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Nurse Florence®, Why Do We Need Vitamin B3 or Niacin in our Food?
This charming little book is part of the Nurse Florence® series, and in it, three curious kids have a lunchtime chat with Nurse Florence about Vitamin B3, also known as niacin. Through their conversation, readers get a simple, friendly explanation of what niacin does in our bodies, what happens if we don’t get enough, and which foods contain it. It blends health science with day-to-day situations, like eating frosted cornflakes or enjoying grandma’s homemade bread, to teach kids something useful in a gentle, conversational way.
I love how Michael Dow’s writing is direct, respectful, and confident in the young readers’ ability to handle words like “dermatitis” or “dementia.” The author even includes a note to parents about why big words are used, basically saying, “Hey, kids are smart. Let’s teach them real stuff.” So many educational books oversimplify or sugarcoat things. This one assumes kids are capable, and I really respect that.
The writing style is warm and easygoing, kind of like if your favorite school nurse sat with you at lunch and just started dropping science knowledge in the nicest way possible. There’s a part where Nurse Florence whips out her phone to show the molecular structure of niacin. It felt real and modern. And when Sonia says she loves steak tacos after learning niacin is found in meat? That moment was sweet and very human. The story balances facts with personality in a way that keeps things light and digestible.
The dialogue throughout the book is clearly crafted to introduce and reinforce important medical concepts, and it does so in a way that maintains clarity and accessibility for young readers. Phrases such as “What are the signs and symptoms of niacin deficiency?” serve to model thoughtful questions that children can ask when learning about health topics. The book also excels in presenting a well-rounded view of Vitamin B3, highlighting not only its benefits but also the potential risks of overconsumption, such as flushing, dizziness, and liver damage. This balanced approach reinforces the importance of moderation and informed decision-making, all while keeping the tone educational and reassuring.
Nurse Florence®, Why Do We Need Vitamin B3 or Niacin in our Food? is a great fit for curious kids, science-loving parents, and elementary school teachers who want to sneak some nutrition knowledge into story time. It’s also great for anyone trying to raise kids who ask smart questions about their health. I came away feeling smarter and kind of inspired to eat more whole foods. If only all science books made me feel like I’d just had a wholesome chat with a cool nurse.
Pages: 70 | ISBN: 130456777X
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
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
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
LITERARY TITAN 