaching proper behavior, and reducing fears. This book proves that healthy eating and life-style principles can also be taught subtly. Preschool-aged children are the biggest fans of fairy tales. Let’s read to them so they don’t get lost in the modern maze of choices. Let this book be a beacon, guiding them on the right path.” —Raminta Gudelytė-Bagdonė, psychologist, member of the Lithuanian Psychological Association, vaikamstevams.lt

“Fairy tales are a source of wisdom, kindness, and beauty, created for children. This book is a gift from the authors to society to make it healthier and to meet its nutritional needs. May this book, a culinary and educational fairy tale, be useful in daily life for families, educational, and public catering institutions. The presented recipes reflect healthy, balanced nutrition that meets the physiological needs of children in this age group. Expressing hope and gratitude to the author team, I wish the motifs of the fairy tale become a reality.” —Birutė Čijunskienė, expert with extensive experience in nutrition, gastroenterologist at Klaipėda Children’s Hospital.

Details of the book:

Authors: Rita Šilenskienė, Markku Harri

Illustrator: Markku Harri

Designer of the layout: Evelina Garliauskienė
Translation: Aušrinė Šilenskytė
Publisher: Vitae Litera
Year of Publication: 2024
Number of Pages: 206
Format: 21×26, hardcover
ISBN: 9786094548253