Blog Archives
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Bones
After finishing their morning classes, best friends Condi, Jean, and Sonia head to the school cafeteria. On the way, they encounter fellow student Johnny, who is recovering from a broken arm. Curious about how bones function, heal, and grow, the girls seek expert advice from Nurse Florence. Together, the classmates uncover the immense complexity within our skeletons as the wonders of science unfold.
Nurse Florence, Tell Me About the Bones by Michael Dow is another excellent addition to the Nurse Florence series. The curiosity of the three friends about science is delightful, and Nurse Florence’s patient and kind responses are always informative. The illustrations by Bella Stercula beautifully depict the cells at work inside human bones. Each high-quality image is easy to understand and visually explains the inner workings of the skeleton as well as any science book. Learning alongside the three classmates, I found Nurse Florence’s explanations about how bones constantly repair themselves fascinating. For instance, I was surprised to learn that bones are made up of small, interconnected rings of bone called osteons. This book is a testament to how readers of any age can benefit from Nurse Florence’s gentle and accessible teachings about the complexity of biology.
This book is an outstanding entry in the series, with Nurse Florence continuing to be our compassionate and reliable guide into the world of scientific study. Suitable for all ages and readers interested in learning about our skeletons, this book, and indeed the entire series, is an excellent choice for parents and educators. Nurse Florence continues her amazing journey to teach us about health and human biology.
Nurse Florence, Tell Me About the Bones by Michael Dow is a captivating and educational addition to the Nurse Florence series. The story, enriched by Bella Stercula’s exceptional illustrations, makes complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for readers of all ages. The book beautifully balances curiosity and education. This series is a valuable resource for parents and educators seeking to introduce children to human physiology in an enjoyable and understandable way.
Pages: 71 | ISBN : 1304506509
Nurse Florence®, Why Do We Need Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin in Our Diet?
In the latest addition to the Nurse Florence series, Nurse Florence, Why Do We Need Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin in Our Diet? by Michael Dow, readers join best friends Sonia, Jean, and Condi in a journey through nutritional science. Fresh from a fascinating class on global bread varieties, the trio seeks to understand the significance of Vitamin B2, a nutrient often encountered but seldom discussed in depth. Thankfully, Nurse Florence is on hand to demystify this essential vitamin, explaining its role in our bodies and the implications of a deficiency.
Nurse Florence’s explanations are a highlight, presenting complex nutritional information in an accessible manner that resonates with readers of all ages. Her role in the series as a consistent source of wisdom underscores her depiction as a superhero of health education—always ready to guide and enlighten. The book’s illustrations, crafted by Chenxi Shao, stand out with their storybook charm. The soft color palette and gentle lines beautifully complement the educational content, enhancing the reader’s engagement.
Recommended for children aged 7 and older, and indeed anyone interested in a clearer understanding of dietary health, this book is an invaluable addition to educational collections. Readers are also encouraged to explore other volumes in the series, where Nurse Florence illuminates various facets of health and wellness. This book not only enriches knowledge but also encourages readers to consider the nutritional choices in their daily lives.
With its blend of inviting illustrations and clear, informative content, Nurse Florence, Why Do We Need Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin in Our Diet? serves as a delightful educational tool that sparks curiosity about nutrition and health. Whether for home or school use, this book proves to be an essential resource for young learners eager to understand how vitamins function in their daily diet. Nurse Florence continues to be a trusted guide, making complex topics accessible and engaging for everyone.
Pages: 70 | ISBN : 978-1304588029
Nurse Florence®, How Do We Understand Time?
Michael Dow’s Nurse Florence®, How Do We Understand Time? is an enlightening educational book tailored for elementary school-aged children. It masterfully intertwines scientific knowledge and human anatomy to demystify how our brains perceive time. Through the engaging narrative, Nurse Florence explains the complexities of time perception to her young friends Jean, Condi, and Sonia, delving into why it seems to pass differently under varying circumstances.
Lindsay Roberts’ eye-catching illustrations significantly enhance the book’s educational value. These visuals are aesthetically pleasing and serve an educational purpose by featuring anatomical diagrams. This blend of imagery and text ensures that young readers remain captivated while absorbing intricate concepts. Dow’s writing style is both challenging and accessible, striking a balance between advanced vocabulary and understandable content. This approach fosters a learning environment where curious young minds can engage with real-world scientific terminology in a meaningful way. The comprehensive descriptions and contexts provided make complex ideas approachable for the target audience. In a creative twist, Dow draws inspiration from a historical nursing figure to craft the character of Nurse Florence, blending fact with fiction to create an immersive educational experience. This book stands out as a valuable resource for children interested in science, fueling their curiosity and enhancing their literacy skills.
Nurse Florence®, How Do We Understand Time? is an outstanding and commendable addition to the world of children’s literature. The book offers an in-depth exploration of the concept of time, making it a valuable resource for young readers with a keen interest in science. The writing style is engaging, and the content is presented in a way that is both informative and captivating. Whether you are a young reader or an adult, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and understanding of time.
Pages: 66 | ISBN : 9781304865694
Nurse Florence®, What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Nurse Florence, What is Multiple Sclerosis? by Michael Dow, is an innovative educational resource targeting young readers interested in medicine. The narrative revolves around Condi, a curious young girl whose cousin is affected by multiple sclerosis. Condi turns to her school nurse, Florence, for a deeper understanding of this condition. Through this engaging dialogue, Dow offers a comprehensive yet accessible exploration of multiple sclerosis, covering its definition, impact, and symptoms, supplemented by Kincaid’s interactive illustrations.
The book’s strength lies in its ability to simplify complex medical concepts through visual aids and interactive elements, making it an effective tool for children curious about science and medicine. Nurse Florence, depicted as a knowledgeable yet approachable figure, adeptly balances the role of an educator and storyteller, bringing authenticity to discussing a real-life medical condition. What sets this book apart is its dynamic combination of insightful narrative and stimulating visuals by Kincaid. The book’s pace is brisk and focused, aiding in retaining information about multiple sclerosis. The author’s thoughtful inclusion of a glossary to clarify medical terminology is a commendable feature of the book. This approach not only aids in demystifying complex terms but also invites young readers to delve deeper into the subject. Such an interactive element fosters curiosity and discussion, significantly enriching the book’s educational value for young, aspiring scientists and medical enthusiasts.
Nurse Florence, What is Multiple Sclerosis? is a deftly crafted educational resource that brilliantly bridges the gap between complex medical information and young readers’ understanding. By combining engaging narrative, interactive illustrations, and a helpful glossary, the book educates and inspires a deeper interest in medical science. It stands as an exemplary model of how educational materials can be both informative and appealing to the curious minds of future scientists and medical professionals.
Pages: 161 | ASIN : 9781312658233
Complicated and Amazing
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Spleen follows three friends who, after learning about water filtration systems, want to know if the human body has a similar system. What do you find the most interesting about the spleen, making it a good topic to write about?
I love to write about human physiology. The body is very complicated and amazing. There seems to always be something to learn. Scientists are still discovering new things about how the human body functions, and it’s easy to be a lifelong learner with this topic. I thought discussing the spleen would be interesting for families since not everyone knows its purpose.
When writing the books in the Nurse Florence® series, how do you determine how in-depth to go into explaining concepts without overwhelming your younger readers but still providing enough information for a clear understanding of the topic?
You brought up one of the biggest challenges for me as the author of the series. I believe I have a gift of writing complex things into understandable units of information. My illustrators work very hard to create informative illustrations to complement the writing.
I love the Journal questions included at the story’s end. Have you considered adding other activities to future books to help further retention of the information?
We intend to create some activity books like word searches, connect the dots, and more in the future to supplement the series.
What topics are you planning next for Nurse Florence® to educate readers on, and when can your fans of the series expect a new book out?
We are planning about 500 books in the series to discuss all of the human physiology questions kids may have and diseases that may afflict families. We are publishing a new book about every 10 days. We have around 50 illustrators to support this project. Please visit www.nurseflorence.org for the latest information on the series and find a link to purchase the books directly from the printer.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Inspiring a New Generation
Nurse Florence, What is Asthma? highlights the importance of using appropriate language when explaining medical conditions to children. Could you share your approach to finding the right balance between being informative and ensuring the language is age-appropriate?
In the Nurse Florence series, the company does not use slang terms to discuss human physiology. We want to inspire a whole new generation of kids to seek careers in the health science fields. There is a big shortage of nurses in the USA, and the need will continue to increase in the coming years.
In your story, Jean experiences symptoms of asthma during a physical education class, which is a common scenario for many children. What motivated you to choose this particular setting for the book?
Exercise-induced asthma is relatively common for people who struggle with the disease. We wanted to have a natural connection with a disease-triggering event to discuss the topic. We anticipate kids with asthma to have this book in their library or home so we wanted them to easily relate to the character.
Can you discuss the importance of using proper medical terminology in children’s literature and how you think it impacts a child’s understanding of their condition?
Masters of the arts usually start their art at a very young age. Our thinking is that if we can introduce kids to correct medical terminology at a young age, then we can help create a new generation that will understand their body better and have intelligent conversations with their medical providers.
What message do you hope children with asthma, or those who have a loved one with the condition, take away from reading Nurse Florence, What is Asthma? and what do you think makes it a “must-read” for these children?
We hope people affected by the disease will gain much insight into their condition so they can live healthier lives. We want to improve the health literacy of the world. We are translating the books into multiple languages. For more info about our project, please visit www.nurseflorence.org.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Discover Healthy Coping Skills
Nurse Florence, What are Emotions? takes a concept that is hard for children and some adults to understand and breaks it down in a way that can be understood and related to. What were your own emotions when writing this book?
Tranquility. When I write, I put on some music by Beethoven and experience a lot of peace as I write. Writing is a coping skill for me to help manage my stress. Each person is able to discover the coping skills that best suite them for the different challenges they face in life. Try doing something new to discover new healthy coping skills in our modern society.
Which of your books in the Nurse Florence series have you had the most fun writing?
The funnest book I have written was Nurse Florence, How Does the Brain Work? The conversation between the nurse and the three girls was exciting and uplifting. It makes me smile when I re-read the book.
What is your writing process like? Do you have a dedicated time or place, or are you more organic and write when the mood strikes?
I have my special area in the house where I get in the zone to write. I write usually at night after work at the hospital as an inpatient psychiatric nurse. I write each book as they are in the queue to complete. At any moment, we have over 40 books in production. I stay very busy.
Do you have any plans to turn the Nurse Florance series into a children’s TV show or YouTube channel?
We have created our first 2d animated video of Nurse Florence, How Do We Feel Hot and Cold Things? You can find it on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/UpI9K0sQ8Kc?feature=shared
For more info, please visit www.nurseflorence.org.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
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
LITERARY TITAN 