What’s UP with Yuk? is an art book about positive and negative choices, starring Ions, Yum and Yuk.  Ions are lovable characters who hang out with Yum and Yuk.  They ask  “What’s UP with Yuk?”  In science, we learn that ions are atoms that carry either a positive or negative charge.  In the book, we learn that Ions refer to positive and negative choices.  Ion is illustrated as an eye in the book, a reminder that we need to keep an eye on our choices.  Ion's name is inconspicuously displayed in the book since our eye on our choices is not always obvious. 

The book uses art to illustrate that we have the power to think about the choices we make in our day-to-day life.  The beauty of art is that we view it in a way that fits our current mind set.  Often, the same art has a different interpretation depending on when we look at it.  This is what What’s UP with Yuk? does for me.  

It also illustrates some of the consequences of Yuk’s choices, which in the end is just as important as making the actual choice. When we train our minds to think about the consequences before making a choice, we are able to learn to accept responsibility for our actions. Being aware that we can control our choices, especially our attitude, empowers the direction of our day, and ultimately the direction of our lives.

Ion Wisdom, the companion book for  What’s UP with Yuk? is a teaching guide written with Dr. Anne C. Coon intended for adults who might want some ideas in how to use the book effectively with children. 

I am so touched by the support friends and family has given to the success of the launch of the book.  I hope that this wordless art book brings story telling that is beautiful and personal, and along the way promote visual literacy.

We also recently released Yum and Yuk, duck, duck, duck.  A counting book, from one to twelve in twelve languages.   Be on the look out for the 2012 release of another Yuk and Yuk book.

For every book sold, another will be given to a child who could use a little hand in life.  One for One, a Yum choice and the Ions agree! 

Someday, I hope that Kite Tails, Inc generates a profit.  100% of the profits will be added to the Arts in Education Fund at the Rochester Area Community Foundation www.racf.org.  My husband Karl and I started this fund in 2010 to demonstrate our commitment to this project.

All the best,
Nannette