For Jessica Nicole McAnelly, the path to becoming an author wasn't a lifelong ambition, it was a natural evolution of a life spent protecting others. After three decades on the front lines of public health, McAnelly has traded her investigator’s clipboard for a storyteller’s pen, launching her debut children's book, “Birdie’s Picnic Party: A Tasty Take on Food Safety,” a 2026 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite, https://www.independentpressaward.com/2026-favorites/9798294884901

The transition from investigating foodborne illness outbreaks to writing rhyming children’s prose might seem like a leap, but for McAnelly, it is the ultimate culmination of her career and her family values.

***Book Signing at ALA Chicago, Booth 4722***

The seeds for “Birdie’s Picnic Party: A Tasty Take on Food Safety” were planted as McAnelly approached a major milestone: her 50th birthday. Facing an empty nest as her children headed to college, she crafted a "50 before 50" bucket list. Writing and publishing a book was a top priority, but it couldn't be just any story. It had to be a legacy piece that synthesized her 30 years of expertise in environmental health and community wellness.

"I spent years helping prevent the ‘invisible dangers’ that can make people sick," McAnelly explains. "I wanted a book that represented my years of food safety and nutrition training."

The result is a warm, engaging narrative that simplifies complex health concepts into "tasty" lessons for the next generation.

While her professional background provided the facts, her family provided the soul of the story. McAnelly cites her grandparents as her primary inspiration, remembering their kitchen as the "heartbeat of the family." The values of patience, generosity, and togetherness; the connection: Learning that love is shown through the simple act of making sure someone has a full plate; and the atmosphere: a home that always smelled of comfort and rang with the sounds of listening and laughter.

The titular character, "Birdie," is a tribute to McAnelly’s own daughter. Inspired by her daughter's childhood nickname and joyful spirit, Birdie represents the joy of learning. In a beautiful full-circle moment, the real-life "Birdie" is currently applying to medical school, continuing the family legacy of health and service.

“Birdie’s Picnic Party” uses rhythmic, rhyming text to guide families through the essentials of food safety. By turning "invisible dangers" into relatable adventures, McAnelly empowers children to feel capable and proud of making healthy choices.

McAnelly uses Birdie’s journeys to keep young readers deeply engaged with themes of fun and friendship. This narrative approach seamlessly integrates vital lessons on nutrition and healthy habits, while simultaneously emphasizing kindness, ensuring that the wisdom shared in the book extends far beyond the picnic blanket and into how children interact with the world around them.

The journey from a "bucket list" item to a published work found in independent bookstores was paved with community support. McAnelly credits her husband, children, and local librarians for bringing Birdie to life. She is particularly grateful to the local bookstores that opened their doors for story hours, allowing her to connect directly with her young readers.

Today, McAnelly stands as a testament to her own favorite mantra: "You are never too old to chase a dream and make it a reality!"

Through “Birdie’s Picnic Party,” she isn't just teaching kids how to wash their hands or store their snacks; she’s teaching them that safety, health, and love are all part of the same delicious recipe.