When My Tummy Whispers: Exploring Hunger
Is a gentle Harley & Talley story about learning to notice the quiet signals our bodies give us.
Talley is so busy building, playing, and imagining that she does not always notice when her tummy is trying to get her attention. With help from Harley and Mom, she begins to recognize that hunger does not always arrive as a loud growl. Sometimes it starts as a whisper: feeling a little empty, thinking about food, getting tired or grumpy, having trouble focusing, or suddenly noticing that food smells really good.
Through a warm, playful story, children learn a simple STOP • FEEL • ASK tummy check they can use to pause and listen to their bodies. The story also helps grown-ups support eating without turning food into a punishment, reward, threat, or battle.
When My Tummy Whispers includes a grown-up guidance note, a child-friendly Tummy Check tool, and a reflection page families can use together.
Perfect for children who get absorbed in play, miss early hunger cues, struggle with transitions to meals, or suddenly announce, “I’m hungry!” right before bedtime.
Written by JJ Brightwood
Part of the Harley & Talley collection of stories that make everyday childhood challenges easier to understand, talk about, and practice together.
I Don’t Like That!
Exploring Hunger: Book Two
by JJ Brightwood
I Don’t Like That! is a warm and reassuring children’s book about exploring unfamiliar foods in a calm, supportive way.
When Talley sees a food she doesn’t know, her first reaction is clear: “I don’t like that!” But with Mom’s steady support and Harley’s gentle encouragement, Talley discovers that being brave with food does not have to mean taking a big bite right away.
Instead, she learns she can explore one step at a time:
look at it
smell it
touch it
lick it
nibble it
or say “not today”
This story supports body awareness, curiosity, and confidence while helping children understand that learning about food can happen without pressure or forcing bites.
Perfect for families who want a kinder, more supportive approach to mealtimes.
Includes:
a Food Explorer Reflection Page
a Grown-Up Note
gentle support for food exploration, confidence, and body awareness