"Maggie Goes on a Diet" is a soon to be released picture book that is drawing lots of controversy. Is it sending the author's intended message of promoting healthy eating habits, exercise and positive self concept, or does it suggest the need for our young children to diet if they are over weight? The content of the book is innocent enough in some ways, but I have trouble getting past the title. Having had a child with an eating disorder and looking at the statistic that reports that eating disorders among children under twelve are up 119% in the last ten years, I am concerned that this author is sending a very different message then he intended.
As both a counselor and a mother who has had to face this issue, I am sending out a plea to this author and his publisher to pull this book from the shelves before it even gets there. Please at the very least rename this book to better reflect your intent.
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