Describing the series as “beautiful books for growing minds, Comox Valley author Paulina Maj has burst onto the publishing scene with her children’s book series, Parent Propaganda.
Tackling everyday parenting subjects, the growing series of children’s picture books openly uses principles of psychology and neuroscience to help “cultivate conscious, empowered and healthy humans.”
Blending her penchant for poetry and love of science, Maj employs psychological techniques such as ‘rhyme as reason’ and the ‘repetition effect’ to help parents program their kids with positive ‘thoughtware’ (i.e. an operating system for the mind) during their foundational years.
Inspired by her own young children and the events of 2020, Maj’s literary debut begins with two titles:
Delicious & Nutritious - An Ode to Vegetables is a colourful, culinary tour of the wonderful world of veggies. Playfully illustrated in detailed papercraft artwork by Japanese-Brazilian artist, Raphael Oda, the story promises to “pique interest in even the pickiest of eaters.” The sing-song style Maj employs is influenced by her own childhood enjoyment of the classics: Dr. Seuss and Mary Poppins.
Live & Let Live - An Eco-Adventure Around the World is an “emotionally evocative journey” that cultivates compassion, awareness and meaningful action on the topic of species extinction and habitat loss. Illustrated in stunning traditional watercolour by local Canadian artist, Alex Walton, various animals in their respective ecosystems implore the reader to “live and let live.”
The entertaining and educational series includes bonus information pages that cover related topics, aimed at an older audience.
“The books are designed to be revisited as the child grows and is ready for more advanced education. Parents can use the information as the basis for discussion points meanwhile,” said Maj.
In Delicious & Nutritious, soil science and farming practices like permaculture and regenerative agriculture are discussed. In Live & Let Live, Maj explains the importance of old growth forests for biodiversity preservation. Both books end with a descriptive brainwave chart so both parents and kids can learn about neuroscience - an underlying motif carried throughout the series.
Other subjects range from encouraging the joyful act of sharing (think sibling rivalry) in Sharing is Caring to unconditional love, helping foster a secure attachment bond in I Love You Any Way - the next title to be published this fall.
As an added bonus, one per cent of all book sales will go toward supporting select non-profits in global conservation efforts and programs for kids. Stay tuned for more.
For more information, or to purchase the collection, visit .