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Nurse Florence®, What are Signs Something is Wrong with My Kidneys?
Nurse Florence®, What are Signs Something is Wrong with My Kidneys? is a friendly, kid-focused walk-through of kidney basics and early signs of kidney trouble. The story follows three curious girls, Jean, Condi, and Sonia, as they chat with Nurse Florence in the school cafeteria and learn how kidneys work, why they matter, and what warning signs to look out for. The book mixes simple explanations, gentle illustrations, and clear examples, making a complicated topic feel surprisingly easy to absorb.
I found myself smiling at how straightforward the storytelling is. The moment where Nurse Florence explains that kidneys filter “a large bathtub full of fluid every day” made me sit back in awe, because that’s an image that sticks with you. I also loved that the book doesn’t dodge real medical words, like nephron and electrolyte, but still manages to keep the mood light. It never feels stuffy or lecturing, just honest and clear. I appreciated that balance, and I think kids will too.
The way the book lays out the symptoms feels powerful but genuinely useful. When the book mentions muscle cramping as a sign of electrolyte imbalance or foamy urine being linked to excess protein, it made me think about how many adults don’t even know these things. The writing offers small moments of surprise without ever trying to alarm the reader. Even the bit about puffy eyes, something almost everyone has dealt with, feels like a friendly nudge to pay attention to your body. I liked how the examples are simple but surprisingly memorable.
The characters’ responses help maintain a warm and inviting tone. When the girls conclude by saying that understanding their bodies “makes you feel empowered,” the sentiment resonated with me. It’s sweet but also real, there’s an emotional lift to it. The book consistently conveys the message that understanding one’s health is both possible and meaningful, a sentiment I found genuinely moving. And the illustrations sprinkled throughout add a nice bit of charm without distracting from the information.
I’d recommend Nurse Florence®, What are Signs Something is Wrong with My Kidneys? to curious kids, parents who like reading educational stories together, or anyone who wants a friendly intro to kidney health without digging through medical websites. It’s simple, upbeat, and surprisingly engaging.
Pages: 69 | ISBN : 1300886765
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Occipital Lobe
The story centers on Jean, Condi, and Sonia, three inquisitive children eager to understand how the brain functions much like a video camera. Nurse Florence becomes their guide as she introduces the occipital lobe and its essential link to the eye, the partnership that makes sight possible. She moves steadily deeper, revealing how the retina and neurons work in concert. Her explanations clarify how the brain interprets color and distance, and how spatial processing helps us recognize shape, texture, and detail. All of this unfolds through the intricate signals passed from eye to brain.
Dow structures the book with a clear purpose: to empower young readers with scientific language early in life. He aims to stretch their vocabulary and broaden their intellectual horizons. His hope extends even further, that exposure to these concepts will inspire children to eventually explore careers in STEM fields. Some may argue that the terminology is ambitious for young readers, yet it feels like an intentional step toward long-term success. Children absorb information rapidly; their developing brains welcome precision. Learning how the body works, with accurate terms, gives them a strong foundation for later understanding.
Reading this book taught me more about vision than I ever gleaned from a standard biology course. The comparison between a camera and the occipital lobe struck me as unexpectedly insightful, illuminating how closely the two systems mirror each other in purpose and design. YunTse Lee’s illustrations elevate the experience further. The placement of the occipital and temporal lobes becomes immediately clear, and the artwork itself, clean, vibrant, and thoughtfully composed, beautifully supports the narrative.
The book is rich and engaging, and it also introduces a few non-scientific words that can help broaden young readers’ vocabulary. These words present exciting opportunities for learning and curiosity across different age groups. Dow’s storytelling is lively and well-structured. The plot flows naturally, and the three young protagonists embody the boundless curiosity children often display after discovering something fascinating.
I highly recommend this book to parents who want to nurture their children’s understanding of how we perceive the world. It invites young readers into the wonders of the human brain, offering both knowledge and inspiration.
Pages: 73 | ISBN: 1300881984
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Bladder.
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Bladder is a warm, easygoing children’s book that explains how the bladder works through a simple lunchtime conversation between three girls and Nurse Florence. The story mixes everyday school life with clear medical teaching, so kids learn about urine, bladder signals, and healthy bathroom habits without feeling overwhelmed. It’s straightforward, friendly, and built to make anatomy feel normal rather than awkward.
I liked how smoothly the author blends casual dialogue with real science. Sonia mentioning she “really had to go to the bathroom” sets up the whole discussion, and Nurse Florence jumps right in with a clear explanation of how the bladder stretches and signals the brain when it’s about half full. It feels like the kind of natural conversation curious kids might actually have, and the mix of school-day chatter with anatomy lessons works surprisingly well.
I was also impressed by how direct the book is. When Nurse Florence talks about strong-smelling urine being a sign of infection, the information is simple and non-scary. The same goes for advice not to urinate constantly without urges because it can make the bladder more sensitive. I appreciated how open and practical the writing is; it doesn’t tiptoe around bodily functions, and it doesn’t make them awkward. Kids get clear facts they can use.
Some of the boldest parts ended up being my favorites. The book openly mentions topics adults usually avoid with kids, like why you shouldn’t hold urine too long or how older adults often wake at night to urinate. It even explains that women may leak urine for a while after giving birth. I honestly didn’t expect that level of honesty in a kids’ book, but I admire it. It normalizes real experiences and gives kids vocabulary they’ll eventually need.
By the time the girls head back to class talking about what they learned, the book leaves you with a sense of calm, curiosity, and confidence. It’s educational without being heavy and caring without being sugary.
I’d recommend Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Bladder to elementary-age kids, teachers, parents, and even pediatric healthcare workers who want a friendly, no-nonsense way to teach anatomy. It’s perfect for curious young readers and for adults who appreciate clear, warm explanations of how the body works.
Pages: 51 | ISBN: 1300907142
Leave Them a Legacy
The Tralls of Nindarry follows two ordinary children who, while visiting their grandparents, discover a hidden realm of magical beings called the Tralls and wind up on an epic quest. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Fantasy is a wonderful genre that exercises our brains and encourages us to think outside the box.
Young people today are often presented with a world facing shattering crises and heroes that save it by blowing up the invaders or performing dangerous and unbelievable stunts.
I wanted to introduce my readers to the beauty of nature and the dangers it faced. I also wanted them to realize they could be the heroes who save it for future generations to enjoy – not by engaging in incredible feats of daring or strength but by making small changes that could have a great impact.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
The tralldoms were modelled on Badu Island, where we once lived and where we were very happy.
The setting of this story is my beloved Mt Ninderry. A beautiful mountain, shaped like a resting lion, and filled with an abundance of Australia’s amazing flora and fauna.
Of course, I needed to change some facets of the setting to accommodate the plot as it developed.
What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write The Tralls of Nindarry?
I was a classroom teacher for many years, and I took classes as well in Drama, Digital Storytelling, and Creative Writing.
I also enjoyed entertaining my classes with stories of the brave tralls fighting to save their ancestral lands, but I was always careful not to impinge on the myths and legends of the traditional residents.
When I retired, I became The Storyteller and entertained children with my themed stories both locally and internationally, and I realised that even in this digital age, children love to be told stories.
When I had my own grandchildren, I wanted to leave them a legacy, so I combined some of my stories into a book and based the main characters, Bella and Gemayn, on them.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
My stories are complete. There are five published books in the Trall Series:
The Tralls of Nindarry
The Tralls of Mundi
The Tralls of Maruchus
The Tralls of Colum
The Tralls of Nosa
Each one covers an environmental problem impacting our natural world.
I hope these books will make young people more aware of the beauty and importance of our precious flora and fauna, and encourage them to become real heroes by taking care of their own natural environment.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Suddenly, the tralls are forced to go to war to save their ancestral lands from the evil Mr. Handley and Gemayn and his grandmother are trapped in the tralldom. During their enforced stay, Gemayn uncovers a long-held secret that links his family to the tralls. Could it shatter the emerging friendship between Gemayn, Bella, and the tralls, or will it destroy the bonds of trust that have always existed between them and their beloved grandparents?
The Tralls of Nindarry, written by emerging author Gayle Torrens, is the first book in The Trall Series; a collection of five portal fantasies set in Australia. It explores the concepts of intergenerational relationships, trust, loyalty, self-confidence, and environmental issues.
In 2024, The Tralls of Nindarry was awarded a Golden Wizard Book Prize for a fantasy book written for eight to twelve-year-old readers.
Bart Bantam The Flying Rooster
Bart Bantam the Flying Rooster, written and illustrated by Fred Pollard, delivers a warm, spirited tale that appeals to readers of every age. Brimming with charm, gentle humor, and an uplifting message, it offers inspiration without ever feeling heavy-handed. Geared toward children ages 5–8, the story follows Bart short for Bartholomew Bantam, a small bantam rooster with an outsized dream: to fly. In a world where chickens stay earthbound by instinct and self-doubt, Bart pushes past limits with courage, kindness, and a determination that refuses to dim. His journey becomes a reminder that self-belief can lift even the most impossible dreams off the ground, a theme that resonates with anyone who has ever reached for something beyond their grasp.
The illustrations bring the story to life with vivid color and lively detail. Each page feels animated and inviting, pulling young readers deeper into a landscape shaped by whimsy and perseverance. Pollard’s artwork mirrors the cadence of the narrative, making the book a natural fit for family read-aloud moments. Beneath its playful tone, the story carries a deeper truth: differences are not drawbacks but quiet strengths waiting to be acknowledged and celebrated.
What resonated with me most was its message, one that stirred ambitions I’d long tucked away. Dream boldly. Rise above ridicule. Keep going when the world insists you can’t. Even under the weight of Billy’s bullying, Bart and his friend Buddy leap to help when danger threatens him. Forgiveness, bravery, and self-trust intertwine here with surprising depth. Pollard takes a simple premise, a rooster determined to fly, and uses it to explore resilience, kindness, and the grace of choosing compassion over resentment.
Bart Bantam isn’t just another children’s comic; it’s a feel-good reminder that small wings can still carry enormous dreams. Young readers will find a hero in Bart’s boundless enthusiasm, while adults will appreciate the quiet wisdom tucked between the lines.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0DYNS8LK6
The Adventures of Troy Home Again
Troy the Bald Eagle has soared through many adventures, but this time, he faces a new kind of journey: adulthood. With maturity comes the yearning for companionship, for someone to share the beauty of his beloved farm and the rhythm of daily life. Though Troy loves his home and friends, life feels incomplete without a partner beside him. Fortune smiles when he spots Aliana, a graceful female bald eagle. Their connection is instant. Through gentle gestures and shared moments, the two discover they are perfectly matched. Together with the farm animals who have long been Troy’s friends, they embark on a new and heartwarming chapter.
The Adventures of Troy: Home Again is a children’s book designed for readers ages 2 to 9. Hope Kelley not only penned the story but also brought it to life through her own illustrations. The tale is short and accessible, crafted with young and beginning readers in mind. There’s no peril here, no great conflict, just the comforting story of friendship, affection, and discovery. The focus rests squarely on Troy and Aliana, offering a gentle introduction to how two creatures (or people) might notice, admire, and grow fond of one another.
As in most children’s books, the artwork carries equal importance to the text, and Kelley proves herself skilled on both fronts. Her illustrations burst with color and warmth; dogs, swans, and other farm animals practically leap from the page. Each image is lively enough to hold a child’s attention, whether the story is being read aloud or enjoyed independently. Thoughtfully, Kelley has also woven in an educational component: advanced vocabulary words appear throughout the story, supported by a glossary and fun facts about bald eagles at the end of the book.
There’s much to appreciate here: the gentle narrative, the endearing characters, and the subtle encouragement for young readers to expand their vocabulary. Simple, sweet, and visually engaging, this book delivers both charm and learning in equal measure. The Adventures of Troy: Home Again is the kind of story that can easily become a bedtime favorite, offering warmth, imagination, and just the right touch of wonder.
Pages: 60 | ASIN : B0F4T7V27D
An Entertaining Duo
Candace McFly: Undercover Spy Case #1 The Botched Beauty Pageant follows a sharp, puzzle-loving third grader who enters the town’s beauty pageant despite her fears to help her friends and solve a mystery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I was a Writing Lab teacher about 4 years ago, I was beginning a fun Mystery Writing unit for my 3rd graders to start after just completing our state testing that spring. I was randomly brainstorming possible story ideas modeling what my students would soon be doing. Since I had a small background in pageants when I was in high school, I thought this would be a fun topic to write about. Originally, it was going to be a spoof on pageants, but it turned into something totally different.
As we got further into our unit, I developed a character sketch on my two main characters- Candace and Arnold- before I even began writing the story. My students loved them right off the bat, saying they felt they’d be friends with Candace and Arnold if they were real kids! As I wrote the first two chapters, modeling how to incorporate various writing strategies, the students LOVED the storyline and proposed a challenge to me; to turn these ideas into a book. Having always wanted to write a book but thinking it wouldn’t happen until retirement and readily accepting a challenge because I constantly asked them to take risks as writers, I accepted! I wrote the entire summer and into September, submitted to a few publishers, and the rest is history! I loved the characters of Candace and Arnold; their personalities work well together, making for an entertaining duo.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
That makes me so happy that you loved Candace and Arnold! I love them, too, and enjoyed writing for both equally, but in different ways. Since Candace was telling the story through her eyes, she wasn’t that difficult to write for. She helped guide me through the storyline. However, the challenge with her was to show what a strong, smart girl she is, but not come across as a know-it-all. I wanted her to be likeable and relatable, yet vulnerable and humble at the same time. As a teacher, I see a lot of personalities come through my classroom. My goal with Candace was to show what a true friend is like and make her a role model to young girls who read this book (and future books to come), and that there’s nothing wrong with being smart or having fears. Be comfortable in your own skin.
And then there’s Arnold… I knew I wanted to have a partnership where one of the characters is quirky and fun. One that people will roll their eyes at from his outlandish ideas and actions. But also, a character who rises from vulnerability and being in the shadows, to one exhibiting leadership and caring about others. Most of the time, I’d be giggling writing Arnold’s parts, or they’d bring me to tears. Arnold is a hybrid of all the quirky boys I’ve taught throughout my past 30 years and sprinkled with my imagination.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing, or did it develop organically?
As I mentioned earlier, this idea originally came from a lesson in my Writing Lab. While modeling the writing process for my students, I did indeed create a skeletal plan (a story map) of how I envisioned the story developing. But as I completed writing the first few chapters and introducing new characters, the story morphed in a totally different direction than I ever imagined.
I once read how Michael Connelly, one of my favorite mystery writers, has an initial idea for the big idea of his novel, but he then lets the story take him where it’s supposed to go, and he won’t know what that is until he gets there. I feel that’s how I am as a writer as well. I had an initial plan, but certain events I created caused a chain reaction or led to another event I never saw coming. In fact, even as I got toward the end of writing The Botched Beauty Pageant, I had no clue as to how it would end. I didn’t want to make it too obvious with the clues I’d been leaving thus far, so I had to get creative. My initial plan was nowhere near where I landed in this Live Oak journey.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Candace McFly and the direction of the second book?
I would be delighted to! Actually, I’ve already written the next installment in the Candace McFly, Undercover Spy series: https://a.co/d/8npwOny (Case No. 2 The Phantom of Live Oak). Candace, Arnold, and all of their Live Oak friends are back with even more adventure and crazy shenanigans, with a touch of a kid-friendly ghost story.
Currently, I am working on Case No. 3, which isn’t titled yet- I don’t create the titles until I’ve finished writing the entire book- but it is a treasure-hunt themed adventure.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Candace is not your typical third grader–or your typical girl for that matter. She’s not into her appearance or competing in the Li’l Miss Live Oak pageant like all her friends are or the ladies in her family were. Her mama was a Li’l Miss Live Oak, her grandmother was…her great-grandmother too. But she has no interest in competing even though it’s her year to. Plus, there’s that little stage fright issue she has.
But she does love to figure out puzzles and mysteries! Her best friend, Arnold, isn’t like other boys their age either, but his quirky ways make him the perfect sidekick who always keeps things interesting.
Normally, life in a small town can be dull. But not in Live Oak. School has just ended, and Live Oak’s pageant season has just begun, along with mysterious happenings to the contestants. Candace’s friend Anna Kate swims up to Candace and Arnold at the School’s Out for Summer Soiree, requesting Candace’s help. Telling her a tale so unbelievable, Candace can’t help but be reeled in as more bizarre events keep occurring to her friends.
To truly find the culprit, Candace must make one of the toughest choices of her life–go undercover, becoming a contestant in Li’l Miss Live Oak, overcome her stage fright phobia, and catch whoever is trying to botch the beauty pageant. With Arnold by her side, anything’s possible, but will they solve it in time to crown the next Li’l Miss Live Oak?
LITERARY TITAN 