Eco-Brand Helps Children Become Smarter and Healthier

    SAN JOSE, CA, July 20, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In schools across America, standardized test scores are going down, while obesity rates are going up. Nature-based learning has been shown to reverse both of these alarming trends. But how do parents and educators foster an interest in the outdoors and healthy eating while living in an age of electronic overload and increasingly hectic schedules?

The answer may lie in the fresh and inventive Princes of Pilbarra picture book series. Designed by publisher Mangala Wick to reach today's elementary-age kids, this new venture by Pilbarra Books is built around two inspiring and relatable mascots, Ethan and Yarra. Ethan is a hapless young boy destined to be king, and Yarra is a mystical guardian elephant who happens to be his best friend. Together, they go on fun-filled adventures through a quirky fantasy world. Their journeys and experiences reinforce the importance of outdoor activity, STEM education, and making healthy, responsible choices--all in a hilarious story-based format. (Think Spongebob Squarepants meets The Magic Schoolbus meets Adventure Time.)

Why Ethan and Yarra? Well, Cornell University has conclusively shown that "kids will identify with cartoon characters they like and follow their lead, even if that means eating more vegetables or getting more exercise." Furthermore, new evidence suggests that healthy lifestyles and exposure to environmental education greatly improves a child's academic engagement and performance. These exciting new role models will help your children become smarter and healthier, and they couldn't have come at a better time.

A Kickstarter campaign has been established to fund the printing of the first book in the series: Princes of Pilbarra: Guarding the Gardens. Inside, children will learn about organic gardening, the water cycle, seed planting, and much, much more. The story features kid-friendly science that is aligned to National Science Education Standards (NSES) and is written by industry veteran Michael Penman.

To learn more about Guarding the Gardens, visit www.pilbarra.com. You can also contribute to our Kickstarter campaign by clicking:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1295132874/guarding-the-gardens-a-princes-of-pilbarra-story?ref=discovery

Pilbarra Books is a fresh new children's book publisher committed to teaching environmental education to elementary-age children in an innovative, highly-entertaining way. We believe it is important to cultivate a deep, meaningful connection with the great outdoors. An appreciation for nature can lead to a happier outlook, a healthier lifestyle, a thriving planet, and lucrative careers in STEM-related fields.

Michael Penman was the editor and content developer for the award-winning Adventures of Riley ecological picture book series recently published by Scholastic Press. He has worked with the Smithsonian Institution, the World Wildlife Fund, Wildlife Conservation Society, McGraw-Hill, Becker & Meyer, Regnery Kids, Parragon Publishing, and more. Additionally, his book projects have garnered over 50 publishing, education, and parenting awards.

# # #