In our quest to live a healthier life, we’ve also incorporated healthier foods and more activity into our boys’ lives, as well. Not that they weren’t active before, but now they get outside a bit more, and they are eating snacks that offer much more value in the way of nutrients. Telling them how important it is to exercise is one thing, but actually being able to share with them through picture books, games, and other activities is quite another way.

Wallie Exercises, written by Steve Ettinger, C.S.C.S. and illustrated by Pete Proctor, is a book that brings exercise to the forefront of kids’ minds through a hilarious character named Wallie. Wallie is a dog who’s let his laziness get out of control, until his clothes no longer fit, and he’s quite the pudgy canine. He doesn’t even have the motivation to get up and move. It comes time, though, for Wallie to get up and exercise, though it’s not going to be an easy thing to do. As he discovers other animals working out, Wallie meets Edwin the Exercise Elephant. Edwin is a go-getter, and his mission is to get Wallie up and moving. Wallie has a tough time of it, but eventually, he begins to find his groove. (Wallie actually reminded me much of myself, in beginning my exercise routine.) LOL

The pictures and illustrations in the book are so cute and go quite well with the story, although I felt the story ended a bit abruptly. I was hoping we’d see a bit more of Wallie’s success. The end of the book does contain a few exercises that kids can try for themselves, though, such as the Silly Shark Squat (which is a regular squat, only in kid’s terms), as well as information for kids on exercise, hydration, etc. The exercises are fun for kids and even involve a bit of silliness.:)

You can purchase Wallie Exercises for $12.44 from Amazon. You’ll also find worksheets and activities on the Wallie Exercises website.

About the Author
Steve Ettinger is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Personal Trainer. He currently runs his own private training company in New York City. Originally from Southern California, Steve has always enjoyed staying active. Forever an avid soccer player, he has earned several coaching certifications and has spent years working and volunteering in youth sports and physical education. He began training clients while earning a psychology degree from Boston University and worked as a children’s behavior therapist before deciding to dedicate himself to fitness full time.

We’re giving away a copy of this book to one MamaBuzz reader! You can enter to win by doing one or more of the following; just be sure to leave a separate comment for each way that you enter. I’ll draw the winner, via random.org, on Thursday, March 3. This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada. Good luck, and have a wonderful day!

1. Visit Active Spud Press, and let me know who you would most like to share this book with.
2. Follow @ActiveSpudPress on Twitter.
3. Tweet about this giveaway; you can tweet daily to earn extra entries.
4. Leave a comment on the Wallie Exercises Blog.
5. Follow MamaBuzz or subscribe to our posts.
6. Follow @mamabzz on Twitter.
7. Like MamaBuzz on Facebook.
8. Blog about this giveaway, being sure to link back to MamaBuzz.

(Disclosure: I received a copy of this book, free of charge, for the purposes of this review.)