Blog Archives
Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Occipital Lobe
The story centers on Jean, Condi, and Sonia, three inquisitive children eager to understand how the brain functions much like a video camera. Nurse Florence becomes their guide as she introduces the occipital lobe and its essential link to the eye, the partnership that makes sight possible. She moves steadily deeper, revealing how the retina and neurons work in concert. Her explanations clarify how the brain interprets color and distance, and how spatial processing helps us recognize shape, texture, and detail. All of this unfolds through the intricate signals passed from eye to brain.
Dow structures the book with a clear purpose: to empower young readers with scientific language early in life. He aims to stretch their vocabulary and broaden their intellectual horizons. His hope extends even further, that exposure to these concepts will inspire children to eventually explore careers in STEM fields. Some may argue that the terminology is ambitious for young readers, yet it feels like an intentional step toward long-term success. Children absorb information rapidly; their developing brains welcome precision. Learning how the body works, with accurate terms, gives them a strong foundation for later understanding.
Reading this book taught me more about vision than I ever gleaned from a standard biology course. The comparison between a camera and the occipital lobe struck me as unexpectedly insightful, illuminating how closely the two systems mirror each other in purpose and design. YunTse Lee’s illustrations elevate the experience further. The placement of the occipital and temporal lobes becomes immediately clear, and the artwork itself, clean, vibrant, and thoughtfully composed, beautifully supports the narrative.
The book is rich and engaging, and it also introduces a few non-scientific words that can help broaden young readers’ vocabulary. These words present exciting opportunities for learning and curiosity across different age groups. Dow’s storytelling is lively and well-structured. The plot flows naturally, and the three young protagonists embody the boundless curiosity children often display after discovering something fascinating.
I highly recommend this book to parents who want to nurture their children’s understanding of how we perceive the world. It invites young readers into the wonders of the human brain, offering both knowledge and inspiration.
Pages: 73 | ISBN: 1300881984
A Trusted Source
Nurse Florence®, What is Albumin? follows three friends who are talking to the school nurse as she outlines what albumin is, its role in the bloodstream, and its significance in overall health. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The human body is amazing, and we should all learn how it operates. Human physiology should be taught from a young age all over the world so that we have societies that perform at high levels due to increased knowledge and healthy living. Nurse Florence® seeks to support that objective.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I referenced a research document about albumin from the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research to guide my writing. Nurse Florence® always uses research-based documents to guide all discussions so that the series can be a trusted source of medical information. I review these documents and then summarize the findings into a fifth-grade reading level.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to make sure the purpose of albumin was clearly stated, as well as issues that can occur if there are low levels of albumin in the blood. Hopefully, this book helps remove a little bit of the complicated mystery that the human body is.
What topic are you currently in the middle of writing a book on?
We have around 150 Nurse Florence® books in production, with a new book published every 3-7 days. We hope to not just bring knowledge to the world, but also motivation for current and future generations to live a healthy life so that we can be as productive and helpful as possible.
Author Links: GoodReads | LinkedIn | Nurse Florence Project | YouTube | Website
Empowering Kids
Nurse Florence®, Why Do I Need to Have Iron in My Diet? follows a group of students who ask the school nurse about iron, and she explains its importance to the body and the dietary sources where it can be found.What made you write a story about this topic?
Kids should feel empowered with the books they read to live more fulfilling lives. Eating healthy is important and now there is a book to easily explain why a person needs to eat iron and where to get iron in their diet.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
A menstruating or pregnant woman needs a lot more iron compared to an average adult male. Males need only about 8 mg per day, a menstruating woman about 18 mg per day, and a pregnant woman around 27 mg per day.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about the importance of iron?
I don’t think it could be regarded as a misconception, but iron is needed for red blood cells to deliver oxygen to all the cells in our body and the immune system to fight infections.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Writing poetry in high school helped develop some of my creativity.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube Interview
Nurse Florence®, Why Do I Need to Have Iron in My Diet?
Nurse Florence®, Why Do I Need to Have Iron in My Diet? is a kid-friendly dive into the importance of iron in the human body, told through a lunchtime conversation between three curious girls and a knowledgeable nurse. Nurse Florence breaks down what iron is, why our bodies need it, how it helps us function, and where we can find it in our diet, all in simple language supported by illustrations and some surprisingly detailed explanations for a children’s book.
I found this book genuinely engaging. It respects its young audience by presenting accurate information in a clear, approachable format without oversimplifying or speaking down to them. Instead, it delivers meaningful content in manageable, well-structured segments. For example, when Nurse Florence shows a hemoglobin molecule and explains how iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen, that’s the kind of detail most kids’ books would skip. But here, it’s handled in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming. The way the characters ask honest, relatable questions like, “Can we get iron from fruits?” helps keep things natural and engaging. That moment made me smile because Condi’s curiosity is contagious.
Some sections of the book delve more deeply into scientific detail, such as the explanations of iron’s role within cells and the immune system. While these concepts may be advanced for some younger readers, this depth adds educational value and creates opportunities for meaningful conversations between children and adults. The inclusion of a glossary and a thoughtful note to parents about the use of complex terminology further demonstrates that the book is intentionally designed to promote learning, curiosity, and shared discussion rather than just passive reading.
The art supports the story without distracting from it, and it was sweet seeing the three girls so excited to learn. The friendly tone of Nurse Florence made the info feel less like a science lesson and more like a chat with a favorite aunt who happens to know a lot about health. And little bits like Jean saying she’ll never eat oysters made it feel grounded and funny in a very real way.
Nurse Florence®, Why Do I Need to Have Iron in My Diet? is a great book for kids around 7 to 11, especially if they’re the type who ask a ton of questions or have even a hint of curiosity about how the body works. It’s perfect for parents or teachers who want to introduce science early in a no-pressure, conversation-style way. Honestly, even as an adult, I learned a few things. So if you’re raising a little scientist or just want your kid to understand why spinach matters, this one’s a winner.
Pages: 70 | ISBN : 1304665607
Nurse Florence®, What is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy?
This book is part of the Nurse Florence® series and follows a young girl, Sonia, who visits her school nurse to learn more about her great granddad’s diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Through a friendly, accessible conversation with Nurse Florence, the reader gets a simple breakdown of what PSP is, how it affects the brain, the symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatments or lifestyle changes might help. It’s written like a picture book but aimed at educating kids with accuracy and care.
I was impressed by how effectively this book presents such a complex and often intimidating neurological condition. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy is not an easy topic, yet the author manages to make it both accessible and engaging. Nurse Florence’s tone throughout her conversation with Sonia is warm and reassuring. She communicates the seriousness of the condition without making it frightening. One moment that stood out to me was when she explained how PSP can cause people to fall backwards and have difficulty moving their eyes to look downward. It’s a detail that might seem small, but it highlights how much we take certain basic movements for granted. The writing strikes a thoughtful balance that is clear and informative without ever feeling oversimplified.
What really stuck with me was how the book gently leans into the emotional side of things. When Sonia asks if she might get the disease too, Nurse Florence says, “It is not inherited… you may not get this even though your great granddad has this.” It shows how worried kids can be and how important it is to explain things in a calm, caring way. I also appreciated the real talk about depression and mood changes. It’s not just about brain science; it’s about how this disease changes a person’s whole life.
The book also stands out for its practical guidance, offering straightforward tips without sounding preachy. While some suggestions, like installing grab bars in the bathroom or removing rugs, may seem obvious, they can be easily overlooked in the midst of managing a serious illness. Having someone explicitly state them can be both helpful and reassuring. The book covers a wide range of topics, including therapy, vision aids, feeding tubes, and even Botox, yet it maintains a balanced and approachable tone. The information is presented in a straightforward manner.
Nurse Florence®, What is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy? surprised me with how useful and comforting it is. It’s perfect for kids who have a family member with PSP or anyone trying to understand this rare disease without digging through dense medical articles. If you’re a parent, a teacher, or just someone with a curious kid in your life, this is a great tool to have. This book makes hard things feel manageable, and that’s kind of the magic.
Pages: 130 | ISBN : 1304589587
Nurse Florence®, Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Nurse Florence®, Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed? is a cheerful, educational picture book that uses a friendly lunchtime chat between three girls and a school nurse to explain what wisdom teeth are, why they might need to be removed, and what the removal process involves. Written by Michael Dow and beautifully illustrated by Yiheng Fang. Aimed at children, it introduces real medical terms in a simple way, encouraging curiosity and building early science literacy.
What struck me first was how calm and approachable the tone is throughout. There’s no rush, no panic. Nurse Florence takes her time explaining everything, from why wisdom teeth might grow in crooked to how anesthesia works. It’s all delivered through conversation, which gives the book a cozy, trustworthy vibe. I especially liked the part where she talks about anxiety before surgery and how listening to music or thinking about happy places can help. That advice isn’t just for kids, and it reminded me to slow down and breathe next time I’m nervous, too.
One thing I really appreciated was the honesty. The book doesn’t sugarcoat the procedure. It says clearly that people may have swollen faces, stitches, and need to be careful about infection. But it’s done in such a matter-of-fact, caring way that it doesn’t feel scary. It’s empowering. I also liked the glossary and journal pages in the back of the book, as it’s a nice nudge for kids to reflect and ask their own questions. The book teaches facts, yes, but it also teaches curiosity and self-awareness, which I think is rare and valuable in a book like this.
What makes this book shine is how grounded and purposeful it is. It’s not flashy. It’s not trying to be silly or overly clever. It knows what it’s doing: giving kids (and maybe even adults) a solid, confident understanding of a common medical procedure. The illustrations are soft and expressive, and the layout keeps things moving while offering enough detail for kids who like to linger on each page. I even found myself smiling when the girls all responded, “You too!” in unison.
Nurse Florence®, Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed? is perfect for elementary school kids, especially those who are starting to hear big, scary-sounding words like “surgery” and “anesthesia” and need someone to break it all down for them in a gentle, respectful way. It would be great for parents to read with their kids before a dental visit, or even just as a way to boost science confidence. I came away impressed and a little more relaxed about my own dentist anxieties, too.
Pages: 97 | ISBN : 1304783669
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
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
LITERARY TITAN 