Blog Archives
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
Inspire a Whole New Generation
Nurse Florence, What is Multiple Sclerosis? follows a young girl with a cousin who has MS and goes to her favorite school nurse to learn more about the condition. Why was this an important topic for you to write on?
The Nurse Florence® series will address all diseases, so this was eventually going to be written. The illustrator said MS affects her family, so we decided to go ahead and do this book with Angel. I try to assign topics to illustrators which affect them personally so that there is more motivation and inspiration for them while completing the illustrations.
Your book offers a comprehensive yet accessible exploration of multiple sclerosis, covering its definition, impact, and symptoms. What is the most important thing you want young readers to know about living with Multiple Sclerosis?
We attempt to be very thorough with every disease book in the Nurse Florence series so that the disease book will be the only needed book by a family to purchase in order to inform and educate all family members. With every book I write, I also get educated about something I did not know. From my research, I found out that an increase in body temperature can trigger an MS episode. Also, people with low levels of vitamin D have an increased risk to develop the disease, so this stresses the importance of people eating a balanced diet so that they get all of their vitamins and minerals they need for a healthy life.
As an author, what has been your favorite memory or experience in sharing the Nurse Florence® series with children?
At the Tucson Festival of Books in March 2023, we had our first fan come up to the table. The mom walked over with her child and told her, “Look there’s Nurse Florence!” After talking with them, they have been checking out every Nurse Florence® title they could get from the local library. We hope to inspire a whole new generation of kids into the health science professions.
Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?
My wife, Perla. She believes completely in the project and has allowed me to get the family into some debt to help launch the series. She is also the Latin American Spanish translator for the series. I could not do this without her love and support. I’m a lucky man!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | YouTube | Harvard Bookstore | Amazon
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
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
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
LITERARY TITAN 