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Try This Instead
Nurse Florence: Why Should We Avoid Illegal Drugs? addresses a topic many parents find hard to discuss with their children and teaches kids not only what to avoid but also healthy coping strategies for stress and anxiety. What inspired you to write on this topic?
At my day job at an inpatient psychiatric hospital as a floor nurse, we regularly get patients that deal with mental health issues linked to illegal drug use. We need to significantly lower the usage of these drugs to help create a healthier society. Illegal drug use not only affects a person’s personal finances, but usually also disrupts many relationships in their life. I included some healthy coping skills in the book because we didn’t want to just say “Don’t do this”, but we also wanted to say “Try this instead.”
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
Honestly, my writing started with poetry in high school which was inspired by Jim Morrison. Writing books for kids was an evolution in my skills.
What do the words “literary success” mean to you? How do you picture it?
Literary success regarding the Nurse Florence project would be experiencing a society in the future where the mass public is well-educated on the workings of their body that most everyone can have an intelligent conversation with their medical provider about their health conditions so that it is not just a one way street of information. I would like to see the world largely free of preventable diseases so that we live longer lives with high quality. I’d like to see a world where health care dollars in every society are spent on preventing diseases instead of needing to deal with managing diseases.
What do your plans for future projects include?
Our next book series titled Nurse Dorothea will launch next year. It will be entirely focused on mental health. It is in honor of Dorothea Dix, who advocated for the mentally ill in the early 1800s. Our web address for the series will be www.nursedorothea.com, and will be active by next summer.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Spleen
There is no one better than the school nurse to answer questions about the human body and its functions. Jean, Condi, and Sonia know that very well. They enjoy their time sitting with Nurse Florence and discussing health and wellness. When Jean tells Condi and Sonia about her dad’s new water filtration system, the three girls are inspired to ask Nurse Florence about a similar system in the human body. Nurse Florence, always ready to educate her students, is more than happy to explain the role of the spleen in our immune systems.
Michael Dow has returned with another entertaining and informative addition to his series. In the newest installment, Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Spleen, Dow gives children an in-depth look at the spleen and its functions. The dialogue between Nurse Florence and the three girls is direct and accompanied by detailed illustrations, most of which are being shown to the girls via the Nurse’s cell phone. Dow and illustrator Jessica Foncannon have teamed up to hand readers a quick read with relatable characters and vivid drawings that will leave them well-informed about the lymphatic system.
While Jean, Condi, Sonia, and Nurse Florence lay the perfect framework for an age-appropriate explanation of complex medical concepts, I feel the dialogue was sometimes challenging to follow. A few of the exchanges between characters feature two speakers within a paragraph. As a teacher, I can see that some younger readers might find it difficult to discern who is speaking.
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Spleen gives young readers and adults a medically accurate and accessible explanation of this important body part. Overall, Dow has again provided parents, teachers, and children a wealth of knowledge in a neatly wrapped package.
Pages: 65 | ISBN : 9781312226562
Nurse Florence®, What is Asthma?
It’s important for children to understand what is happening to them. There are many children with medical conditions who may not truly understand what is going on with their bodies. This may be because parents aren’t sure how to explain it to them in age-appropriate terms. What is too advanced? What is not informal enough? Using improper wording can skew a child’s understanding of their own medical condition. In Nurse Florence, What is Asthma? Written by Michael Dow and illustrated by Iris Serrano, children will be given factual information surrounding the medical condition of asthma.
Taking place in a school during a physical education class, our readers follow along with Jean as she begins to experience her symptoms of asthma while engaging in exercise with her class. She makes her way to the school nurse, Nurse Florence, who takes the time to carefully explain to Jean using age-appropriate language and other information so that Jean can understand what asthma is, how it occurs, and how it can be treated.
It should be noted that in this book, Dow does not use childish names or phrases when describing the condition of asthma. It can often be a detrimental side effect when children do not understand the proper terminology for their conditions, which can lead to misunderstandings if the child requires aid and is unable to explain in a way others outside their family can understand.
Nurse Florence, What is Asthma? By Michael Dow and illustrated by Iris Serrano is a must-read for children who also experience asthma or have a loved one who does.
Pages: 79 | ISBN : 9781458306449
Nurse Florence®, What are Emotions?
The concept of emotions can be difficult for young children to understand. Sometimes emotions can be really big for children to grapple and there are also times when they may not understand what is even happening to them. This can include positive emotions as well as negative emotions. In Nurse Florence, What Are Emotions? Written by Michael Dow and illustrated by Anastasia Bradley, we follow along with Jean, Condi, and Sonia as they discuss emotions with Nurse Florence. The children have had a positive experience with their teacher and are keen to learn more.
While it might seem as though the language is too advanced for some children, it is actually very important for them to fully understand what is happening to them on a logical level. Dow is a trained nurse and has worked in health care so the wording he uses, while it may seem advanced, is actually rooted in science and fact.
Dow begins the book with some common terms and lists out how to pronounce them. This is useful for children learning to read, especially because some of the terminology may not be familiar to them. Using the kind character of Nurse Florence, young readers will gain a better understanding of how the brain works and how we experience emotions.
Nurse Florence, What are Emotions? By Michael Dow and illustrated by Anastasia Bradley, it is a valuable book that can help young readers better understand their own emotions and why things affect them in the way they do.
Pages: 86 | ISBN : 9781312174962
Nurse Florence®, Why Should We Avoid Illegal Drugs?
Step into the classroom of Nurse Florence, where she fearlessly tackles the daunting topic of illegal drug use in Michael Dow’s riveting book, Nurse Florence: Why Should We Avoid Illegal Drugs? Addressing this weighty issue with young students can be a formidable task, but Nurse Florence is the beacon of guidance that makes it all possible. With an unwavering hand, she leads her class through an enlightening journey, explaining the dire consequences of these harmful substances.
In a world filled with vivid, informative slides and a treasure trove of knowledge, Nurse Florence transforms a potentially unsettling subject into an empowering life lesson. She encourages her students to seek out safe, healthy alternatives for dealing with anxiety and life’s challenges, rather than resorting to the dark path of illegal drugs. Lindsay Roberts’ breathtaking artwork comes to life, offering a striking visual representation of these substances to be avoided at all costs. The book’s illustrations guide students through recognizing and identifying drugs, further safeguarding them from the long-term devastation they can bring.
While approaching the topic of drugs is never a simple endeavor, the author deserves commendation for daring to educate young minds about the perils of illegal drugs. It’s essential for parents and teachers to gauge their readiness for this information, but with Nurse Florence as their compassionate guide, classrooms and families can embark on a safe journey of enlightenment. The author touches upon safe alternative coping methods like hiking and coloring to help young readers navigate life’s challenges.
Nurse Florence emerges as the hero of the day, armed with informative illustrations, an engaging narrative, and an unwavering commitment to educational storytelling excellence. Nurse Florence: Why Should We Avoid Illegal Drugs? serves as an invaluable resource, ensuring that children and their families are well-informed about the dangers lurking behind illegal substances. Dive into this educational adventure, and let Nurse Florence illuminate the path toward a safer, drug-free future!
Pages: 85 | ISBN : 9781312175068
Nurse Florence®, Why and How Do We Breathe?
As children learn about breathing, they can better understand health concepts and the importance of taking care of their bodies. This, in turn, helps create a healthy environment where the need for physical activity is understood. Michael Dow provides an engaging approach to this information in Nurse Florence®, Why and How Do We Breathe? In the story, three girls, Jean, Condi, and Sonia, head to the cafeteria for lunch after their physical exercise class and final stretches. There, they meet Nurse Florence, greet her, and inquire about how breathing works. She explains concepts like the significance of oxygen for cell energy production and provides insights about the respiratory system while displaying relevant images and diagrams.
I was impressed by the level of information presented. Michael Dow goes beyond superficial discussions of breathing and delves into processes, describing how different parts of the body function. For instance, he explains the role of red blood cells and lungs. He also considers other factors, such as illustrating the impact of atmospheric pressure and providing examples. The images are clear and realistic, and Nurse Florence uses them to show the girls how the system functions in reality while explaining the purpose of each part. The characters maintain a friendly and collaborative attitude throughout the story, creating an ideal learning environment and setting a positive example for children.
I think that some terms may appear advanced for children. However, teaching the correct terminology enhances their comprehension and communication skills. Therefore, using precise language is both valuable and necessary in this context. Nurse Florence®, Why and How Do We Breathe? is an excellent resource for children to begin learning about their bodies and functions, offering an engaging introduction to biology. The information is well-explained, easy to understand, and ensures young readers enjoy learning.
Pages: 46 | ISBN : 1458341542
Mother To Elephants
Daphne’s connection to Africa was deep, rooted in her deep love for its vast expanses and the magnificent wildlife that inhabited them. Her childhood was a canvas painted with a passion for animals and the natural world, a fervor that would shape her life. Amidst the heart-wrenching backdrop of poachers mercilessly tearing elephant calves away from their mothers, Daphne made a resolute decision: she would become their savior and protector.
In Mother to Elephants, author R.G. de Rouen weaves a heartwarming tale beautifully illustrated to capture the essence of Daphne’s extraordinary journey. The book is not merely a story; it’s a testament to the power of one individual’s unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world. What I found particularly compelling about this book is its ability to balance the heartwarming with the stark realities of living in Africa, where the brutal actions of poachers cast a shadow over the awe-inspiring landscapes. The narrative courageously sheds light on the tragic fate of elephants hunted for their ivory, urging young readers to confront the harsh truths of the world they live in. It’s a crucial reminder that awareness and advocacy can start at any age, as even the youngest readers can find inspiration in Daphne’s extraordinary mission.
Throughout Daphne’s journey, we witness the depths of her dedication as she navigates the difficult terrain of caring for orphaned elephants. The story does not shy away from the inevitable heartaches and losses Daphne endures. Instead, it portrays her unwavering resolve, strengthened by each setback, to provide a sanctuary for these vulnerable creatures until they are ready to return to the wild. Daphne’s character is relatable and deeply inspiring, a shining example of resilience and compassion.
Mother To Elephants is ideal for classroom settings and bedtime reading alike. It not only imparts a heartwarming tale of love and determination but also offers valuable insights through the ‘Elefacts’ at the end of the book. These facts about elephants provide an educational element that enriches the reading experience, making it a powerful tool for teaching young readers about these magnificent creatures.
Mother To Elephants is a call to action and a celebration of the human spirit’s capacity for compassion and positive change. I recommend this engaging and educational read, which has the potential to ignite a passion for wildlife conservation in the hearts of young readers and inspire them to be advocates for the voiceless creatures that share our planet.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0CJS1MNVG
Nurse Florence®, What is Heat Exhaustion?
In Nurse Florence®, What is Heat Exhaustion?, by Michael Dow, Nurse Florence finds herself in the company of three curious schoolgirls, Jean, Condi, and Sonia, who are eager to learn about heat exhaustion. The book provides an enlightening exploration of this condition, shedding light on how climate change contributes to its prevalence. Nurse Florence effectively conveys the signs, symptoms, and potential causes of heat exhaustion to her young audience, using images and clear instructions to illustrate her points. She also imparts valuable knowledge about which groups are most vulnerable to this condition.
One of the standout aspects of this book is how comprehensively the author addresses the topic. It not only educates children about the dangers of heat exhaustion but also raises awareness about the tragic incidents involving babies and young children left unattended in vehicles. This book instills in young readers a sense of responsibility, encouraging them to watch out for themselves and others. What makes this book truly remarkable is its overarching purpose—to educate and inspire young minds while kindling their interest in the medical profession. It is heartening to see a book with such a noble objective, equipping children with essential knowledge and nurturing their curiosity about the world of healthcare. I firmly believe that books like Nurse Florence®, What is Heat Exhaustion? can be highly beneficial for children. Developing an early interest in the human body not only lays the foundation for future advanced studies but also imparts valuable life skills, teaching youngsters how to take care of themselves and those around them. Moreover, it empowers them to address pressing health issues effectively.
Nurse Florence®, What is Heat Exhaustion is an informative and invaluable addition to children’s literature. It tackles an important subject with clarity and compassion, ensuring that children gain a basic, if not a robust, understanding of how to prevent health issues and respond when they arise. Every child should have access to such insightful and educational materials.
Pages: 108 | ISBN : 978-1387465422
LITERARY TITAN 