Alt-text: a group of 14 diverse people and a dog (8 adults, 6 students). The students are holding their copies of “Owen & Bea in the City.” Two students are on the ground with the dog. Location: a DCPS school classroom in a Washington, D.C.

Photo above takes place in a DC schoolroom, showing 14 diverse people holding copies of the book and smiling at camera: six elementary-school children, eight teachers and para-educators, and a dog. Two students are on the floor with the dog.

Owen & Bea in the City:

One Size Does Not Fit All

by Debbie Fink

Illustrated by Tiana Stephen

This unique book tackles childhood obesity by providing practical guidance for children and their families, with a strong emphasis on health education. Centered around the book’s key principles of “GAN” – Genetics, Activity, and Nutrition, it was developed in consultation with leading pediatricians with expertise in childhood obesity, dietitians, psychologists, social workers, educators, school guidance counselors; and, importantly, a sample of children with obesity, their parents, siblings, and grandparents.

Designed to empower families with knowledge and actionable strategies, it tackles the root causes of obesity, promoting healthier lifestyles, all while fostering a positive, shame-free approach to well-being.

In addition, Weight-Based Victimization (WBV) is sensitively addressed.

 3-MINUTE DOCUMENTARY: Watch this short video that conveys the essence of our book and initiative: Hear from Halia as an 11-year-old diver, and her thoughts after reading Owen & Bea in the City. Health education is key to childhood obesity. 

The book’s prototype was successfully piloted in a DC Public School in collaboration with Children's National Health System's Obesity Institute (photo below). It is currently entering its next phase of evidence-based iteration, positioning it for scale, sustainability, and an anticipated 2026 release.

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