Blog Archives
Helping Kids Understand Their Bodies
Nurse Florence, Tell Me About the Adrenal Glands breaks down the adrenal glands for readers, exploring these little hormone factories perched on top of the kidneys and all the important jobs they do, using easy-to-understand language.Why was this an important topic for you to write about for children?
I want kids to understand their body. It is very complex, but if we can break things down into smaller units of info, then they can understand. Understanding the body is important since we live in our body and need to learn ways to keep it healthy. Knowing yourself psychologically only is not enough. We must learn ourselves in the physical realm too. Learning signs and symptoms of diseases is important so that a person knows when they should go see a doctor. You cannot achieve your goals if you do not take care of yourself physically.
One of the things I enjoy about this series is the variety of illustrators you use for the books, which gives each one its own feel and prevents things from becoming monotonous. How do you go about deciding which illustrator is best suited for each topic?
It is usually random assignments except for every fourth book an illustrator does. Every fourth book is illustrator choice so they pick the topic and I do the research to get them their outline.
What is your least favorite part of being a writer?
Not having enough time.
After writing so many books, what do you feel are common traps for aspiring writers?
I feel aspiring writers should commit to write a certain amount every week/month so that progress is made. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Let us make our first step and focus on that next step in front of us so that we are always moving forward. Onward and upward!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube Interview
A Treasure Trove of Love
Quest for Cookies follows a cookie-craving gnome on a heartwarming adventure where he discovers that the sweetest rewards come from friendship, courage, and the timeless wisdom of grandparents. What was the inspiration for your story?
I am an MRI Technologist and often pull inspiration from my patients. Many elderly patients talk about how they wish they could see their grandchildren more often but that the kids are too busy in their own lives to make time. As I am close with my Grandma, I wanted to write a story that encourages children to visit their grandparents more often. Throughout the story, the main character reflects on valuable life lessons inspired by the wisdom of said grandparents—those often-overlooked heroes with a treasure trove of love, experience, and tasty recipes to share.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to use my Grandmother as an example for the story and describe ways that she has personally enriched my life. The messages about hard work, friendship, and kindness are all things she instilled in me. The raspberry muffins, lavender cookies, table of desserts, and stories in the kitchen are also pulled from real life (and yes, they are all are delicious).
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The most fun scene to write was the trip to the moon because I just found it so silly. The most fun scene (as most complicated) to draw was the spooky mushroom forest. I really wanted the mushrooms to look like lamps guiding the way.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Currently, I am working on two projects. One is a personal project for my daughter that will be a custom story and set of illustrations just for her. Only two copies will be printed. The other project I am working on will be available within the next few years. When I work, I tend to do the illustrations first and the story second. I have completed four of the 15+ drawings the book will require, so I still have some work cut out for me.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
In Quest for Cookies, join Gnomey, a lovable little gnome with a heart as big as his sweet tooth, as he sets off on a delightful journey that’s about much more than finding the perfect snack. Along the way, Gnomey reflects on valuable life lessons inspired by the wisdom of grandparents—those often-overlooked heroes with a treasure trove of love, experience, and tasty recipes to share.
Gnomey demonstrates the power of kindness, the courage to face challenges, and the importance of cherishing the older generation. This whimsical tale blends humor, heart, and just the right amount of sugar to remind young readers that grandparents aren’t just cool—they’re legendary.
Packed with themes of friendship, bravery, dreams, and of course, cookies, Quest for Cookies is a magical celebration of the lessons passed down through generations—and the sweet memories made along the way.
Ideal for children ages 3-5 who love fun adventures, fantastic landscapes, and adorable little creatures.
Making Medical Information Accessable
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Colon follows three friends who ask the school nurse about the colon, and she explains the parts, functions, and importance of the colon. What challenges did you face when writing this book?
The Nurse Florence® project publishes books as fast as the illustrators can produce drawings so the challenge I deal with is not being able to publish books in the project faster. We are aiming to complete the project of around 500 books in the series by the end of 2029.
With so many topics to cover with Nurse Florence, how do you decide which topic is the next one you will cover?
We partner with illustrators to help decide topics. Since the disease books can be so long, I usually ask the illustrator if there is a disease that affects their family that they want to cover. If not, then we have a master list of diseases that we pick from. Sometimes we pick a disease that is popular in the news at the moment, and every fourth book is a rare disease book so we have a list of those as well that we are going through.
Are there any authors you draw inspiration from?
Anyone that is thorough. I enjoy reading evidence-based research articles regarding health topics.
I have noticed that some of your Nurse Florence books come with a corresponding coloring book. How do you decide which topics will have a companion coloring book?
Companion coloring books are actually the choice of the illustrator. If they choose to take the time to take out the color and send me lined art, then we create coloring books. Over a third of the Nurse Florence® series has been turned into a coloring book edition. We want kids to learn another coping skill of drawing as they learn to relax and find peace.
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Science Is Fun!
Nurse Florence®, Why Do We Need Vitamin K? follows three friends and the school nurse who explore what vitamin K is, why our bodies need it, where to get it from, and even what happens if we don’t have enough. Why was it important to share this information with children?
I believe in the premise that children are capable learners and want to learn things as there are, as we know them to be. We should avoid using words that are “for kids” and instead present information accurately so that they grow to be very informed and educated adults.
What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
For me, it’s not having enough time. I would write three kids books a day if I was able to financially.
What part of the book was the most fun to write?
I love to write all the Nurse Florence® books because it involves a lot of science. Science is fun!
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
Nurse Dorothea® presents Healthy Relationships and What to Do and How to Be to Maintain Them (www.nursedorothea.com)
Nurse Florence®, What is Long QT Syndrome? and Nurse Florence®, What is Batten Disease?
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube Interview
Pop Pop’s Lets Go Mechanic-ing | The Wagon Ride
This sweet little children’s book follows a sunlit day in the life of three grandchildren—Greyson, Antonio, and Emerson—who visit their Pop Pop for a hands-on project: building a red wagon from scratch. Pop Pop welcomes the kids with open arms and gets right to work, guiding them through each step with patience and enthusiasm. There’s tool talk (“righty-tighty, lefty-loosey”), safety tips, and bursts of joy as the children help with wheels, paint, and even “hammer time.” It ends with a wagon ride to celebrate their hard work, followed by a hint at their next adventure.
I really enjoyed how down-to-earth and genuine this picture book felt. It just feels warm. The dialogue is natural, the scenes are colorful and fun, and the relationship between Pop Pop and the grandkids is the heartbeat of it all. There’s something comforting about the way Pop Pop gently teaches and includes each child. The author clearly wrote this from personal experience and love, and that shows on every page. It made me think of old summer days, of sawdust in the air, and of watching someone you love tinker with something in the garage.
The writing is simple and easy for young readers to follow or read on their own. It’s about capturing a vibe: quality time, working with your hands, and making memories. There’s real charm in the little details, like Pop Pop’s “cafe-o-le” or the kids’ nicknames (“Grey Grey,” “Tone Tone,” “Emmy”). The illustrations, also done by the author, are playful and fitting for young readers and fit the story well.
I’d recommend this kid’s book to grandparents looking for something heartfelt to read with their grandkids. It’s also a lovely choice for parents who want to share stories that emphasize creativity, cooperation, and cross-generational bonding. It’s not a wild ride, but it’s a good one—quiet, wholesome, and full of love. For anyone who values time spent building something together, The Wagon Ride hits home.
Pages: 26 | ASIN: B0DMZ358FL
Empowering Kids
Nurse Florence®, Why Do I Need to Have Iron in My Diet? follows a group of students who ask the school nurse about iron, and she explains its importance to the body and the dietary sources where it can be found.What made you write a story about this topic?
Kids should feel empowered with the books they read to live more fulfilling lives. Eating healthy is important and now there is a book to easily explain why a person needs to eat iron and where to get iron in their diet.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
A menstruating or pregnant woman needs a lot more iron compared to an average adult male. Males need only about 8 mg per day, a menstruating woman about 18 mg per day, and a pregnant woman around 27 mg per day.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about the importance of iron?
I don’t think it could be regarded as a misconception, but iron is needed for red blood cells to deliver oxygen to all the cells in our body and the immune system to fight infections.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Writing poetry in high school helped develop some of my creativity.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube Interview
Worries and Anxiety
Carnival Chaos follows a curious, anxious young boy visiting his first carnival who finds it to be a sensory overload experience, learns to face his fears, and ends the day not just braver, but full of joy and pride. What was the inspiration for your story?
The Inspiration for this story is as with my previous two in this series, my son Kale. Kale represents the child of today’s world. Worries and anxiety are prevalent everywhere. These stories are a wonderful way to start a conversation about feelings.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
This book is about trying new things and having new experiences. Trying something new can be scary, but it can also be a great accomplishment for anyone.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The child running off the ride looking sickly was my favourite. Kale’s response is exactly how he would respond to seeing such a sight. The calm demeanor of Mama as she tries to just brush it aside so as not to worry poor Kale even more is perfect.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
I am going to concentrate on these three books in this series for now. I do however have a few ideas rumbling around in my brain, but right now I want people to understand the message behind my books and realize that they are teaching tools for not only parents but also teachers to start that all-too-important conversation about feelings with their children or students.
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Kale will want to go to the carnival every year knowing how much fun new experiences can be. Trying something new can be scary, but it can also be a great accomplishment for our little ones.
Just Be You
In Just Be You, Valerie Whetstone introduces readers to Pixie, a young fairy whose life is turned upside down when her parents announce they’re leaving the comfort of Fairy Town for the unfamiliar world of Humanville. For Pixie, this news is more than unsettling; it’s earth-shattering. Fairy Town is where she belongs, where she’s free to be herself without fear of judgment. In Humanville, she must conceal her wings and blend in with human children, a task that proves far more complicated than she expects.
Once relocated, Pixie begins attending a new school, and the struggle to hide her true identity intensifies. Every attempt to mask her wings ends in disappointment. Despite her best efforts, nothing seems to work. But Pixie isn’t ready to give up; she tries one final solution. Will it succeed? Readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages to discover whether Pixie’s bold move brings the acceptance she longs for or something even greater.
This charming tale is not only captivating but also imparts a resonant message. As Pixie wrestles with the pressure to conform, young readers are gently reminded of the power of authenticity. Her journey encourages children to embrace what makes them unique, reinforcing that trying to change who you are for others rarely brings true happiness. Instead, the story champions self-acceptance and honesty as the most empowering path.
The book’s back matter adds depth and interactivity that further enriches the reading experience. Whetstone includes a “Mirror Exercise” that encourages children to speak kind affirmations to themselves, an empowering activity that nurtures self-esteem. A whimsical recipe for Sprinkled Fairy Pancakes, introduced earlier in the story, adds a touch of fun and magic. Additionally, a Journal/Affirmations section invites young readers to reflect, draw, and express gratitude, promoting emotional awareness and self-love. Children can also create lists of “power words” to reinforce their inner strength.
The illustrations by Mel Schroeder are nothing short of enchanting. Every page bursts with warmth and color, pulling readers further into Pixie’s world. Schroeder’s talent shines through in each vibrant, full-page spread, harmonizing beautifully with the narrative.
Just Be You is a heartfelt and empowering picture book that encourages children to stand tall in their individuality. It’s an engaging, thoughtful read with endearing characters and stunning visuals, an excellent resource for parents and educators alike. A truly uplifting story with a timeless message.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DNQHFTTG
LITERARY TITAN 