Blog Archives
A Global Health Literacy Movement
In Nurse Florence: Why do I Need to Eat Vitamin B-1 or Thiamine? three friends learn about the importance of thiamine in converting food into energy through engaging lessons from their mentor, Nurse Florence. How do you approach simplifying complex scientific concepts like thiamine’s role in the body for young readers?
The main technique I use is to imagine talking to my 11 year old child as I write. I try to only include a handful of new words per book so that it is not overly complicated.
How do you ensure that your books appeal to both children and adults, making them valuable educational tools for families and classrooms alike?
It was an accident that the books are just as valuable for adults as they are for children. A government study suggests only 12% of US adults are proficient with health information so we hope the series sparks a global health literacy promotion movement.
What role do the illustrations play in enhancing the learning experience for young readers?
The illustrations help inspire me to write the text. I give my illustrators drawing prompts to guide them which then in turn guides my writing.
Are there any specific future topics you plan to cover in the Nurse Florence series, and how do you choose which health concepts to explore next?
We plan to publish around 500 Nurse Florence books to cover all diseases and general human physiology questions. We publish 4 to 8 new Nurse Florence books a month. Stay tuned for more!
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
The Human Body
Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Systems of the Human Body introduces readers to the major systems that keep our bodies functioning. What do you find so fascinating about this topic?
I think the systems of the human body are absolutely amazing. I think it’s incredible how they all work together to make human life possible. We live in an incredible world with outstanding resources.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important to me to clearly show each system independent of the others so people could easily see the things that support life. I tried to keep it simple, and I believed I accomplished my goal.
The art in this book really helps readers understand the concepts discussed. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Roland Harrison?
I gave Roland basic drawing prompts, and he recreated images to produce the beautiful art in the book. His images inspired me to write the text.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Nurse Dorothea presents Social Media and Social Networking with its Benefits and Disadvantages. The book will address the mental health issues of social media, but it also recognizes there are benefits to social media use. New Nurse Dorothea books are published every 5 weeks. More information about this series can be found at www.nursedorothea.com.
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
Nurse Florence®, Why Do I Need to Eat Vitamin B-1 or Thiamine?
In Nurse Florence, Why do I Need to Eat Vitamin B-1 or Thiamine? by Michael Dow, best friends Jean, Sonia, and Condi are once again gathered for a learning lunch with their kind and knowledgeable mentor, Nurse Florence. As they enjoy their meal, Nurse Florence introduces the topic of vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine and its critical role in the body. Through engaging dialogue, the girls learn how this vitamin helps convert food into energy, and they discover its broader impact on overall health.
Michael Dow’s latest picture book is a thoughtfully crafted and informative addition to the “Nurse Florence” series. With its engaging narrative, clear explanations, and inclusive illustrations, it successfully makes the science of vitamins both accessible and enjoyable. Michael Dow’s ability to present complex topics in a way that resonates with young readers while still providing valuable insight for adults solidifies this book as a fantastic educational tool. Whether for classroom use or at home, this volume serves as an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about health, biology, and the importance of nutrition.
This children’s book is a great choice for young readers who want to learn more about vitamins, biology, and health. I highly recommend it for its excellent educational value. This entry in the Nurse Florence series is a great tool for parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to learn more about biology.
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
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
LITERARY TITAN 