Each year, Almond Board of California (ABC) Almond Leadership Program participants work on a special project that they present before their classmates and the ABC Board of Directors at the end of the year-long program. The purpose of the project is to challenge participants to take a deep dive into a topic that interests them, to try a new technology or innovative practice on their operation, or, in the case of participant Falastine Munoz, to explore a new or novel idea that betters the industry or community.
First graders at Cunningham Elementary listen intently as Munoz begins to explain almond production and processing.
For her special project, Munoz published a children’s book titled “Almonds — Shake, Sweep & Eat.” The story walks young minds through almond production and processing, from bloom time to the final stages of packaging. It’s also a true story: Munoz wrote this book, in part, because her children didn’t know much about the industry or her work at Grizzly Nut, LLC in Waterford. The book is available for purchase on Amazon, and Munoz has been holding book readings at local schools, including Cunningham Elementary, Gratton Elementary and Whitmore Charter.
ABC sat down with Munoz to learn more about her inspiration for the book, the book’s reception and her experience in the Almond Leadership Program.
ABC: Before taking on this special project, you had never written a book before — how did you know where to start?
Munoz: I knew that creating the plot would be the easiest part considering I was telling my own story. When I told people my idea for the book, they instantly started giving me suggestions and places to look for help and guidance. The community of people around me has contributed largely to every part of this book’s success.
ABC: Tell us more about that community of people: Who have you received support from, and what does that support mean to you?
Munoz: Support has come in great abundance. My fellow leadership participants have been so encouraging and motivating. Their own accomplishments with their special projects have empowered me to continue promoting the book and sharing the California almond story with our Valley’s youth. Also, Grizzly Nut has been a huge backer of the book and has been trying to promote it in multiple ways. And when I first decided to write the book, my Leadership mentor Mike Curry was always available to brainstorm ideas and provide suggestions of people to talk with. He even helped proofread the book!
ABC: Your first book reading was at Cunningham Elementary in Turlock. Were you nervous at all?
Munoz: Extremely! Once I got to the last classroom, I finally felt more comfortable. Now, after doing a couple more reading at elementary schools, I feel relaxed and excited.
ABC: What was your favorite student response to your book?
Munoz: One kid said, “It’s a short book, but lots of information! Good job!” Everyone laughed — you never know what kids are going to say. But in all seriousness I didn’t anticipate how touching their feedback would be and how excited they would get about the book.
ABC: This book is also available on Amazon. How many books have you sold, so far?
Munoz: I’ve sold about 400 copies. I’m also reaching out to industry partners to see if they’re interested in buying the book for their schools and own children. I am also working on getting the book incorporated in Ag in the Classroom curriculum and summer reading programs.
ABC: What is your favorite page in the book?
Munoz: The cover! I love the picture of blossoms, the bees and my whole family. My kids felt like celebrities when the book came out and couldn’t wait to share it with their classes.
Munoz said the Almond Leadership Program has helped her grow in her career, and she looks forward to serving on an Almond Board committee once she’s completed the program in December.
You can purchase “Almonds – Shake, Sweep & Eat” on Amazon today! To learn more about Munoz’s special project, check out this article from the Turlock Journal. And, to learn more about the Almond Leadership Program, visit Almonds.com/LeadershipProgram.
Munoz stands with Staack (above) and Curry (below) during her book reading at Cunningham Elementary. Grizzly Nut donated one copy of the book to each student in the five classrooms that Munoz read to. (Photo courtesy of Mike Curry)
