Planting the seeds. Nurturing the growth. Pruning the prickles.
Raising our most precious children is a process of love, patience and guidance.
And as most parents know, there is no manual, no easy-button, no perfect road map in guiding a child through the world from their most vulnerable younger years into their most impressionable teenage years.
Parents, teachers and caregivers can be confronted with pint-sized problems to colossal catastrophes at any given moment. And we’re often left wondering, what is the best solution? The best response? How should we proceed?
But, there are tools to help. And reading thoughtful books together is not just a win for literacy, but for connection as well.
When I exited the elementary classroom as a young mother myself, I was left with the lasting impression and importance of not just academic success for all of our children and students, but how it stems from strong social and emotional roots.
It wasn’t until I started my own author journey and research that I realized the treasure trove of ideas, stories and shared experiences that come from story books.
Children can see themselves in relatable characters and scenarios. Students can identify with everyday struggles and classroom stresses. Parents and teachers can model solutions and conversations to help guide them through those trickier situations.
Since my time in the classroom, the importance of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has skyrocketed amongst districts and campuses that see the correlation of a more emotionally-stable and supportive environment, and the overall success of not only one student, but the whole class.
Classrooms where acceptance is valued.
Playgrounds of inclusion in full swing.
Cafeterias serving kindness and compassion.
Campuses where diverse voices are heard and appreciated.
But, with millions of books out there, where to even begin?!
That was a question I found for myself, even after immersing myself in reading, researching and reveling in the sea of fellow children’s book authors and beyond.
After I published my first children's title, I decided to create more resources for parents and teachers. So, in addition to SEL activities and games, I wanted to create an archive of topics and book picks that can be drawn upon at any time.
Whether you’re looking for kid lit recommendations on a multitude of themes from social struggles and anxiety, to diversity, grief and conflict resolution, we have a book pick for that! Or two!
Thus, The Blooming Books Podcast was born.
A place where I wanted to create a welcoming, non-judgmental space to hear real-life conversations with a plethora of experts, yet still feeling like you’re chatting with a friend at a coffee shop, and getting some nuggets of advice that can help navigate rougher waters.
Now in our fifth season, I still get excited over hosting phenomenal guests from around our area and beyond, who graciously lend their expertise, experience and insight into a challenging topic we usually see all too often.
In season one, I sat down with local moms Aydee Deaton and Hayley Von Frank to discuss the importance of not only accepting all friends around us, but really celebrating our differences. Conversations that can be awkward or intimidating at first when befriending someone who might look, act or think differently than us, but how it’s a gift to lead with curiosity and compassion that turns to real connection. We then shared our favorite kid lit picks that introduce young readers to dynamic characters in fun ways, like “Masterpiece” by Alexandra Hoffman, "Not Quite Narwhal" by Jessie Sima, and “What Can Hayes Be?” by Kayce Smith.
Season three had us sitting down with local artist Cynthia Jackson, and chatting about using art as a therapeutic stress reliever and a way to help overcome perfectionism through embracing the journey itself. Our favorite picks were some of my favorites from my art classroom like “Beautiful Oops!” by Barney Saltzberg and “I’m Not Just a Scribble” by Diane Alber. We also loved middle grade picks for budding artists like Diane’s “Charlie Picasso” series and “Find Your Way,” an interactive adventure by teacher-extraordinaire Cassie Stephens.
Books with a purpose. Conversations that flow easier. Questions that aren’t left unanswered.
As a community of parents, educators, and book lovers, we can raise a more mindful generation, and might even gain a nugget or two for our younger selves.
You can browse & stream The Blooming Books Podcast and learn more about our Blooming Rose SEL book series at BloomingRoseKids.com
Blooming Books on Navigating Friendships
“The Recess Queen” by Alexis O’Neill (PB)
“The Invisible Boy” by Trudy Ludwig (PB)
“The Not-So-Friendly Friend” by Christina Furnival (PB)
“What is Empathy? A Bullying Storybook for Kids” by Amanda Morin (MG)
Blooming Books on Facing Challenges
“Who You Were Made to Be” by Joanna Gaines (PB)
“Blooming Rose Blasts Off!” by Lauren Piland (PB)
“Aaron Slater, Illustrator” by Andrea Beaty (PB)
“The Magical Yet” by Angela DiTerlizzi (PB)
Blooming Books on Stress & Anxiety
“Wilma Jean the Worry Machine” by Julia Cook (PB)
“The Whatifs” by Emily Kilgore (PB)
“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn (PB)
“Worry Says What?” by Allison Edwards (PB)
“Blooming Rose Finds Her Jam!” by Lauren Piland (PB)
Blooming Books on Attention Intentions
“The Rocket Inside Me” by Karelle Vezina (PB)
“Benji’s Busy Brain” by Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez (PB)
“My Brain Needs Glasses” by Annick Vincent, MD (MG)
“ADHD is Awesome” by Penn & Kim Holderness (MG)
(PB) denotes picture book for ages 4+
(MG) denotes middle grade for ages 8+
Reading thoughtful books together is not just a win for literacy, but for connection as well.
Books with a purpose. Conversations that flow easier. Questions that aren’t left unanswered.