Blog Archives

Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Systems of the Human Body

Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Systems of the Human Body by Michael Dow offers a delightful exploration of human biology for young readers. The story follows best friends Sonia, Condi, and Jean as they navigate a well-deserved lunch break after learning about the workings of government. Curious about whether the human body operates in a similar way, with different parts working together, they sit down with Nurse Florence, who takes them on an engaging tour of the body’s systems during their meal.

This book is a fantastic introduction to the major systems that keep our bodies functioning. Nurse Florence, ever patient and knowledgeable, explains everything from the skeletal system to respiration in a way that’s both accessible and engaging. The narrative moves quickly, keeping young readers interested while still managing to cover each system thoroughly. The illustrations by Roland Harrison of the body systems are clear and well done, making complex concepts easier for young minds to grasp. These visuals complement Nurse Florence’s explanations, helping to reinforce the information presented in the text. Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Systems of the Human Body is a strong educational resource. It’s particularly well-suited for teachers and parents looking for a book that introduces biology in an engaging and understandable way. The book also covers puberty and the reproductive system. While Nurse Florence touches on these topics lightly, the glossary provides more scientific details.

Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Systems of the Human Body, is an excellent overview of the human body’s major systems. It’s great for its educational value and the way it brilliantly introduces young readers to human biology. Perfect for children aged 10 and up who are eager to learn about the amazing systems that make up the human body, this book is a great pick for curious minds ready to explore the wonders of biology.

Pages: 59 | ISBN : 1312775270

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Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Hypothalamus

After a hectic morning at school, best friends Condi, Sonia, and Jean eagerly head to the cafeteria. As they walk, their conversation shifts to what they learned about leadership and the qualities a leader must have to run a business smoothly. This sparks their curiosity—could a part of the body be a leader, too? Just in time, Nurse Florence appears, ready to satisfy their curiosity. The trio is about to embark on a fascinating journey, uncovering the secrets of the hypothalamus.

Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Hypothalamus by Michael Dow is yet another outstanding addition to the “Nurse Florence” series. Each time I open one of these books, I find myself learning right alongside Sonia and her friends. This time, Nurse Florence introduces readers to the hypothalamus—the brain’s very own CEO. Despite its small size, this crucial part of the brain plays a massive role in managing everything from homeostasis to metabolism. Understanding how the brain and body collaborate to keep us healthy is nothing short of enlightening. The illustrations by Sela Goldfarb bring a delightful vibrancy to the pages, reminiscent of top-tier children’s animation. The author does a commendable job of presenting complex medical information without oversimplifying it. Instead of watering down the content, the book takes care to explain challenging terms in a way that’s accessible to young readers and adults alike. A glossary at the back further breaks down the terminology, encouraging readers to delve deeper into their own research. This book does touch on topics like human reproduction and puberty, complete with scientific terminology. It’s essential to ensure that young readers are ready for these discussions before diving in. Aside from this consideration, the book is well-suited for readers aged 10 and up who are eager to learn more about the human brain and body.

Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Hypothalamus by Michael Dow is rich in information and provides educational value. This latest adventure in the beloved series is perfect for families, educators, and anyone interested in exploring biology through a friendly and engaging story.

Pages: 64 | ISBN : 1304260399

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The Fuzzy White Pup: A Christmas Story

Who will get the fuzzy white pup to be their very own?

The little orphan boy only wants one thing in the whole wide world and before Christmas, he asks Santa Claus to give him his wish. Will the fuzzy white pup that the boy saw in the window be his one day? Or will some other child win this wonderful prize?

A beautifully illustrated new Christmas tale of the joy and innocence of childhood.

Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Pancreas

Nurse Florence, Tell Me About Pancreas, by Michael Dow, RN, MS, MHA, MSM, with illustrations by Jasmine Nguyen, offers a unique exploration into the digestive system, focusing on the pancreas. The story unfolds during a lunchtime chat where Nurse Florence enlightens Cody, Jean, and Sonia about the intricacies of this essential organ. Through this engaging conversation, the nurse delivers clear explanations, patiently addressing all the girls’ queries. Vibrant visuals accompany the lesson, transforming complex medical concepts into easily digestible information.

This educational book is a part of Dow’s series aimed at raising awareness on crucial health topics. This particular edition zeroes in on the pancreas, a critical yet often overlooked part of the digestive system. Drawing inspiration from a real-life nursing pioneer, Dow uses Nurse Florence as a vehicle to impart valuable medical knowledge to his readers. The narrative is crafted with care, presenting Nurse Florence as a knowledgeable yet approachable guide. The story is grounded in real medical science, making the information both relevant and accurate. The book’s brevity and brisk pacing make it an easy read, ensuring readers quickly grasp the fundamental concepts about the pancreas. Nguyen’s illustrations are vibrant and engaging, strategically placed throughout the book to hold the reader’s attention. These visuals serve not just to entertain but also to reinforce the information being presented. I feel the vocabulary may be challenging for some, but it’s well-suited for young readers eager to learn. The inclusion of a pronunciation guide further enhances the educational value, helping readers improve their language skills while they learn about the pancreas.

Dow has succeeded in creating a read that is both informative and enjoyable with Nurse Florence®, Tell Me About the Pancreas. He provides young readers with a fun-filled journey into the world of medical science.

Love is a Choice

Nicole Collazo and Michael Collazo Author Interview

Cozy Critters on the Ark follows a little mouse living in peaceful solitude who goes on an exciting adventure on Noah’s Ark and learns the meaning of friendship and happiness. What was the inspiration for your story?

My husband and I created the Cozy Critter world because of our love for small pets that make a lasting impact in one’s lives. Our guinea pig, Cooper, means a lot to us and we wanted to create a world where small creatures can make huge impacts in things and people around them. Kids can sometimes feel like they’re small and they don’t matter but our story hopefully teaches them that they do matter and their acts of kindness can change others and themselves.

The art in this book is fantastic, really bringing the story to life. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Michael Collazo?

Working with my husband was an absolute privilege and honor. We learned a lot about our marriage and working together as a team. Michael is a unique artist because he doesn’t use any image references when he illustrates and everything you see in our book comes from his heart. In this book, he would draw the images first and then we would both add words to it, which is normally the opposite of the story writing process. This made it so that the illlustrations became the primary focus and our story weaved in and out of them. Michael has never taken an art class in his life. He is truly a unique artist and I pale in comparison to him and have a more realistic art style.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Love is a choice and every day is full of choices to make. We can strive to make this world a better place by loving people just as they are, which is a biblical principle my husband and I try to live out daily and requires an internal decision of us even when it might be hard. Rufi has his flaws by taking on tasks harder than he expects, not asking for help, and letting his introverted nature create a barrier between him and people who might enjoy him. The Cozy Critters accept him just as he is and we did not want to change him- he is still a guarded little workaholic mouse. But he does learn a thing or two about the value of loving others and letting one be loved in return. Friends can easily become family, especially if you did not have a traditional family upbringing and this book also has friendship, belonging, kindness, and displacement themes.

When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?

Our next book in the Cozy Critter Storytime Series will focus around Henrietta, the bossy go-getter bunny. She will want to take over the Christmas planning and readers will see what happens when her long list of action items gets fulfilled. Although she is a bit of a control freak, she is just as fragile as Rufi and has endearing qualities we will be developing. The book, Henrietta Ruins Christmas, will be released in the Fall of 2025.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon

YOU are about to embark on an adventure with the world’s greatest friends, the Cozy Critters! Join us for the first heartwarming story in the Cozy Critters Storytime Series, which takes place alongside the biblical record of Noah’s Ark. The events that transpire will leave you saying…

“Why am I cheering and clapping for a mouse?!”

Rufi the workaholic mouse has friends but lives a solitary life. When he isn’t working hard, he enjoys reading a good book with a nice cup of coffee. His world is quickly turned upside down when he finds himself thrust into an adventure alongside new companions. When Rufi is displaced from his solitary treehouse, he may just discover that sharing the world with unexpected friends is what brings him true happiness!

Join Rufi as he is caught up in the action aboard Noah’s Ark and learns that any place can be a home if it is filled with love. This whimsical tale demonstrates a simple truth which is held dear by its authors, “Love never fails.” This book was created to support connection between children and the adults who are teaching them about life. While it contains fictional elements and absurdities, it aims to provide children with examples of belonging and kindness and demonstrate how friendship can rescue you from life’s biggest storms.

We understand that children navigate many of the same kinds of problems as adults, including finding ourselves in new living situations, situational family dynamics, and unexpected displacement. This book encourages children to broaden their ideas about belonging and helps them to see that they are surrounded by others who are willing to share their world.

Note: Side effects of this book may include wearing a red shirt, being a better friend, and cozy behavior.

Gigglet The Happy Little Piglet Goes to Summer Camp

Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet Goes to Summer Camp perfectly captures the joy of outdoor play and the power of friendship. Gigglet is the most cheerful piglet around. She eagerly embarks on her summer camp adventure, where she enjoys a variety of activities with her friends. From the peaceful moments around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and singing songs, to the energetic team-based games and friendly competitions, the book shows how nature offers endless ways to have fun.

Author A.M. Berkowitz combines a heartwarming tale of camaraderie and adventure in this beautiful picture book. The story invites children to imagine themselves in Gigglet’s shoes and even try some of the activities like arts and crafts or creating their own camp-inspired games. The story paints a picture of a day filled with respect, trust, and positive interactions while promoting the simple pleasures of life.

The pacing is unhurried reminding us of the joy found in slowing down and reconnecting with the natural world. The author’s engaging and melodious narration, coupled with simple yet effective language, makes this children’s book accessible and enjoyable for young readers. The illustrations are equally captivating, with each scene bringing to life a different moment of camp fun. The characters are designed with a joyful charm, radiating enthusiasm that leaps off the page. The vibrant artwork and lively text create a picture book that is sure to hold a child’s attention from beginning to end.

Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet Goes to Summer Camp is focused on practical and cooperative activities that encourage children to move, explore, and work together. This delightful tale will inspire young readers to embrace the outdoors, appreciate their surroundings and treat others with kindness.

ASIN: B0DBFQS7NB

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Heart Trouble for ZZ

Heart Trouble for ZZ is a delightful and educational picture book that teaches children the importance of caring for a sick pet. The story centers on ZZ, a spirited and playful dog whose only desire is to enjoy life despite a concerning diagnosis from his veterinarian. When the vet warns that ZZ might have a heart problem and advises him to stay calm until the test results are in, ZZ tries his best to settle down, but his exuberant nature gets the better of him. That’s when his loving family steps in, offering the support and guidance he needs.

The adventures of ZZ throughout this vibrant children’s book are a joy to witness. His antics, whether bouncing on the couch or racing around the yard, perfectly capture the playful spirit of a typical dog, and children will be thoroughly entertained by his lively behavior. However, beyond the fun and silliness lies a deeper lesson. As readers follow ZZ’s journey, they learn ways to help a rambunctious pet calm down, even when it’s essential for their health. Heart Trouble for ZZ excels in demonstrating gentle and compassionate ways to care for pets who struggle to settle down when it matters most.

The book’s charm is further enhanced by Zoe Saunders’ stunning illustrations. Her use of a soft color palette and beautiful sketch-style artwork vividly conveys ZZ’s emotions, whether he’s feeling frightened at the vet or discouraged while hiding in the closet. Every page is a visual treat, and children will be captivated by the expressive depictions of ZZ’s experiences.

Heart Trouble for ZZ is a heartwarming and insightful children’s book, ideal for families with pets, especially those dealing with health issues. Even for those without pets, young readers will be enchanted by ZZ’s rambunctious nature and come away with a valuable lesson in caring for loved ones.

Pages: 34 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DFVTFHT1

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Inspired by a Stuffed Animal

Shanti Hershenson Author Interview

Zeke Comes Out of His Shell follows a young hermit crab living in Southern California who is swept away from home during a storm and must find his way home. What was the inspiration for your story?

Zeke Comes Out of His Shell came to me as a surprise. I am not a children’s author by any means—and I am still learning the ins and outs of writing a book for a younger audience—but writing a children’s book has always been something I’ve wanted to do. This story in particular was inspired by a stuffed animal that I’ve had in my room—a hermit crab! The story’s setting was greatly inspired by San Diego and Southern California in general, as that is where I live.

What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?

Particularly with children’s stories, I’ve always enjoyed writing the first page. To me, that’s the most important part of the story—at least for drawing in young readers. The same goes for this book as well. Writing the descriptions of the tide pools and the ocean waves, and introducing the characters, was the best part.

What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?

To me, I felt that keeping the book as factual as possible was very important. I included details such as how hermit crabs find and replace their shells, as well as little references as to what they eat and how they live. Other than that, as the book is for a younger audience, I allowed my imagination to take forth!

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?

For now, I don’t have definite plans to write another book in this series—with that being said, continuing the journeys of Zeke and his friends is something I would like to do in the future.

Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon

Are you ready to explore the ocean? Join Zeke, a young hermit crab from the sunny coast of Southern California, on his quest to return home after being swept away during a storm. Along the way, he will meet new friends and discover a bravery inside himself that he never knew was there—and maybe you will too.

Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is the perfect adventure for budding readers, lovers of the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it, and those still trying to come out of their shells.