Blog Archives
Science Is For All People
Nurse Florence®, What is Fibromyalgia? follows three friends who are curious about fibromyalgia, as well as the school nurse, as they chat about everything from symptoms and causes to tests, treatments, and even lifestyle changes. How did you approach writing about this complex topic in a way that makes it accessible to younger readers?
Faith. It is important to be an optimist in the dangerous world we live in. I choose to believe that kids can learn complicated things as long as it is taught properly.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book without overwhelming readers?
Thoroughness is key. Kids have a lot of questions, and we should attempt to be thorough with our answers so that they feel informed and empowered to live a better life. In the Nurse Florence® series, we thoroughly review diseases so that the whole family can be educated and all of a child’s questions can be answered.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about teaching children about medical and science concepts?
My understanding is that science is for all people, young and old, not just the educated. Let us educate the uneducated so that we have common understanding of things that affect all of us.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I am in the initial planning of a third series the company will start to publish this Autumn (2025) about citizenship. I’m really excited about the impact this series could also have on societies around the world. Let us leave the world a better place than how we found it and then we’ll succeed in getting future generations to heights unimagined.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube Interview
Introducing Some Medical Words to Kids in Every Book®
A Movement of Global Health Promotion and Literacy
Dow Creative Enterprises®
Help Civilization Reach Its Potential®
The Wonders of Oklahoma
Take Me Back to Oklahoma follows a young boy looking forward to his family’s summer road trip who is completely over his home state and can’t wait to hit the road and see the “real” excitement out in the big cities, beaches, and mountains. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Growing up in Oklahoma, I often longed to be anywhere else. It wasn’t until I left home for North Carolina to pursue my undergraduate degree at Wake Forest University that I realized how special my home state really was. The young boy in the story is very similar to how I was as a child, although it took me much longer than he did to appreciate the wonders of Oklahoma.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I want to show Oklahoman children what while their home state may seem boring, it is a place like no other. I hope that they learn to appreciate it the way I have learned to. In addition, I wanted to emphasize that the people of Oklahoma are what make it so special.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I most enjoyed coming up with the things that make Oklahoma a special place and collaborating on those pages with my illustrator.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes. Be on the lookout for the sequel titled Take Me Back to the U.S.A. in the near future.
Author Links: Instagram | Amazon
“Get me out of Oklahoma!” Thomas declares. He’s excited for his family’s summer road trip to a busy city, a sandy beach, and giant mountains. To Thomas, his home state is boring-and don’t even get him started on the weather.
But as Thomas explores new places, something surprising happens: he begins to miss home. He misses the delicious food, the music, the feeling that he’s a part of something bigger, and even the sound of the wind and rain. Most of all, he misses the people-their kindness, resilience, and sense of community that make Oklahoma truly special.
In the end, Thomas proclaims to his parents “Take me back to Oklahoma!”
Join Thomas on this heartwarming journey that celebrates the beauty, history, and spirit of Oklahoma. Perfect for families with young readers and anyone who knows the magic of home.
Health Literacy
Nurse Florence®, What Are Platelets? follows a school nurse as she answers three students’ questions about platelets, explaining what they are, where they come from, what they do, and how we keep them healthy. How do you approach writing about medical topics to make the topic interesting for children?
I trust in my belief that kids can learn complicated things as long as we explain them thoroughly.
How did you develop the personalities for Jean, Condi, and Sonia, who are prominent characters throughout the series?
My niece, Sandra Islas, you illustrated the first book was the one who came up with the three characters. I loved the diversity of a Caucasian, Hispanic, and African American who were all friends so I just continued it with all the other books. It shows the collaboration I do with my illustrators that give them some guidelines and they create their own Nurse Florence® universe.
What do the words “literary success” mean to you? How do you picture it?
With all the great book reviews and many book awards the series has won, I do believe Nurse Florence® is already a literary success. I wish the series to become a global phenomenon so that health literacy levels around the world are drastically improved.
Tell us something about yourself that we likely don’t know? The more obscure the better.
I write the Nurse Florence® series at my kitchen table surrounded by many depictions of the Florence Nightingale Pledge. She was an amazing woman, and I truly hope my series honors her.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | Amazon
Angry? That’s Okay!: A Book on Recognizing and Managing Anger
Angry? That’s Okay! invites readers on a delightful camping trip alongside seven close friends, each bubbling with excitement, until things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s struggling to pitch a tent, feeling disappointed about not spotting the brightest star, or missing a parent, each child faces moments of anger and frustration. Instead of letting their emotions spiral into tantrums, they pause, acknowledge their feelings, and choose joy over outbursts.
Selvanathan and Fassbender have crafted an accessible, engaging narrative that speaks directly to children’s emotional experiences. The message is clear and empowering: feeling upset is normal, but how we respond matters. The story gently guides young readers toward self-awareness, offering a toolkit for emotional regulation wrapped in a relatable storyline.
The illustrations are vibrant and inviting, creating a visual playground that encourages further discussion between children and adults. This makes the book not only enjoyable to read but also an excellent resource for initiating conversations about feelings. It’s a valuable addition to any classroom library and equally impactful in a home setting.
What stands out most is the simplicity of the scenarios. The authors intentionally choose everyday situations, minor setbacks that children frequently encounter, making the emotional responses feel authentic and approachable. At the end of the book, readers are offered practical strategies for managing big feelings, which parents and educators alike will find useful when revisiting the story.
Angry? That’s Okay! is a heartwarming, insightful read that validates children’s emotions while teaching them healthier ways to cope. A must-have for young readers learning to navigate the ups and downs of growing up.
Pages: 40 | ISBN : 978-0975648339
Gratitude, Resilience, and Perseverance
Rooted: A Wildlife Tree’s Journey follows an aging tree who can no longer transport nutrients from his roots due to damage from oak beetles and learns that just because he is growing older, doesn’t mean he has no purpose. What made you write a story about this topic? Anything pulled from your life experiences?
I have great respect for those who have gone before me. As some of my dearest family and friends approached death, they continued to inspire and encourage. I hope to be like them!
What were the driving ideals behind the character’s development throughout the story and the series?
Growth through all stages of life is a commonality throughout the “Rooted” series. By focusing on aspects such as gratitude, resilience, and perseverance, I aimed to encourage readers to reflect on their own life experiences.
What was the most challenging part of writing this part of your Rooted series, and what was the most rewarding?
The most challenging part of Rooted: A Wildlife Tree’s Journey was ending my protagonist’s life, and bringing the series to a conclusion. However, it was rewarding to show how much wildlife (elderly tree) contributes to the lives of others.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I want readers to realize the impact they have on others. I want them to understand that people in all stages of life matter and have much to offer.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Math Operations
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers: Patterns follows a group of number characters who are out at recess and get invited by their teacher, Mrs. Wiggles, to play an “I Spy” game—but with patterns! What was the inspiration for your story?
A few things inspired the story. First, children told me they wanted Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers to count to 100. (Infinity, actually, but that would be difficult even for Mrs. Wiggles.)
Second, teachers asked for a fun, read-aloud, rhyming picture book about patterns with a storyline.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
First, children must understand the concept of patterns to learn how to read and perform math operations.
Second, teachers often use a 1-100 number chart in the classroom to illustrate math patterns. I wanted to help them by incorporating a number chart in the story.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
They were all fun! If I had to pick one, I’d say having Mrs. Wiggles ride the cow. I live in Wisconsin, and one day while writing the story, I went past a farm with a herd of cows that formed a pattern.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Mrs. Wiggles and the direction of the next book?
I have lots of ideas for Mrs. Wiggles. It’s exciting planning out the next adventure!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A fun and educational adventure comes from the creator of the award-winning Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers! Join Mrs. Wiggles as she introduces her classroom to the fascinating world of patterns. Number Zero doesn’t quite understand at first, but everything clicks when he discovers the most exciting pattern of all! SPOILER ALERT: He paints a vibrant 1-100 number chart and exclaims, “We are patterns on the wall. Numbers are the best of all!”
Learning about patterns is a key part of the kindergarten curriculum, and this charming story is a perfect tool for introducing young learners to this essential concept. Patterns help children build foundational math and language skills, making this book a valuable early-education resource.
Bright, playful illustrations invite kids to explore patterns in everyday things-flowers, animals, and even on the farm! Whether used in the classroom or at home, the book encourages children to spot patterns everywhere they look.
A 1-100 number chart is included to help children visualize number patterns, and a bold two-page spread shows the numbers together to help little ones count by tens. The delightful rhyming text is ideal for read-aloud sessions, and young readers will love spotting Number Nine, who can often be found napping throughout the story. Onomatopoeia adds an extra layer of fun, keeping kids engaged and enhancing the visual experience.
The rhyming scheme also introduces children to poetry and rhyming words, making it an excellent tool for early literacy. With easy-to-read text, this book is perfect for beginning readers, creating an enjoyable experience for teachers and children alike.
“Books like this give young children a wonderful head-start at developing an essential life skill. All families should be reading this book to their children by the time they are two years old and beyond.” Richard Schramm, MD, American Psychiatric Association Fellow
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers stories are the perfect learning books for preschool and kindergarten, ages 3-6.
A Quest of Creativity
Dim the Moon is a dreamlike picture book in which moonlight awakens a rooster and the farm seeks slumber once more, reminding young readers that even the liveliest nights must come to rest. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My rooster, General, was a funny fellow. I would hear him crow and think… The moon must be too bright. Have you ever stood by the window and looked out at a full moon? If you have, then you know what I mean. But I also felt reassured. I knew when he crowed that all was well on “the farm.” Even if it was the middle of the night. Then he’d settle down again and have his second sleep. Something my children often did when they were very small.
How did you approach the balance between whimsy and the underlying message about the importance of rest?
I wanted the words to be simple, so the illustrations could have a chance to speak. Dim the Moon is just as fun to look at as it is to read. A second bedtime story, for when our eyes and minds are too tired to focus on anything overly complicated, but we still need a minute or two to settle.
The illustrations are fantastic. Did you collaborate with an artist, or are they your own work?
I took my strengths as a photographer and created the illustrations. Popcorn kernels as fireflies, pickles, and watermelon made frogs. It was a treasure hunt, a quest of creativity, to find the perfect landscape and item to make my detailed illustrations. I carried a white piece of paper with me to use as a background for random leaves or grasses I might come across. A puzzle of cut and paste, repeated for hours. You’ll find a tiny hidden self-portrait, a signature in the eyes of the owl.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Children’s Picture Books:
Theodore Won’t Float Summer 2025
Pumpkin Surprise Fall 2025
Magic Makers Winter 2025
Friendship Feathers TBD
Just Too Sweet (Type 1 Diabetes) TBD
Young Adult:
Hearts on Paper Summer 2025
New Releases:
Hurricane Stew
Dim The Moon
Preorder:
The Gobblers (Nov. 25 2025 Clavis Publishing)
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Author-illustrator E. G. Creel takes a playful and imaginative approach to her artwork, using photographs of objects found in her garden and pantry to bring the story to life. Pickles become frogs, corn kernels glow as fireflies, and an owl is cleverly crafted from a pinecone, a chicken feather, and an apple slice. The moon itself is a moonflower, softly blooming on the page. Look closely and you’ll spot the artist’s “secret signature” —a tiny self-portrait waving from the owl’s eyes.
Being Responsive to Educational Needs
In Nurse Florence®, Why Do We Need Vitamin B9 or Folate or Folic Acid? the school nurse walks readers through the basics of what folic acid is, why our bodies need it, where it comes from, and what happens if we don’t get enough. What do you find interesting about this topic, making it ideal for a children’s nonfiction story?
Folic acid is essential for a growing fetus in the womb. I love to empower kids to live healthier lives and wish every girl reading this book will remember the importance to take a vitamin pill with this essential vitamin if they get pregnant in the future.
Can you share an instance where real-life events inspired your writing?
There was an outbreak of E. coli with some deaths that happened in one part of the Country, so I tasked one of my quick illustrators to do drawings for an E. coli Nurse Florence® book. We want to be responsive to the educational needs of our Country.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Watching TV shows with my wife. We are currently watching ‘Lost’ in Spanish.
What advice do you have for aspiring nonfiction writers who want to write for children?
Focus on bringing something beautiful into the world to make it a better place. Let that be one of your definitions of success.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube Interview
LITERARY TITAN 