The Fruit Contest

The Fruit Contest is the story of various fruits, each one competing to be the best among them all. One sunny spring morning, little Renee overhears a conversation as she does her homework at the kitchen table. The talk is about which among the assorted fruits in the basket is the most important, tastiest, and most beautiful. Two canaries begin the discussion, and before long, a competition arises among the fruits for they all want to be the finest. Each fruit speaks for itself in alphabetical order as they relate their wonderful characteristics and origin. After every fruit in the basket-from apple to zucchini-has given its speech, Renee finally intervenes, saying that each of them is a winner for they are all regarded as treasures given by Nature. The Fruit Contest might appeal to children and adults who are interested in learning more about the nutritional qualities of fruits, their origins and peculiarities. Are we fully aware of the important role that plants play in our lives? How much do we know about them? With over three hundred thousand species, ranging from the tiny green mosses to the giant trees, such as the sequoia that may weigh as much as two thousand five hundred tons, the plant kingdom is the second largest kingdom. They keep many secrets worth to discover and learn. Did you know that plants communicate with insects and among themselves? For instance, When tobacco plants are attacked by caterpillars, they release a chemical into the air that attracts predatory bugs who like to eat caterpillars. Plants are fundamental to every aspect of human existence. Without plants, life on Earth would not exist for the reason that practically all other living creatures depend on vegetation to survive. Through photosynthesis, plants convert energy from sunlight into food stored as carbohydrates. They also provide the oxygen humans and animals need to breathe because they use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, and release oxygen into the atmosphere. Plants provide nourishment for our bodies and souls. With the help of protists and fungi, they supply the oxygen we breathe and the food that sustains us -- either directly or indirectly, by feeding other animals. Plants provide food, remedy, shade, ornament, clothing, material to manufacture different products, such as coal, rubber, soap, pigments, etcetera, and beauty and inspiration for poets and painters. Unfortunately, many people don't eat fruit, depriving themselves of a great source of vitamins and minerals. Usually we are familiar with a few fruits, such as banana, apple, orange, watermelon, and so on, but what do we know about other fruits like yangmei, ume, ilama or jujube? Did you know that eggplants, tomatoes, peppers and zucchinis are fruits despite the fact that we treat them like vegetables? Botanically speaking, if it contains seeds, it's a fruit. The purpose of this book is to entertain and educate, awakening children's curiosity toward trees and bushes, and the interest for gardening. I hope you can enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed writing it, and feel enticed to taste many fruits that you never tried before, discovering a new world of flavors and a rich well of nutrients.