Jessica McAnelly – Author Spotlight
As a dedicated Food Safety Professional, Registered Dietitian, and Registered Sanitarian, Jessica brings a unique blend of clinical nutrition expertise and environmental health knowledge to ensure public safety and promote wellness across communities. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked across healthcare, regulatory, and food service sectors to develop, implement, and manage programs that uphold the highest standards in food safety, sanitation, and nutrition.
Author of Birdie’s Picnic Party: A Tasty Tale of Food Safety! Jessica brings fun and learning together through engaging rhymes and lovable characters that teach kids how to stay safe while enjoying their favorite foods.
Jessica’s stories inspire healthy habits in a playful, memorable way. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or young reader, her books make learning about wellness simple, joyful, and impactful.
I asked Jessica a few questions about her books and her writing so that we can all get to know her better. See that in the interview below:
What do you love most about writing?
What I love most is the ability to make a meaningful difference through something joyful. Writing allows me to take important real-life lessons—like food safety, health, kindness, and confidence—and turn them into stories children will remember. Seeing a child light up during a read-aloud or hearing a parent say, “My child is washing their hands because of Birdie,” is the most rewarding feeling.
What do you think readers will love about your books?
Readers love that the Birdie books feel fun, upbeat, and full of heart. The rhyming makes them easy to read aloud, the characters are adorable and relatable, and the lessons are woven in naturally—never preachy. Kids enjoy the adventure, while parents and educators appreciate the positive habits being reinforced.
Are you currently working on any new books or writing projects?
Yes! I’m continuing the Birdie series with more adventures that focus on healthy habits, confidence-building, and everyday safety in kid-friendly ways. I’m also building out interactive extras—activities, crafts, and learning tools—so families can extend the lessons beyond the story.
Where can people follow you online to learn more?
You can learn more and follow my journey at jessicanicolemcanellybooks.com, and on social media where I share updates, events, behind-the-scenes writing moments, and Birdie fun! Instagram birdsbenchpublishing
Do you have a favorite book or author?
I’ve always loved books that make learning feel magical. Children’s authors who can teach with warmth and humor inspire me the most, because that’s the kind of experience I want to create for young readers and families.