Blog Archives
Seeking Clarity in the Labyrinth: A Daughter’s Journey Through Alzheimer’s
Losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s is a journey without a roadmap. It can be mercifully brief or agonizingly prolonged, with each family’s path uniquely different yet heartbreakingly similar. In her deeply personal and cathartic book, Jessica Stokes delves into her family’s experience with this disease, often termed “the longest goodbye,” as she witnessed her mother’s cognitive decline. The narrative highlights how Alzheimer’s impacts not only the diagnosed individual but also the entire family, necessitating extensive care and adjustments. This story will resonate with many.
Seeking Clarity in the Labyrinth: A Daughter’s Journey Through Alzheimer’s is a poignant memoir by Jessica Stokes that serves as both a personal account and a therapeutic exploration. Beyond detailing her family’s 13-year journey with her mother’s Alzheimer’s, the book delves into themes of grief, balance, acceptance, change, and, above all, love. Stokes recounts the gradual loss of her mother, sharing how she learned to embrace the evolving versions of her. While not always consistent in this endeavor, she navigated the situation with resilience, steering through unwanted yet unavoidable challenges.
The narrative, though mostly linear, mirrors the workings of memory, where a small detail can spark an entirely new recollection. The book also carries a spiritual undertone, exploring concepts of life, death, and the possibility of an afterlife. The mindful and intentional journey of the labyrinth—both as a concept and through specific examples worldwide—was a constant presence for Stokes and her family, eventually becoming a metaphor for their experience. The labyrinth in her parents’ backyard, lovingly constructed by family members, symbolizes a sanctuary, providing peace within a convoluted path. Stokes revisits this imagery throughout her book, using it to illustrate the emotions accompanying the disease’s progression.
This book will be painfully familiar to those who have lost or are in the process of losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s. It offers comfort in a shared experience. Despite its deeply personal nature, Stokes’ story resonates universally. Even readers without direct experience with Alzheimer’s may relate to the gradual loss of a parent. Stokes writes with clarity and frankness, delivering a story that is heartfelt and heartbreaking.
Pages: 136 | ISBN : 978-1955683418
Human Physiology
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Lymphatic System offers young readers valuable information about the lymph nodes, spleen, and the thymus in easy-to-grasp language and serves as a valuable resource for families and educators. Why was it important for you to cover this topic in your children’s series?
We will be covering all basic human physiology questions in the Nurse Florence series, and it was time to do this topic.
Did you find anything interesting in your research for this installment in the Nurse Florence series?
I think this is a little-known system of the body and many families of all ages will learn many things from this book.
Your Nurse Florence series is extensive. Do you receive feedback about your books from schools? How are they being utilized?
The long-term plan is for there to be a set of the series in every library.
Can you give us a peek inside the next topic explored in your series?
We are about to publish books about the inner and middle ear. There are some fascinating things about the ear that I think many people will learn new things with these books. The book about the outer ear should publish next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Sometimes it seems only a nurse can bring technical information down to an understanding that an ordinary person can grasp. The Nurse Florence(R) book series provides high quality medical information that even a child can grasp. By introducing young kids to correct terminology and science concepts at an early age, we can help increase our children’s health literacy level as well as help to prepare them for courses and jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We need more scientists so I hope that many children will enjoy this book series and consider a job involving science. Introducing Some Medical Words to Kids in Every Book(R) A Movement of Global Health Promotion and Literacy Dow Creative Enterprises(R) Help Civilization Reach Its Potential
Medicine Continues to Evolove
In Nurse Florence®, What is Type 1 Diabetes?, you provide young readers with an introduction to Type 1 Diabetes, its causes, symptoms, and the challenges of managing the disease. What made you choose this topic for a book for children?
People usually get diagnosed with this type of diabetes when they are children. I wanted to provide an additional resource for families affected with this disease.
Nurse Florence has helped you introduce many children to complex medical conditions. What is your process for making the most difficult concepts easier to understand?
I bring the formation down to a very small unit of information and then slowly build up from there. I have faith my readers will be able to understand.
What is one misconception you think many people have about living with diabetes?
A misconception might be the way they treat the disease for the last several years may be how they will have to always deal with it. Medicine continues to advance and now people can have insulin pumps connected to a smartphone to constantly monitor blood sugar levels and automatically provide the correct amount of insulin.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from this installment of the Nurse Florence series?
Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Book Review
Educating the Whole Family
Nurse Florence, What is Dementia? follows the school nurse as she speaks with a class about Dementia, explaining the symptoms, possible treatments, and preventive measures for this complex illness. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The illustrator of this book chose the topic since her dad had dementia.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I really like sharing ideas on how the family can help a person with this diagnosis.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about Dementia?
It seems that people may be unaware of medication options that can help.
What was the most challenging part of writing the Nurse Florence books, and what was the most rewarding?
The most challenging part to writing the series is ensuring all research on the disease topic is included at a child’s reading level. The most rewarding part is hearing how the books have educated a whole family.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Book Review
Empowering Families
Nurse Florence, What is Type 2 Diabetes? follows three friends who are curious about the human body and talk to the school nurse to find out whether a disease could affect the human body in the same way climate change impacts the Earth. Why was this an important topic for you to write a children’s book about?
Diabetes is a horrible disease. Many people can develop severe complications after years of living with the disease like going blind or getting a foot amputated. This disease is preventable by maintaining a healthy BMI, regular exercise and eating a well-balanced diet. People need more knowledge to live healthier lives, and I hope the Nurse Florence series empowers a lot of families worldwide.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Ideas for prevention are important for me to include in any Nurse Florence book. I don’t want to scare people about diseases they may get but want to give them actionable info to improve their lives.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
That this disease is reversible with lifestyle changes.
Have you ever considered a spin-off series to Nurse Florence to teach kids about the different career options available in the medical field?
No, but Dow Creative Enterprises plans to publish about 30 other book series for kids. The second one has already started and is called Nurse Dorothea. It is about mental health for teenagers and young adults although it could be read by the elderly as well since we should be lifelong learners. Visit www.nursedorothea.com for more info.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Book Review
Nurse Florence®, What is Dementia?
In Nurse Florence, What is Dementia? by Michael Dow, Nurse Florence makes a special visit to Ms. Smith’s class, where best friends Jean, Condi, and Sonia, along with their classmates, learn about dementia in a way that is accessible and engaging. Nurse Florence explains the symptoms, possible treatments, and preventive measures for this complex illness, which affects so many families.
This book offers an excellent introduction to a challenging subject. Dementia, often a frightening topic for many, is handled with care as Nurse Florence guides the children through the nuances of the illness. Her approach is gentle yet informative as she walks the class through the signs of dementia and demystifies the spectrum of conditions that fall under its umbrella. While the illustrations by Lindsay Roberts may not be my preferred style for children’s books, they are detailed and complement Nurse Florence’s biology presentation effectively. What truly sets this book apart is Nurse Florence’s interactive teaching style. She doesn’t simply lecture; she engages the students in meaningful dialogue, encouraging them to think about prevention and care. This approach helps soften the intensity of the topic, making it easier for young readers to process without feeling overwhelmed. Nurse Florence’s emphasis on maintaining the dignity of those affected by dementia and the importance of supporting caregivers adds a thoughtful and compassionate touch to the lesson, bringing the discussion to a well-rounded conclusion. Approaching a subject as difficult as dementia is no easy task, and Michael Dow deserves recognition for this thoughtful and educational introduction. By providing clear facts, practical advice on prevention, and meaningful guidance on how to support those affected, this book answers many tough questions in a way that is accessible for young readers.
For its remarkable educational value and ability to address dementia without inducing unnecessary fear, Nurse Florence, What is Dementia? is ideal for readers aged 8 and up. This book is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn more about dementia, its causes, and potential treatments. It serves as a valuable tool for understanding a common yet complex illness in a way that encourages curiosity and compassion.
Pages: 240 | ISBN : 1312012390
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
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Lymphatic System.
Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Lymphatic System., by Michael Dow, is an engaging, educational book that introduces children to the intricacies of the lymphatic system. In the story, Jean, Condi, and Sonia seek answers from Nurse Florence, who guides them through the vital role the lymphatic system plays in keeping our bodies healthy. Through simple explanations and vibrant illustrations, readers learn about lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus, and more. The book presents the function of these organs in a way that’s both informative and easy to understand, making it ideal for young readers curious about how their bodies work.
Nurse Florence explains how the immune system works using language that is clear and relatable, ensuring young readers grasp the concepts without feeling overwhelmed. When describing lymph nodes as “battle stations” where immune cells fight off infections, the book provides an illustration that enhances understanding. This visual approach not only aids comprehension but also keeps kids engaged, making the learning process both fun and effective.
Dow’s writing is direct and appropriate for its target audience, though at times it leans on simplicity, which may feel a bit basic for older readers. That said, this straightforwardness is a strength for younger audiences or those unfamiliar with the topic. One moment that stood out to me was when Nurse Florence explained how T cells mature in the thymus—this is a great example of how the book balances teaching scientific terms while keeping the tone light and approachable. The illustrations further elevate the text, giving kids a clearer picture of what’s being discussed.
The book encourages practical learning by tying the information back to everyday habits. Nurse Florence ends the lesson by promoting healthy practices like eating well and exercising, making the science feel actionable. This seamless connection between biology and real life can inspire kids to think about their own health, making the book both educational and motivating.
Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Lymphatic System. is a well-crafted, engaging read that’s perfect for elementary-aged kids eager to learn about how their bodies function. The combination of easy-to-follow explanations and detailed illustrations makes it a great resource for parents, educators, or anyone wanting to introduce scientific concepts to children. If you’re looking for an educational yet entertaining book to spark your child’s interest in health and science, this is a fantastic choice.
Pages: 70 | ISBN : 978-1304762221
LITERARY TITAN 