4-Year-Old North Carolina Boy Might Be The World’s Youngest Published Author
Have you ever though you might like to write a book? A lot of people have that dream, and may already know what story they’d like to tell, but always seem to find a reason to put off getting started. It usually comes down to not being the right time or not being ready. But here’s the thing: there’s never going to be a perfect time to start because you’ll never be totally ready. One North Carolina boy decided not to put it off past kindergarten.
WCTI-TV in New Bern reports that Bryan Patrick, a four-year-old from Craven County, North Carolina, has written his first book called There Once Was A Boy Who Swallowed The Alphabet. Now he’s hoping to claim the title of the world’s youngest published author in the Guinness Book of World Records. Last year, another four-year-old boy, Saeed Rashed AlMheiri, from Abu Dhabi, UAE, wrote a book about kindness and became the world’s youngest person to publish a book. Bryan’s mother says her son is a few months younger than Saeed.
This North Carolina Boy Really Loves Letters
From an early age, even earlier than four, Bryan Patrick has been fascinated with the alphabet, and his parents have supported his interests with activities like family trips to the Alphabet Museum in Waxhaw and creating an alphabet garden at home. For the record, his favorite letter is B, as in Bryan. In addition to being a writer, the North Carolina boy is an excellent reader and already also knows how to do multiplication and division.
To set the world record, Bryan needs to sell 1,000 copies of his book, and his family is kicking off the effort with a book launch party this weekend. It will be held on Saturday, April 20th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Flame Catering & Banquet Center, 2301 Neuse Boulevard in New Bern. Even if the North Carolina boy doesn’t break the record, it’s still a very impressive accomplishment.
Expert Shares Best 'Brain Foods' For Kids
Superfood Smoothies
Sometimes you have to hide the nutrition. Dr. Naidoo says to use leafy greens that are high in folate and fiber, like spinach and kale, along with chia seeds or walnuts for plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. Add avocado for healthy fats and antioxidant-rich blueberries. For protein and gut-healthy probiotics that boost mood, mix in some plain, unsweetened yogurt.
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Homemade Veggie Fries
Remember that air fryer you bought during the pandemic? Cut some zucchini, carrots, and green beans; add a little black pepper, turmeric, rosemary, oregano, parsley, or thyme for flavor; and crisp them up. Vegetables provide needed fiber and phytonutrients.
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Homemade Hummus
Dr. Naidoo says legumes like chickpeas are healthy, plant-based sources of iron, zinc, protein and fiber, all of which are good for brain development. Whip up a batch and the kiddos can dip carrots, celery, sugar snap peas, or apple slices. You can even add some fun color to your hummus by using carrots or beets.
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Salmon
I’ve always heard that fish was “brain food.” Dr. Naidoo says salmon is loaded with B12 and omega-3s, which promote healthy brain development and happier moods. The trick is to introduce fish your kids when they’re really young.
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Eggs
What’s not to love about eggs? I think eggs just might be nature’s perfect food. Dr. Naidoo says they’re a good source of brain-boosting vitamins A, D and B12, as well as choline, which has been shown to improve brain development and long-term memory. And, although pricier, pastured eggs can have twice as much vitamin E and almost three times as many omega-3s as caged eggs, according to one study.
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Meatballs
Dr. Naidoo recommends sneaking some plant-based fiber and veggies into your child’s diet using meatballs. Start with beans, lentils or ground turkey as a base, add shredded spinach or zucchini, then use flax to add omega-3s and as a binder. Don’t forget to flavor with some spices.
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