New Kids' Book 'Buzz Bradley and the Invisible Fort' Uses Fiction to Encourage Outdoor Play and Imagination

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development published the results of a study it conducted at ten locations across the United States in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. It monitored the activity level of third graders, and discovered that the children averaged only twenty-five minutes per week of physical activity at school, compared to a minimum of 420 minutes per week that children need at this age. The World Health Organization in a 2007 report suggested that sedentary lifestyle is one of the ten leading causes of death and disability in the world.

Most of the Baby Boomer generation can recall long summer vacations and hours of afternoon and weekend play with neighborhood friends. That was a time when childhood obesity was rare. It is becoming increasingly obvious that we need to adopt some aspects of the childhood experience of an earlier generation, if we want to raise healthy children.

As a child, Jeff Howe spent countless days exploring the rivers and mountains of western Massachusetts. These adventures, and his wild imagination, set the stage for his Buzz Bradley series. His new book, Buzz Bradley and the Invisible Fort, scheduled for release this summer by Llumina Press, is based on an actual adventure with an "invisible" fort. He conveys his love for outdoor adventures in hope that his readers will learn to love the activities that filled his own childhood.

Stinky Gallagher, the school bully, destroyed Buzz's tree fort last year. With summer break upon him, Buzz is determined to outsmart Stinky. He comes up with the perfect plan-an invisible fort. Can Buzz convince his friends that it will work, or do they think Buzz is just crazy?

About the Author:
Jeff Howe lives in Florida with his wife Sandy, daughters Laura and Carly, and Rafiki, the psycho cat.

Publication: Buzz Bradley and the Invisible Fort
Author: Jeff Howe
Paperback
ISBN:978-1-59526-968-3
Pages:64
Price:$8.95
Size:5 x 8
Available from Llumina Press, Ingram, and Baker & Taylor. Toll Free: 1-866-229-9244
http://www.llumina.com/
orders@llumina.com