Drugs are a big problem with children. Since the 1960s, children have become involved with illegal drugs, tobacco products, and alcohol from a younger age. Priscilla and Pablo, the DanSing Pancakes, are on a journey to keep children from becoming trapped by the horrors of addiction. This book presents positive alternatives such as studying hard, making healthy food choices, and making safe friendships. Joe Coleman and his team have developed a great book in DanSing Pancakes’ Healthy Choices Musical Story. The book captures children’s attention by using stories and songs. It also gives children positive roles to replace the negative influences in their lives. The book invites children to go beyond the written pages and join in activities online using QR technology. There is even a catchy song to teach them. This book will be a life-changer for children in preventing substance abuse.

Joe Coleman is well-known in the music industry. He was a member of one of the greatest musical groups ever - The Platters. He is listed as the author of DanSing Pancakes’ Healthy Choices Musical Story, but the book is the product of a team effort. Not only does it teach working together, but it showcases what cooperation can accomplish. The illustration team is composed of Aubrey Morgan Foster, Tracy Foster Pyke, and Tafgraphics Design Studio Inc. The war on drugs continues to be an uphill battle, but this book is a great addition to the arsenal in that campaign. There is everything to like about this book. It will grab your children’s attention and instill a positive outlook in their hearts. Take the time to read and carry out the activities in the book and online with your child. It will be time well spent.

DanSing Pancakes: Healthy Choices Musical Story by Joe Coleman is a rhyming picture book for children. Some of the book’s many goals are to teach kids the dangers of smoking, drinking, and doing drugs, and to encourage interaction with parents or guardians. The book begins with a typical family about to enjoy a pancake breakfast. Two of the pancakes come to life, escape, and find a cabin to live in. One morning they leave the cabin and spot a school, where they join the children in learning. At recess they see a young girl smoking a cigarette, and later another girl using marijuana. The pancakes decide to compose a song with an anti-smoking/drinking/drugs theme, which they sing to the schoolchildren. The kids love the song and agree to avoid these behaviors. The book then urges readers to take a pledge to do the same and ends with a series of activities that will help children learn and remember its messages. There are several QR codes to scan throughout the book. Children can listen to the pancakes’ song, rate the book, and watch as Coleman presents the story to children.

DanSing Pancakes: Healthy Choices Musical Story by Joe Coleman is a charming book that is original, entertaining, and interactive. The best part is the lessons the book teaches; it has a consistent message about making good choices. The book is never preachy but gets its message across through a fun story. Another excellent aspect is the rhyming, which will help children remember the book’s many lessons. I also liked the ability to scan the QR codes. All the content accessed from the codes is free and adds to the book’s important messages. I can see children wanting to read this book and watch the accompanying videos repeatedly. Parents and grandparents will appreciate the messages the book sends to their children and grandchildren. I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants an enjoyable, lesson-packed story.