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Nurse Florence(R), Why Do I Need to Eat Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin?
Nurse Florence, Why Do I Need to Eat Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin? is an educational children’s book by Michael Dow, aimed at explaining the importance of Vitamin B12 in a simple, accessible way. Through a friendly conversation between three girls and Nurse Florence in their school cafeteria, the book breaks down complex science into digestible pieces. The characters talk about the sources of Vitamin B12, its role in the body, and what happens when we don’t get enough of it. Vivid illustrations and straightforward explanations make this a solid resource for young readers interested in science or health.
What struck me first was how the book introduces such a specific topic—Vitamin B12—yet makes it relatable to kids. The casual conversation with Nurse Florence creates a comfortable learning environment. I appreciated how the author used real-world examples, like eating chicken or fish, to explain how we get B12 from our diet. The breakdown of scientific concepts, like how bacteria create the vitamin, felt thoughtful. One thing that stands out about the writing is how the author isn’t afraid to introduce bigger words and terms, like “cobalamin” or “anemia,” while still explaining them in a way kids can grasp. In the “Pronunciations” section, readers can practice saying these words aloud, which makes it interactive. I can see this being a great tool for parents who want their kids to develop scientific literacy early. The illustrations play a crucial role in the book’s appeal. The detailed drawings help visualize everything from how B12 is made to what happens inside our bodies. It’s one thing to read about nerve function, but seeing it illustrated brings the text to life. At the same time, I think more vibrant colors or varied scenes could make the visuals even more engaging for younger readers.
Nurse Florence, Why Do I Need to Eat Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin? is a thoughtful educational tool for kids, especially those with an interest in science or health. It’s informative, clear, and written with a genuine intent to educate. I’d recommend this book for parents, teachers, or librarians looking to introduce nutrition and science concepts to elementary-aged children in an approachable way.
Pages: 74 | ISBN : 1312012285
Self-Confidence and Resilience
Jaimie’s Magical Words follows a young girl who begins her day with a series of uplifting affirmations, setting a positive tone as she embarks on her daily adventures. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In Jaimie’s Magical Words, I wanted to emphasize the power of self-belief, positivity, and the importance of representation. It was important for me to share that words can shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions—especially for young children. I wanted children of all backgrounds, especially girls of color, to see themselves reflected in a story that encourages them to love who they are and to speak kindly to themselves. The affirmations in the book serve as a tool to help build self-confidence and resilience, which are crucial for navigating life’s challenges.
The art in this book is fantastic and brings your story to life. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Katerina Voytes?
Collaborating with Katerina Voytes was a wonderful experience. We were both passionate about ensuring that Jaimie’s world was vibrant, joyful, and reflective of her spirit. Katerina has a gift for capturing emotions and expressions, and that was incredibly important to convey my message in a way that felt authentic and relatable to children. We worked closely on each illustration to make sure it aligned with the vision of the story and would resonate with my younger readers. I am so grateful for Katrina’s attention to detail, talent, and dedication to this project.
Will there be a follow-up book to this story, maybe a book of child-friendly affirmations? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, there will definitely be a follow-up book, but it won’t be focused solely on affirmations. While I don’t want to reveal too much just yet, I can share that the next project will continue to inspire and encourage my young audience—especially girls—that they can do and be anything. The new book will continue to build on the themes of empowerment and positivity that are central to Jaimie’s Magical Words while exploring new and exciting adventures. I’m excited to continue this journey and share more when the time is right! My hope is to create a series where each book becomes a tool that parents, teachers, and caregivers can use to nurture self-confidence, emotional intelligence, and more in children. Stay tuned—there’s more magic on the way!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Say hello to Jaimie, a cheerful little girl who relies on the power of daily affirmations to navigate through all of life’s moments. Jaimie’s affirmations become her guiding light – instilling confidence, kindness, and self-love. Through colorful illustrations and heartwarming storytelling, ‘Jaimie’s Magical Words’ inspires young readers to embrace positivity and the magic that lies within.
Nurse Florence®, What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Nurse Florence: What is Type 1 Diabetes? by Michael Dow provides an informative and accessible introduction to the complex topic of Type 1 Diabetes, tailored for young readers. The story follows a group of students, Jean, Condi, and Sonia, as they meet with Nurse Florence, who educates them about the disease in a clear, engaging way. Through simple language and easy-to-understand illustrations, Nurse Florence explains what Type 1 Diabetes is, its symptoms, causes, treatments, and the challenges that come with managing the disease.
What I found particularly effective about this book is its ability to break down complex medical concepts into terms that kids can grasp. When Nurse Florence explains how insulin works in the body, she uses diagrams and comparisons that make the information easy to visualize. This type of clarity is essential, especially for younger readers or those who might be learning about this disease for the first time. The straightforward approach helps demystify a topic that can seem overwhelming. Some sections repeated key points, particularly when discussing the symptoms and complications of diabetes, which helps reinforce important information. This thorough approach can be especially valuable for readers who benefit from extra clarity and detail, ensuring they fully grasp the concepts. One aspect I truly appreciated was how the book offered practical advice for living with Type 1 Diabetes. Beyond just presenting facts, it gave suggestions that readers—whether children with diabetes or those learning about it—could apply in real life. For instance, Nurse Florence’s discussion on healthy eating habits, checking blood sugar, and the importance of exercise gives readers tangible takeaways. The inclusion of tools like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors is also a great touch, showing how modern technology plays a role in disease management.
Nurse Florence: What is Type 1 Diabetes? is a well-crafted educational tool for children and their families. Its simple explanations, combined with its focus on real-life application, make it an ideal resource for young readers curious about Type 1 Diabetes or those who need to understand the condition better. This book is perfect for kids who have a family member with diabetes, educators looking to introduce health topics in the classroom, or anyone seeking a basic understanding of this condition in a format that’s easy to digest.
Pages: 232 | ISBN : 978-1304939999
Nurse Florence®, What is Type 2 Diabetes?
In Nurse Florence, What is Type 2 Diabetes? by Michael Dow, students Condi, Jean, and Sonia embark on a lunchtime discussion about the future of the planet, sparked by a lesson on climate change. Their conversation takes a curious turn as they ponder whether a disease could affect the human body in the same way climate change impacts the Earth. Their curiosity leads them to Nurse Florence in the cafeteria, where they receive a thorough, yet gentle, explanation of type 2 diabetes, its symptoms, and its effects on the body.
This latest installment in the Nurse Florence series once again delivers valuable health information in a way that is both engaging and accessible. Before reading this book, I, like many others, had heard of diabetes and knew people affected by it, but I struggled to grasp exactly what type 2 diabetes is and how it impacts the body. Through the ever-inquisitive trio of Jean, Condi, and Sonia, I gained a clear understanding of the disease in a manner that was easy to digest. Nurse Florence carefully explains the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, shedding light on the factors that can contribute to the progression of the disease over time. She also provides practical advice on managing diabetes, emphasizing the importance of working with healthcare providers to adjust diet, exercise, and medications as needed. Diabetes can indeed be a daunting topic, but Nurse Florence’s approach is reassuring. She highlights the many ways to manage the disease and encourages readers to take proactive steps in protecting their health. The illustrations by Tim Kaney further enhance this message, portraying Nurse Florence with a warm and compassionate demeanor. Her calming presence, combined with the clear, informative content, makes the complex topic of type 2 diabetes approachable and less intimidating.
Designed for readers aged 7 and up, this book is a valuable tool for both parents and educators who want to teach children about type 2 diabetes in a non-threatening way. Whether read independently or together, Nurse Florence, What is Type 2 Diabetes? continues the series’ mission to educate and empower readers, one step at a time. This latest entry is a testament to the series’ enduring quality and importance.
Pages: 154 | ISBN : 1312585994
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Pancreas
Nurse Florence, Tell Me About Pancreas, by Michael Dow, RN, MS, MHA, MSM, with illustrations by Jasmine Nguyen, offers a unique exploration into the digestive system, focusing on the pancreas. The story unfolds during a lunchtime chat where Nurse Florence enlightens Cody, Jean, and Sonia about the intricacies of this essential organ. Through this engaging conversation, the nurse delivers clear explanations, patiently addressing all the girls’ queries. Vibrant visuals accompany the lesson, transforming complex medical concepts into easily digestible information.
This educational book is a part of Dow’s series aimed at raising awareness on crucial health topics. This particular edition zeroes in on the pancreas, a critical yet often overlooked part of the digestive system. Drawing inspiration from a real-life nursing pioneer, Dow uses Nurse Florence as a vehicle to impart valuable medical knowledge to his readers. The narrative is crafted with care, presenting Nurse Florence as a knowledgeable yet approachable guide. The story is grounded in real medical science, making the information both relevant and accurate. The book’s brevity and brisk pacing make it an easy read, ensuring readers quickly grasp the fundamental concepts about the pancreas. Nguyen’s illustrations are vibrant and engaging, strategically placed throughout the book to hold the reader’s attention. These visuals serve not just to entertain but also to reinforce the information being presented. I feel the vocabulary may be challenging for some, but it’s well-suited for young readers eager to learn. The inclusion of a pronunciation guide further enhances the educational value, helping readers improve their language skills while they learn about the pancreas.
Dow has succeeded in creating a read that is both informative and enjoyable with Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Pancreas. He provides young readers with a fun-filled journey into the world of medical science.
Love is a Choice
Cozy Critters on the Ark follows a little mouse living in peaceful solitude who goes on an exciting adventure on Noah’s Ark and learns the meaning of friendship and happiness. What was the inspiration for your story?
My husband and I created the Cozy Critter world because of our love for small pets that make a lasting impact in one’s lives. Our guinea pig, Cooper, means a lot to us and we wanted to create a world where small creatures can make huge impacts in things and people around them. Kids can sometimes feel like they’re small and they don’t matter but our story hopefully teaches them that they do matter and their acts of kindness can change others and themselves.
The art in this book is fantastic, really bringing the story to life. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Michael Collazo?
Working with my husband was an absolute privilege and honor. We learned a lot about our marriage and working together as a team. Michael is a unique artist because he doesn’t use any image references when he illustrates and everything you see in our book comes from his heart. In this book, he would draw the images first and then we would both add words to it, which is normally the opposite of the story writing process. This made it so that the illlustrations became the primary focus and our story weaved in and out of them. Michael has never taken an art class in his life. He is truly a unique artist and I pale in comparison to him and have a more realistic art style.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Love is a choice and every day is full of choices to make. We can strive to make this world a better place by loving people just as they are, which is a biblical principle my husband and I try to live out daily and requires an internal decision of us even when it might be hard. Rufi has his flaws by taking on tasks harder than he expects, not asking for help, and letting his introverted nature create a barrier between him and people who might enjoy him. The Cozy Critters accept him just as he is and we did not want to change him- he is still a guarded little workaholic mouse. But he does learn a thing or two about the value of loving others and letting one be loved in return. Friends can easily become family, especially if you did not have a traditional family upbringing and this book also has friendship, belonging, kindness, and displacement themes.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Our next book in the Cozy Critter Storytime Series will focus around Henrietta, the bossy go-getter bunny. She will want to take over the Christmas planning and readers will see what happens when her long list of action items gets fulfilled. Although she is a bit of a control freak, she is just as fragile as Rufi and has endearing qualities we will be developing. The book, Henrietta Ruins Christmas, will be released in the Fall of 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
YOU are about to embark on an adventure with the world’s greatest friends, the Cozy Critters! Join us for the first heartwarming story in the Cozy Critters Storytime Series, which takes place alongside the biblical record of Noah’s Ark. The events that transpire will leave you saying…
“Why am I cheering and clapping for a mouse?!”
Rufi the workaholic mouse has friends but lives a solitary life. When he isn’t working hard, he enjoys reading a good book with a nice cup of coffee. His world is quickly turned upside down when he finds himself thrust into an adventure alongside new companions. When Rufi is displaced from his solitary treehouse, he may just discover that sharing the world with unexpected friends is what brings him true happiness!
Join Rufi as he is caught up in the action aboard Noah’s Ark and learns that any place can be a home if it is filled with love. This whimsical tale demonstrates a simple truth which is held dear by its authors, “Love never fails.” This book was created to support connection between children and the adults who are teaching them about life. While it contains fictional elements and absurdities, it aims to provide children with examples of belonging and kindness and demonstrate how friendship can rescue you from life’s biggest storms.
We understand that children navigate many of the same kinds of problems as adults, including finding ourselves in new living situations, situational family dynamics, and unexpected displacement. This book encourages children to broaden their ideas about belonging and helps them to see that they are surrounded by others who are willing to share their world.
Note: Side effects of this book may include wearing a red shirt, being a better friend, and cozy behavior.
Gigglet The Happy Little Piglet Goes to Summer Camp
Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet Goes to Summer Camp perfectly captures the joy of outdoor play and the power of friendship. Gigglet is the most cheerful piglet around. She eagerly embarks on her summer camp adventure, where she enjoys a variety of activities with her friends. From the peaceful moments around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and singing songs, to the energetic team-based games and friendly competitions, the book shows how nature offers endless ways to have fun.
Author A.M. Berkowitz combines a heartwarming tale of camaraderie and adventure in this beautiful picture book. The story invites children to imagine themselves in Gigglet’s shoes and even try some of the activities like arts and crafts or creating their own camp-inspired games. The story paints a picture of a day filled with respect, trust, and positive interactions while promoting the simple pleasures of life.
The pacing is unhurried reminding us of the joy found in slowing down and reconnecting with the natural world. The author’s engaging and melodious narration, coupled with simple yet effective language, makes this children’s book accessible and enjoyable for young readers. The illustrations are equally captivating, with each scene bringing to life a different moment of camp fun. The characters are designed with a joyful charm, radiating enthusiasm that leaps off the page. The vibrant artwork and lively text create a picture book that is sure to hold a child’s attention from beginning to end.
Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet Goes to Summer Camp is focused on practical and cooperative activities that encourage children to move, explore, and work together. This delightful tale will inspire young readers to embrace the outdoors, appreciate their surroundings and treat others with kindness.
ASIN: B0DBFQS7NB
LITERARY TITAN 