Blog Archives
Nurse Florence®, What is Plasma?
Nurse Florence®, What is Plasma? offers a clear and engaging introduction to one of the body’s most essential components. The book follows three students, Jean, Condi, and Sonia, who meet with Nurse Florence during lunch and ask her how the body transports things through the blood. From there, the book presents a structured overview of plasma: its proportion within blood, its proteins and electrolytes, and its roles in immunity, hydration, nutrient distribution, and waste removal. The narrative is concise, accessible, and grounded firmly in basic health science.
One of the strengths of the book lies in its ability to introduce complex ideas without overwhelming young readers. When Nurse Florence points out that plasma makes up 55% of blood and shows an image of the yellow plasma layer above the white and red blood cells, the explanation is both simple and accurate. Similarly, the description of albumin as a protein that transports various substances, including medications, manages to convey the concept effectively without unnecessary technical language. These moments demonstrate a thoughtful balance between scientific precision and readability.
I also appreciated the book’s straightforward approach to explaining plasma’s functions. Descriptions of how plasma carries electrolytes, regulates pH, moves hormones, and distributes nutrients are presented in short, direct statements that build well on one another. Even the discussion of health concerns, such as bruising, bone pain, irregular heartbeat, and immune weakness, feels measured. The book acknowledges potential symptoms of plasma-related issues without creating fear, presenting them instead as part of a broader understanding of how the body maintains balance.
The practical guidance provided near the end reinforces the educational value of the book. Reminders to drink adequate water, eat a balanced diet, exercise, and practice proper hand hygiene are framed as sensible ways to support overall health. The story closes with the girls reflecting on what they learned, emphasizing the theme of continuous curiosity and encouraging readers to think more deeply about how their bodies work.
Nurse Florence®, What is Plasma? is a well-crafted resource for children, educators, and parents seeking a gentle introduction to human biology. It combines approachable storytelling with reliable scientific information, making it especially suitable for young readers who show an early interest in science or health. The book succeeds in presenting plasma not as an abstract concept, but as an active and vital part of daily life, and it does so with clarity, intention, and an encouraging tone.
Pages: 69 | ISBN: 1300913959
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Skin.
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Skin offers a delightful addition to a series designed to spark children’s curiosity about health and self-care. Michael Dow authors the text, with vivid illustrations by Madrid Rosario. The tone stays warm and welcoming throughout, inviting young readers into the basics of skin health.
The book opens with three eager students comparing human skin to Earth’s ozone layer. The analogy lands immediately and turns a complex idea into something friendly and approachable. Nurse Florence steps in as a calm, encouraging guide. Her explanations flow clearly and suit early readers well. Short scenes, straightforward dialogue, and familiar interactions make the material ideal for children ages 6–9. Biology feels less like a lesson and more like a natural part of the story.
Skin appears as the body’s largest organ, presented with clarity and helpful visual support. The three primary layers receive simple yet accurate descriptions. Common concerns, bug bites, allergies, stress-related flare-ups, enter the conversation, along with practical tips on hygiene, moisturizing, and sun safety. A glossary of dermatological terms and end-of-book reflection questions help solidify understanding and encourage deeper thinking.
A dedication to Florence Nightingale and Dr. Jean Watson anchors the book in compassion. Themes of hygiene, safety, empathy, and caring relationships gain added depth through their influence. Some scientific terms may feel ambitious for the youngest readers, yet the intention is clear: build confidence in early STEM learners.
The illustrations burst with personality. The characters’ subtle asymmetry gives the art a warm, lived-in feel. Nurse Florence moves with lively energy across the pages, and the playful layouts draw attention to expressive faces and dynamic gestures.
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Skin encourages children to value and care for their bodies with gentle reassurance. Its narrative promotes healthy habits without overwhelming young readers.
Pages: 70 | ISBN: 130091422X
The Grubby Feather Gang
The Grubby Feather Gang follows George, a boy caught in the middle of a village torn up by war and judgment. He deals with bullying, fear, and the shame that others try to pin on his family because his father refuses to fight. As he meets Emma and Stan, the three of them slip into this oddly sweet little friendship that grows out of chaos. They stumble into adventures, trouble, and eventually form the Grubby Feather Gang, a tiny group held together by loyalty and a grubby feather that somehow becomes a symbol of hope instead of cowardice.
Reading it felt like sitting beside these kids as their lives spun between fear and laughter. I found myself rooting for George right away. His thoughts felt real in this quiet, aching way. Sometimes I wanted to shake him, other times I just wanted to hug the kid. The writing surprised me. It has this softness running through all the messy bits. Even the sad scenes didn’t feel heavy for long because there was always some little spark of warmth or humor waiting around the corner. And Emma cracked me up constantly. She felt like the friend who shows up loud and strange and instantly makes everything better.
What I liked most were the ideas behind the story. It’s a book about courage that doesn’t sound preachy. It tackles judgment and fear and the pressure to fit in. But it does it through the eyes of children who are trying to make sense of a world that doesn’t make sense at all. Some moments hit harder than I expected. Other scenes felt gentle and simple in a way that made me smile without thinking about it. I liked that the book didn’t pretend everything gets fixed, only that sticking together makes the hard stuff feel less impossible.
I’d recommend The Grubby Feather Gang to kids who enjoy stories with heart and a bit of grit, and to adults who like children’s books that don’t talk down to anyone. It’s great for readers who want friendship, trouble, and a little hope woven into history.
Pages: 113 | ASIN : B01FARFVUG
Nurse Florence®, How Bad are Health Problems from Agent Orange?
Nurse Florence®, How Bad are Health Problems from Agent Orange? by Michael Dow is an outstanding and remarkably effective introduction to a difficult chapter of medical and military history. The book follows Jean, Condi, and Sonia as they sit down with Nurse Florence in their school cafeteria, seeking to understand the health issues affecting Jean’s uncle after his service in Vietnam. What begins as a simple lunchtime conversation becomes a clear, thoughtful, and deeply informative overview of Agent Orange, its use during the war, and the extensive long-term illnesses associated with exposure.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to handle a heavy subject with clarity, calmness, and compassion. The narrative structure, anchoring complex information within a child’s question, allows the material to unfold naturally. When Nurse Florence explains how soldiers came into contact with chemical-coated vegetation, the understated description makes the reality even more powerful. The book never resorts to dramatization; instead, it relies on plain, direct language that honors both the historical truth and the people harmed by it.
The detailed list of presumptive illnesses is especially notable. Conditions such as bladder cancer, chloracne, Hodgkin’s disease, and ischemic heart disease are introduced with concise explanations that strike a rare balance: scientifically accurate yet easily understood. The breadth of information is impressive, and although the format is systematic, the cumulative effect is striking and reinforces the gravity of Agent Orange’s legacy. The author’s careful wording ensures the content remains accessible without diminishing its emotional impact.
Equally memorable are the reflections from the three girls at the end of the story. Their brief but sincere comments about the cost of war and the value of peace provide a graceful conclusion that ties the factual content back to human experience. These moments offer warmth and perspective, reminding readers of all ages why understanding history and health matters.
Nurse Florence®, How Bad are Health Problems from Agent Orange? is an ideal resource for families, classrooms, and anyone seeking a clear, compassionate explanation of Agent Orange and its long-term consequences. Its thoughtful tone, well-organized information, and respectful handling of sensitive material make it a standout in children’s educational nonfiction. I highly recommend it to readers of all ages who want an introduction that is both informative and genuinely moving.
Pages: 92 | ASIN: 1300911409
Nurse Florence®, What is Acne?
Nurse Florence®, What is Acne?, written by Michael Dow and illustrated by Jacqueline Alvarez, delivers an impressive blend of education and entertainment for elementary-age readers. The narrative follows three friends, Jean, Condi, and Sonia, whose casual lunchtime chat in the school cafeteria quickly transforms into an unexpectedly engaging lesson with Nurse Florence. What begins as a simple question about pimples unfolds into a lively exploration of a subject nearly all tweens and teens will face: acne.
Nurse Florence guides the trio through the biology of acne with clarity and charm. Her explanations are supported by bright, easy-to-follow diagrams and introduce young readers to clogged follicles, active oil glands, and the full range of acne types, from common whiteheads and blackheads to deeper nodules and cystic breakouts. The tone remains friendly and inviting, yet every detail is anchored in scientific accuracy, making the material both digestible and meaningful.
Acne is more than a skin condition; it can deeply influence self-esteem. This story treats the subject with empathy, helping children understand not only what acne is, but why it happens. Dow’s extensive background in nursing and health sciences shines throughout the text, grounding the information in real expertise. The vocabulary remains accessible for young audiences while still introducing essential scientific terms, encouraging early confidence with health-related language. The illustrations further enhance comprehension by visualizing inflammation, oil production, and bacterial activity.
The book does not stop at basic definitions. It moves deeper, highlighting root causes, clearing up persistent myths, outlining environmental triggers, and exploring treatment options, everything from simple skincare routines to more advanced dermatological care. With its glossary, references, and reflective journal pages, the book becomes a resource children can revisit as they grow and learn. Focusing on elementary readers is a strategic and commendable choice; building health literacy early fosters curiosity, confidence, and lifelong self-care habits.
Nurse Florence®, What is Acne? is a valuable educational tool that informs, reassures, and empowers. I highly recommend this book for any child’s home or school library. Blending science with compassion, it offers young readers a clearer, kinder understanding of their own bodies, and that is truly impactful.
Pages: 158 | ISBN: 1300875577
Courageous Attitudes
The Tralls of Nosa follows a young girl who brings a strange and beautiful plant home as a gift for her mother, only to discover it is destructive, spreading and destroying everything its roots touch. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I live in rural Australia, and I am constantly battling outbreaks of lantana. It was introduced to Australia as an ornamental plant, but as is often the case with introduced species, it ran amok.
Lantana is a beautiful plant, but unfortunately, it’s an invasive weed that spreads easily, destroys native plants, is destructive for biodiversity, and is difficult to control. It’s also toxic for livestock, and it increases the intensity of our ever-present bushfires.
In The Tralls of Nosa, I wanted to draw attention to the problems that are caused for native flora and fauna when foreign species are introduced.
The characters in this novel were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
Mia was modelled on my youngest granddaughter, who demonstrates compassion, trust, reliability, and integrity, and I wanted to use those positive traits to create a character that would appeal to my young readers.
Asha, Shea, Cooper, Vail. and Addie were modelled on young friends who constantly impress me with their feisty, faithful, determined, and courageous attitudes.
What was the most challenging part of writing The Trall Series, and what was the most rewarding?
The Tralls of Nosa is the final book in The Trall Series, and I had to work hard to make sure it was fresh and impactful and not a rehash of the messages or events in previous books.
The most enjoyable part of writing this book was finally solving the underlying mysteries that were threaded throughout the series.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your series?
My aim was for The Trall Series to engender an interest in the natural environment and to make my readers more aware of the many problems it faces.
I hope that the strong, determined young characters in the series will demonstrate that you don’t have to wear a cape and do amazing stunts to be an environmental hero. Everyone can help to preserve their native flora and fauna by making small, impactful improvements in their activities.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
After destroying the village, the insidious plant forced its way into the forests and everglades, where it quickly killed all the native flora and forced the fauna to leave in a desperate search for food. As a result, the kinships of Nosa were faced with the prospect of starvation for the first time in their long history.
Now, some mysterious incomers have arrived and when it appears that they’ve cast a spell over Asha, the fief’s granddaughter leaving her in a lifeless trance, the kinships are convinced they’re the dreaded Chameleons who tried to force them out of their tralldom centuries ago.
Did they also send the plant to wreak havoc on Nosa and bring its tralls to their knees so they could finally achieve their plan to take over the tralldom?
Could these shattering events herald the end of life as she knows it or can Mia and her friends defeat the plant and the Chameleons, and save Asha?
The Tralls of Nosa is the fifth and final book in the Trall Series; an action-packed collection of portal fantasies set in the Australian bush.
It is suitable for competent readers from nine to thirteen years of age.
My Own Inner Child
What Bear Said centers around a wise bear and a curious young boy as they explore life lessons ranging from friendship to coping with grief. Where did the idea for this book come from?
I suppose I have been inspired and influenced by many children’s stories where a child and an animal are friends and have conversations that teach life lessons. Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin, for example. A recent book that definitely nudged me into beginning my book was Charlie Mackesy’s book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. I loved the simple art in that book and the ageless wisdom it conveys. I was also motivated to write because I am old now, and before it was too late, I wanted to distill the best and wisest lessons I had learned in my life and put them in a form that would be easily accessed by all ages, especially children. I also was inspired by actual bears who visited me at my home in Oregon. One adult black bear appearing on my roof one early morning got my full attention.
What is it that draws you to children’s literature?
Children’s literature appeals to me because of the blending of illustrations and writing. I love studying the art styles of the many wonderful illustrators. I also like entering into the world of children. When a book is well-written and shows true understanding of the child’s experience and view of the world, it gets me in touch with my own inner child and memories of my childhood. Truly good, classic children’s books often teach important lessons without being preachy or too academic. They are often fun and lighthearted…like a child.
The artwork in your book is fantastic. Can you give us some insight into your process?
I wanted to keep the illustrations simple enough to keep the focus on the relationship and emotional interaction between the boy and Bear. I wanted the setting and scenery to look like a real, wild woods. I wanted Bear and the other animal characters to look like real animals, not like cartoon characters. I wanted the boy to look like a real, human boy, but be simply drawn so readers could identify with him in some basic way. It was a bit tricky to make it all look real and yet not a specific location in a specific time and place. I wanted the overall look of the book to be mostly art that flowed and also let each illustration stand on its own.
What do you hope young readers and their families take away from What Bear Said?
I hope children who read my book, whether alone or reading with an adult, will feel it is really okay to ask any question they might have about tough things like death, prejudice, forgiveness, and so on. The boy asks questions that are real questions that I had as a child and still have as an older adult. I hope they get some help from Bear’s answers and will continue to explore the subjects of each chapter. I want each child to know they are not strange or weak if they have self-doubts, or have emotional ups and downs, or confusion about feelings and life in general. My vision is of parents or grandparents and children reading a chapter together and having an honest, meaningful conversation in response. I want any adult reading this book to be reminded of their childlikeness and of what is truly important to them…to be slowed down and calmed for a time long enough to remember why they are here and who they are.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Shortlisted in the 2024 Little Peeps Awards for Early Readers and Children’s Books
The boy has a lot of questions—hard ones about love, honesty, grief and loss, prejudice, forgiveness, why we are here, and more.
Bear’s wise answers are always offered with compassion and enthusiasm. The friendship between these two is deep, tender, and sometimes fun. Bear’s clear, common-sense philosophy of life is a welcome contrast to the complex world our children face today.
On the beautifully illustrated pages, you will also meet Jay, Raccoon, Badger, Elder Moose, and others who add to the fun and adventure.
Walk with Boy and Bear for a while in the woods and see what you might learn about life, love and other stuff.
This uplifting book will surely become a treasured collection of simple wisdom, inspiring rich, meaningful conversations between adults and children alike.
Nurse Florence®, What are Eosinophils?
Nurse Florence®, What Are Eosinophils? offers a clear and approachable explanation of a complex part of the immune system through a simple narrative involving three students and Nurse Florence. The book introduces eosinophils, explains where they originate, how they function, and what happens when their levels become too high or too low. The structure is straightforward, and the illustrations support the scientific concepts without overwhelming young readers.
One aspect I appreciated was Michael Dow’s ability to present advanced vocabulary in a way that respects a child’s capacity to understand. When Nurse Florence describes eosinophils as white blood cells with a “two-lobed nucleus” and “granules” containing toxic proteins, the explanation is concise yet accurate. The book manages to treat its audience seriously while still maintaining accessibility, and I found that balance effective.
I also found the discussion of health conditions linked to eosinophil levels to be handled with notable care. The sections describing Cushing’s syndrome, sepsis, or inflammation of the lungs and digestive tract avoid sensationalism, focusing instead on clarity and factual grounding. For example, the explanation of how eosinophils respond to allergens and may contribute to asthma is direct but reassuring. This approach helps young readers and the adults guiding them engage with medical information without feeling alarmed.
Another strong element of the book is its emphasis on practical habits. Nurse Florence’s advice on avoiding allergens, maintaining good hygiene, limiting alcohol, and preparing food safely demonstrates the author’s commitment to tying scientific understanding to everyday actions. These suggestions are simple, but they reinforce the idea that personal choices can support the body’s natural defenses. I found this integration of science and daily behavior thoughtful and well-placed within the narrative.
Nurse Florence®, What are Eosinophils? would be well suited for elementary-aged readers with an interest in how the body works, as well as educators and parents seeking reliable, age-appropriate introductions to medical concepts. It offers clear explanations, steady pacing, and information presented with respect for young learners’ curiosity. Readers who enjoy science-themed picture books or who are beginning to explore topics in human biology would find it especially beneficial.
Pages: 68 | ASIN: 1300913924
LITERARY TITAN 