U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Indian Health Service: The Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives
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IHS Head Start Program
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Eagle Book Series

The Indian Health Service (IHS) Head Start Program is proud to offer the Eagle Books Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , produced in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Native Diabetes Wellness Program Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov . The four books in the series teach healthy behaviors to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and are a great resource for every AI/AN grant program.

AI/AN families and communities struggle with health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity more frequently than the rest of the US population. The earlier children learn the health behaviors that can prevent these problems, the better their long-term health will be. The Eagle Books, focused on teaching children the importance of eating healthy foods and staying active, are designed to help in the formation of healthy behaviors. Written at about a third-grade level, the books are easy to adapt to the Head Start classroom.

Each complete Eagle Book series kit includes:

One each of the four Eagle Books:

  • Through the Eyes of the Eagle - This story introduces Mr. Eagle and Rain That Dances, the main characters that teach children about diabetes and the traditional, active AI/AN lifestyles that once prevented such problems. Through the Eyes of the Eagle reminds children of the importance of hard work and daily physical activity.

  • Knees Lifted High - Mr. Eagle and Rain That Dances meet a new friend, Thunder Cloud. In this story, children learn about the importance of physical activity to prevent diabetes, and Mr. Eagle helps them think of fun ways to get moving.

  • Plate Full of Color - Miss Rabbit teaches Rain That Dances, Thunder Cloud and their new friend Little Hummingbird about the healthy foods that Mother Earth provides for them to eat. She tells them how they can prevent diabetes and help their elders to do the same.

  • Tricky Treats - This book, like Plate Full of Color, focuses on nutrition, encouraging children how and why to choose the healthiest foods they can, instead of being "tricked" by unhealthy foods and beverages. The character of Coyote, who at first challenges the wisdom of Mr. Eagle, is introduced in this book. Along with its nutritional lessons, Tricky Treats also teaches children about food safety and about not taking things that belong to others.

One set of three puppets representing the main characters in the books.

The IHS Head Start Program urges you to read the books to the children in your center. You can use the puppets in the kit or do the other activities designed for use in Head Start programs, described on pages 5 and 6 in the Educator's Guide. The Eagle Book series can help you to educate children and families about healthy eating, physical activity and preventing the serious health problems our communities now face.

If you would like an Eagle Book series kit, or if your center requires additional kits, please email us at IHSHeadStart@ihs.gov.

Head Start. Start Healthy. Grow Healthy.
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