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Erin, thank you for introducing the book I Get So Hungry, which delivers the message that "kids are influenced by eating patterns, especially emotional eating, and need guidance from adults as to what's 'healthy'." A recent study has revealed the troubling results that obese children have nearly the same arterial health as middle-aged adults, so your discussion on ways to prevent childhood obesity is especially appropriate. Many of us are familiar with children's books that are written specifically to convey moral messages to the youth, encouraging them to practice ethical deeds, such as treating others nicely, sharing, or being honest. Truthfully, I have always been skeptical as to whether these stories actually affected the way their readers acted after being exposed to the material. My same doubts also apply to I Get So Hungry. Can a story about "Nicky Thicky" and her obese, hospitalized school teacher really change a child's eating or exercising patterns? I have not read the book myself, but I assume that the book can potentially be used as a scare tactic to steer a child away from complacency if the individual is, indeed, overweight. However, when you mention "though children should continue chasing ice cream trucks, drinking juice boxes, and picking out snacks...learning about moderation early [through this book] can't be a bad thing," I can not help but wonder that if children are still practicing such unhealthy habits, are they really learning moderation? Some claim that it is a parent's duty to guide and encourage healthy habits. Personally, I believe there must be a combination of both proper parental guidance and helpful outside material such as the above-mentioned storybook to truly make a difference in a person's diet. While a book can do its best in providing facts and instilling just the right amount of fear in its readers, if the child's home environment does not match the ideal situation portrayed in the book, very little progress can be made. With the same token, once a child goes to school and is away from his or her mother's watchful eye, it is up to that individual and the school environment in deciding what goes into his or her mouth. In your opinion, which has the greater effect: parenting or schooling?