Blog Archives
Everyday Moments
Yoey Does It Her Way follows a determined little girl who learns at her own pace and has her family’s support as they cheer her on every step of the way. Why was it important to focus on joy and everyday moments rather than challenges?
Focusing on joy and everyday moments in Yoey Does It Her Way was important because it shifts the lens from limitation to celebration.
Children who live with differences — including those born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome — so often have their stories told through the framework of challenge. Appointments. Diagnoses. Milestones measured against charts. While those realities exist, they are not the whole story. Joy is.
By centering the book on everyday moments — trying something independently, laughing, discovering, persisting — the message becomes empowering rather than sympathetic. Yoey is not defined by what is hard. She is defined by who she is.
This approach:
- Normalizes inclusion instead of spotlighting differences
- Shows capability before difficulty
- Allows children to see similarity first
- Models confidence rather than struggle
It also invites all children — not just those with disabilities — to recognize that doing something “your way” is a strength. Independence looks different for everyone. Progress looks different for everyone. Success looks different for everyone.
Joy makes the story accessible. It allows readers to connect with Yoey as a child first — playful, determined, unique — rather than as a diagnosis.
And ultimately, joy tells a child reading the book:
“You are not a problem to solve. You are a person to celebrate.”
Yoey is curious, busy, and proud of herself. How did you shape her personality on the page?
From the beginning, Yoey has her own personality and will. She is non-verbal but still manages to express her opinions! Yoey Does It Her Way was built around her voice: determined, joyful, observant, and quietly confident. Rather than writing about what others expected of her, I tried to follow what she chooses to try, how she approaches a task, and how she defines success.
Her personality shows up in several intentional ways:
- Determination in Small Moments
The story focuses on everyday actions — making friends at the park, swimming, riding a scooter, trying again and again — because that’s where her resilience shines. The language mirrors her steady persistence rather than dramatic struggle. - Joy as a Default Setting
Yoey isn’t written as fragile or overwhelmed. She is curious, playful, and proud. Her reactions emphasize delight and discovery, shaping a tone that feels uplifting instead of heavy. - Independence with Confidence
The phrase “her way” is central. It reinforces that independence doesn’t mean doing something like everyone else — it means doing it in a way that works for you. That belief guided the pacing and phrasing of each scene. - Strength Without Spotlighting Difficulty
Instead of centering the diagnosis, I wanted the readers to experience Yoey through her personality traits — spirited, brave, thoughtful — rather than through medical language and understand the support she gets from her family to find success. - Gentle Repetition and Rhythm
The structure likely echoes her steady, determined energy. Repetition reinforces her persistence and builds a celebratory cadence as she succeeds in her own time.
What conversations do you hope this book sparks between children and adults?
Yoey Does It Her Way can open the door to some of the most meaningful, gentle conversations between children and adults — because it centers on everyday life, not lectures.
Here are powerful conversations it can spark:
- “What does doing it your way mean?”
- Children can reflect on:
- What feels easy for me?
- What feels hard?
- How do I solve problems differently?
- Adults can reinforce:
- There is more than one right way to do something.
- Everyone’s timeline looks different.
- Children can reflect on:
- “What makes you proud of yourself?
- The book invites children to notice small victories:
- Trying again
- Speaking up
- Being patient
- Finishing something independently. This builds internal confidence instead of comparison.
- The book invites children to notice small victories:
- “How can we be a good friend?”
- Children may naturally ask:
- How can I help someone without taking over?
- How do I include someone who does things differently?
- Adults can model:
- Support without rescuing
- Encouragement without pity
- Respect for independence
- Children may naturally ask:
- “What makes each person unique?”
- The story allows space to talk about:
- Different abilities
- Different learning styles
- Different personalities. It shifts the focus from “Why is someone different?” to “What makes them special?”
- The story allows space to talk about:
- “What feels big or new right now?”
- Because Yoey celebrates everyday milestones, children may open up about:
- Trying something new
- Feeling nervous but brave. The book becomes a bridge for emotional honesty.
- Because Yoey celebrates everyday milestones, children may open up about:
- “How do we celebrate effort?”
- Rather than only praising outcomes, adults can ask:
- Did you try?
- Did you keep going?
- What did you learn? This fosters a growth mindset naturally.
- Rather than only praising outcomes, adults can ask:
- “What is something you do your own way?”
- This question empowers all children — not just those who relate to Yoey’s experiences. It reinforces autonomy and self-worth.
- The book doesn’t spotlight diagnosis or difficulty — so conversations stay rooted in:
- Capability
- Joy
- Respect
- Inclusion
- Confidence
It allows children to see: “I’m not behind. I’m not different in a bad way. I’m growing in my own way.”
And for adults, it offers language that feels celebratory instead of corrective.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
From playground fun and family swings to swimming, frozen yogurt, and learning new skills, Yoey embraces life with a bright smile and a big spirit. Some things take her longer to learn, but with hard work, loving support from her brother Royce and her parents, and her own fierce determination, Yoey keeps growing and shining. Yoey is many wonderful things—curious, sweet, busy, brave—and most of all, she wants to be your friend.
This story gently invites young readers to understand and appreciate differences through Yoey’s experiences, while the final page offers helpful information for adults about Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome.
Sydney’s Kidney Adventure
Sydney is a bright and optimistic young girl who lights up every room she enters. Yet, when she begins noticing her mother’s persistent fatigue and sadness, worry takes root in her heart. Determined to bring back her mom’s smile, Sydney tries everything to cheer her up. One evening, her father pulls her aside to share a difficult truth—her mom needs a kidney transplant. Later, under the night sky, Sydney makes a heartfelt wish upon a star for a donor to save her mother. What follows is the start of Sydney’s Kidney Adventure, a journey of hope, action, and self-discovery. With unwavering determination, Sydney takes matters into her own hands. Alongside her dad, she learns about organ donation, creates flyers, and spreads the word throughout her neighborhood, her school, and other community spots. Through each step, Sydney grows, facing challenges with resilience while learning invaluable lessons about life, love, and perseverance.
Risa Simon expertly crafts a story that is as uplifting as it is poignant. Her writing is accessible for children, skillfully balancing a serious topic with warmth and understanding. The illustrations are equally remarkable, exuding comfort and charm in every scene. Beyond the story, the book includes a wealth of resources for further learning and action, as well as a thoughtful coloring section. This addition reinforces the story’s central messages of embracing hope, exploring possibilities, and asking for help when needed, all distilled into powerful and child-friendly phrases.
The subject matter is inherently somber, and the pacing might feel deliberate for some young readers but the realism and emotional depth make it deeply impactful. Sydney’s journey is authentic, showcasing her courage as she explores alternatives, even bravely sharing her wish with her classmates. The narrative naturally introduces information about organ donation, weaving it seamlessly into Sydney’s mission to save her mom.
Sydney’s Kidney Adventure is a heartwarming tale of love, determination, and the extraordinary strength found in helping others. It inspires readers of all ages with its touching portrayal of hope and community, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.
Pages: 75 | ASIN : B0D1STKRPJ
Oh, Tal! Not Today
Oh, Tal! Not Today by Tal Anderson is a beautifully illustrated and deeply resonant picture book that gently champions the importance of individuality and creativity. Written with sensitivity and charm, the story introduces readers to Tal, a child who, despite her quiet demeanor and unique approach to life, radiates imagination and independence. Accompanied by her ever-loyal cat, Winnie, Tal’s journey offers a touching reminder that there’s more than one way to navigate the world.
The narrative shines not only through its engaging storytelling but also in its ability to inspire reflection. Tal’s perspective invites readers, both children and adults, to appreciate differences and understand that what may seem unusual at first glance often carries a deeper, valuable purpose. Through the eyes of her loving parents, we witness a transformative arc as they come to realize the profound beauty in Tal’s individuality. The illustrations add a layer of magic, capturing the whimsy and vibrancy of Tal’s inner world while reinforcing the story’s themes of acceptance and love. I especially loved how Tal’s personality is portrayed through the smallest details, like her connection with her cat, Winifred. It reminded me of the small comforts we all cling to during rough days. This visual feast makes the book especially appealing to young readers, while parents and educators will appreciate its subtle but powerful message about empathy and open-mindedness.
Oh Tal! Not Today is more than just a story, it’s a celebration of being yourself and finding joy in doing things your own way. Heartfelt and uplifting, it’s a must-read for families and classrooms looking to nurture creativity, kindness, and understanding.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0DJCFRFH1
May I Come to Your Party?
Grace A. Wolf’s May I Come to Your Party? is a poignant and thoughtful exploration of the challenges faced by children on the autism spectrum, as seen through the experiences of the protagonist, Jimmy. Wolf portrays Jimmy as a compassionate and endearing character, grappling with the complexities of social interaction and inclusion. His journey underscores the often-overlooked emotional impact of feeling excluded due to being perceived as different.
The narrative unfolds with Jimmy’s realization that he has not been invited to his classmate Clara’s birthday party. This moment serves as a pivotal point in the story, highlighting the nuances of social dynamics among children. Clara’s response to Jimmy’s query about the party, masked by a lie, is a critical moment that Wolf handles with sensitivity and insight. Alice, another classmate, emerges as a key figure in the story. Her response to the situation reflects a deep sense of empathy and understanding. Wolf uses Alice’s character effectively to convey a powerful message about the importance of inclusivity and kindness toward those who may seem different. Wolf’s depiction of Jimmy’s autism is done with care and respect, emphasizing his sensitivities to sensory stimuli and communication challenges. The narrative strongly advocates for seeing beyond these differences, affirming that every child, including those with autism, deserves acceptance and inclusion.
May I Come to Your Party? is a significant contribution to children’s literature, addressing vital themes of empathy, understanding, and the value of including everyone, regardless of their differences. Wolf’s narrative is a testament to the transformative power of embracing physical and intellectual diversity, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among children.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0CLKZ25C6
Promote Empathy and Inclusion
May I Sit at Your Table? follows a second-grade girl who is deaf and experiences a transformative moment when her teacher introduces American Sign Language, sparking her goal to connect with her peers. Why was this an important book for you to write?
At one of my brother’s neurodiverse basketball games, I experienced a pivotal moment. While signing “hello” and “good job” to a Deaf teammate on my brother’s team, his father, moved to tears, approached me and shared how meaningful it was to see someone communicate with his son. This encounter inspired me to become fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and the culture. I’ve always been concerned about bullying and exclusion, and my research disclosed that Deaf children are often victims. I wanted a book that would promote empathy and inclusion of this ostracized community.
The art in the book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Samuel Gross?
Thank you for your kind comment! It was truly a work of love. Sam is my brother. He is 14 years older than me, and he suffers from autism. I worked with him in creating the sketches for the book by reading the book to him over and over and then explaining the specific storyline on each page. He then would interpret those events and draw the scene in pencil. It’s fascinating to watch him draw because he holds the pencil in his fist and never picks the pencil off the page when drawing. It’s also amazing to see the world through his eyes. I then traced the drawings in pen and added color and shading.
Doing the illustrations was one of the highlights of Sam’s life. It has bolstered his self-esteem and brought him great happiness. It has also brought us closer together.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My book is more than a children’s book; it’s a social story about how to accept people who are different. Here, a young Deaf girl is ostracized by her peers because she is seen as “different.” It’s my belief that these actions are simply a result of a lack of knowledge. I wanted to show that educating grade school children about diverse communication styles fosters empathy and teaches inclusiveness.
Another key theme is that exclusion often occurs in less supervised settings like school lunchrooms.
Finally, I wanted to explore the often-private nature of the pain caused by exclusion. Children, like the character Abby in my book, may feel reluctant to express their hurt and only confide in their families. Abby’s experience highlights the importance of attentive and caring teachers who can recognize and address such issues, offering support where it’s needed most.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book has already been published. It is titled, May I Come to Your Party? and is about a young boy who suffers from autism and is never invited to parties, and he invites everyone to his birthday parties, but no one ever comes. Here is an Amazon link: May I Come to Your Party? I also have a website with more information: Grace Wolf Books
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
The story beautifully captures the transformation that comes with understanding and acceptance, underscoring the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and embracing our unique attributes. May I Sit at Your Table? leaves readers with the important message that everyone, no matter how they communicate, deserves to be heard, seen, and accepted.
Thought is Not the Boss of Me!
Our minds are very powerful things. It allows us to do many things, such as dancing, sports, and learning new skills. They can, even without us knowing, control our entire bodies to stay alive. Our minds can also get lost in thought, and thought can sometimes cause mischief.
In, Thought is Not the Boss of Me! by Sheila Booth-Alberstadt and Sarah Lamb, we are introduced to Lincoln. A young child who tends to get into some trouble without realizing he is being coerced into doing so by none other than ‘Thought.’ ‘Thought’ bosses Lincoln around and makes him do not nice things, and ends up being punished.
This relatable story is beaming with delight, from the vibrantly adorable illustrations by Elizabeth George to the comical and inviting writing. This picture book was such a clever way of showing young kids how thoughts and the mind work and how to overcome the negative thoughts that come along with them. I love how Lincoln is presented as innocent during the entire ordeal but makes a conscious decision to stop listening to ‘Thought.’ Once Lincoln realizes ‘Thought’ only gets him into trouble, he starts thinking as well as acting on his own account. What an extremely difficult thing it is to do, to master one’s thoughts, as a growing child.
Thought is Not the Boss of Me! is an extraordinary children’s book about recognizing and dealing with big emotions. This well-written story helps children realize that big feelings are normal and that they can learn how to manage them. I Would absolutely recommend it to any family or young reader, as the message is valuable to people of all ages. It would make a great addition to a school library or classroom.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09LFLLS9N
