Why I Wrote Hugo’s Brave Bite

Learning to trust food — one sense at a time

If you’ve ever watched your child cry at the dinner table, you know that food isn’t always simple.

For some children, food feels overwhelming — too bright, too smelly, too different. For parents, it can feel frustrating, lonely, and full of worry.

That’s why I wrote Hugo’s Brave Bite.

As a Pediatric Occupational Therapist specializing in feeding for over 20 years, I’ve sat beside hundreds of families facing the same mealtime battles. Children who wanted to eat but couldn’t. Parents who tried everything and still felt defeated. I wanted to give them something different — a way to find hope, laughter, and connection again through story.

🥄 What the story is about

Hugo’s Brave Bite follows Hugo the Hippo as he discovers that food isn’t something to fear — it’s something to explore.

With each new food, Hugo learns to sniff, touch, and taste his way toward bravery.

It’s not about forcing bites or “fixing” picky eating.

It’s about showing children that courage grows in small steps — one sniff, one touch, one taste at a time.

Through colorful illustrations and a simple, heartfelt message, Hugo helps kids build curiosity and trust — the same foundation I teach in feeding therapy every day.

👨‍👩‍👧 Who it’s for

This book was written for:

• Parents who want mealtime to feel calmer and more positive
  
• Kids who feel nervous about new foods
  
• Therapists and teachers looking for gentle tools to start conversations about trying and bravery
  

Whether your child has a few “no foods” or a plate full of worries, Hugo reminds families that progress starts long before the first bite.

💛 From my heart to your table

The first time I read Hugo’s Brave Bite aloud in therapy, a little boy turned to his mom and whispered,

“That’s like me.”

That moment reminded me why I wrote this story — so children could see themselves, and parents could feel seen too.

If your child could use a little encouragement at the table, Hugo’s story is a wonderful place to start. Click here for the Amazon link.

🦛 Hugo’s Brave Bite

A story about learning to trust food — one sense at a time.

By Charlene Kurkjian, OTR/L Pediatric Feeding Therapist

📍 Happy Hungry Hippos Feeding Therapy