Jen Lowry's Blog

A Middle Grade Adventure that Redefines What It Means to Be BraveMonarch Spotlight – Maggie and the Mountain of Light by Mark Snoad

There are stories that entertain, and then there are stories that quietly reach into a child’s heart and remind them who they are capable of becoming. Maggie and the Mountain of Light by Mark Snoad is one of those rare books that does both beautifully.

At Monarch Educational Services, we are always searching for stories that meet our Safe Shelf Standard while also offering depth, courage, and meaningful representation. This middle grade contemporary fantasy rises to that calling with clarity and purpose.

A Story That Meets Students Where They Are

Maggie is not your typical fantasy heroine. She is twelve years old. She struggles with anxiety. She lives with severe, life-threatening food allergies. And yet, she is called.

What begins as an ordinary experience quickly transforms into something extraordinary when Maggie is invited into the secretive and elite world of the Wayfinder Girls. Suddenly, she is no longer on the sidelines of her own story. She is in it. Fully. Courageously. Imperfectly.

This is where the power of this book lives. Maggie does not overcome her challenges by becoming someone else. She grows by stepping forward as she is.

Why This Book Matters for Classrooms and Families

This novel offers more than adventure. It offers identity, voice, and courage for readers who rarely see themselves reflected as the hero.

Across both professional and reader reviews, several themes stand out:

• Courage in the face of fear
• The strength of friendship and teamwork
• Representation of anxiety and medical challenges
• A fast-paced, engaging plot that keeps readers invested
• A seamless blend of history, fantasy, and cultural richness

One reviewer from Seasons of KidLit describes it as:

“Packed with interdimensional danger and high-stakes adventure… a thrilling quest… perfect for middle-grade readers who love their fantasy both epic and empowering.”

Another educator shares:

“This book is an absolute must-have for classrooms and book clubs… Maggie is a hero unlike many others… and proves that courage comes in many forms.”

And that right there is the heartbeat of Monarch.

We believe in stories that tell students:
You are not disqualified from greatness because of your struggles.

Instructional and Book Club Potential

For educators, this text opens the door for rich, meaningful discussions:

• What does courage look like when you are afraid?
• How do friendships shape identity and decision-making?
• In what ways can challenges become strengths?
• How does representation impact reader connection?

This book fits beautifully into:

• Middle grade ELA units focused on character development
• Social-emotional learning discussions
• Book clubs centered on identity and belonging
• Clean reads classroom libraries

About the Author

Kia ora and hello from Aotearoa New Zealand. My name is Mark Snoad and I am a husband, father, teacher and author of Maggie and the Mountain of Light – a middle grade urban fantasy. I’m a big fan of fantasy and I was intrigued by the idea of a young protagonist who didn’t have any magical powers, nor was she related to any gods, but all she had was her anxiety and severe food allergies. Could she go on a magical adventure and save the world? My inspiration for the story was my eldest daughter who has battled both anxiety and food allergies her entire life. I hope I have conveyed her bravery and courage through Maggie’s story, and I hope you will find joy and delight in reading about Maggie’s adventure. Oh, a final note about the Mountain of Light. It’s real. I didn’t make up that part. You can search the name online and find out all about it. Enjoy!!

A Final Word for Our Monarch Community

This is the kind of story that aligns deeply with our mission. It is clean, courageous, and meaningful. And it speaks directly to children who need to see that bravery is not the absence of fear… it is the decision to move forward anyway.

If you are building a classroom library, a homeschool curriculum, or simply a home filled with books that matter, Maggie and the Mountain of Light belongs on that shelf.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV

And isn’t that exactly Maggie’s story?

https://gofund.me/6e32f7e4a

Update: We Now Need $1,500 Instead of $3,000

We have a beautiful praise report to share with our Monarch community.

Thanks to God’s provision, what we originally thought would require $3,000 has now been reduced to $1,500.

We are so grateful. This means Monarch Educational Services is much closer to taking the next step toward building the professional printing, fulfillment, and distribution foundation we have been praying for.

We are still walking carefully, reviewing details with wisdom, and trusting the Lord one step at a time. But today, we are praising God for opening a door and making the path more possible.

Every prayer, donation, and share has helped encourage us forward. Thank you for believing in this mission to bring clean, value-based books to families, homeschool communities, schools, libraries, and readers.

We are now praying and working toward raising the remaining $1,500.

Thank you for helping us build a legacy of literacy, faith, hope, and trusted stories for the next generation.

“With God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26, KJV

North Carolina is home to some of the most respected publishing houses in the country. These organizations have shaped literary culture, elevated powerful voices, and contributed meaningfully to the national conversation around books and storytelling.

As I reflect on where Monarch Educational Services fits within this landscape, I do so with both deep respect and a clear sense of calling. I also understand it’s how for me to define my business in comparison with others, because we are so unique in our book titles and educational offerings. I’ve been challenged to write this and work on who we are in North Carolina. All I can say is that we are Monarch. We believe in clean, value-based stories that inspire.

And while we share the same state with a list of other traditional publishers, we are not doing the same work.

The Established Publishing Voices of North Carolina

Several high-profile publishers in North Carolina have built strong reputations and national reach. Monarch is just getting started. We are proud to be the first to serve the clean reads only space in North Carolina.

Algonquin Books

Algonquin Books, based in Chapel Hill, is one of the most recognized literary publishers in the South. Known for publishing award-winning fiction and nonfiction, Algonquin has brought impactful, thought-provoking stories to readers across the country. Their focus is literary excellence, cultural relevance, and compelling storytelling.

Blair

Blair, formerly known as John F. Blair, Publisher, has a long-standing presence in North Carolina publishing. Their catalog highlights Southern culture, regional storytelling, and carefully curated nonfiction and literary works that preserve and celebrate heritage and place.

Baen Books

Baen Books, located in Wake County, has built a strong national following in science fiction and fantasy with an ebook focus. With a loyal readership and a clear genre focus, Baen represents the strength of niche publishing done well, serving readers who are passionate about speculative fiction.

Each of these publishers plays an important role.

They publish strong, bestselling books. They serve defined audiences. They contribute to the literary ecosystem in meaningful ways.

And yet, there is still a space that remains largely unfilled.

The Space Monarch Was Called Into

Monarch Educational Services was not created to replicate what already exists.

It was created to respond to a growing and urgent need.

Families, educators, and communities are searching for books they can trust.

Not just well-written books.
Not just engaging stories.
But books that are safe, uplifting, and aligned with their values.

This is where Monarch steps in.

What Makes Monarch Different

Monarch is not simply a publishing company. It is a mission-driven platform built around a single guiding promise:

Every book we publish meets our Safe Shelf Standard.

That means:

No explicit contentNo unnecessary profanityThoughtful, values-aligned storytellingAge-appropriate content families can trust

In today’s publishing landscape, that level of consistency is rare.

A Full Reading Journey, Not Just a Book List

Most publishers specialize in a single category:

Children’s booksYoung adult fictionAdult literary works

Monarch was intentionally built differently.

We serve readers across the full journey:

K–5 through Caterpillar BooksMiddle grades through Chrysalis BooksYoung adult through Monarch BooksAdult fiction nonfiction through Bloom & Nectar Books

This is not just a catalog.

It is a reading pathway for families.

A place where a parent can confidently choose a book for their child, their teenager, and themselves—without hesitation.

More Than Publishing

Monarch also extends beyond books.

Our work includes:

Literacy-based curriculum developmentSupport for educators and homeschool familiesEducational testing and servicesTraining and professional development

This integration allows us to support not just reading, but learning, growth, and literacy development.

A Women-Owned Mission with Purpose

At its heart, Monarch is a women-owned company built on calling, not convenience. Dr. Jen Lowry started the company, and her husband, Army Veteran, Eli, joined her just this year to serve by her side in this work God has called her to do.

This work is deeply personal.

It is rooted in:

A belief in the power of story and the authors who deserve a traditional publishing house who cares for them A commitment to protecting what enters the minds of young readers to adult minds A desire to give families a trusted place to turn without having to vet or read every book before passing it to a friend or family member (check our ratings!)

In a marketplace filled with millions of titles, standing apart is not easy.

But standing apart is exactly what we were called to do.

Why This Matters Now

The demand for clean, trustworthy literature is growing.

Parents are asking more questions. Educators are being more selective.
Communities are seeking alignment between values and content. And states are paying attention. Laws are enacted and the need for clean reads with high-quality production and strong stories rises.

Monarch exists to meet that moment.

Not by competing with every publisher, but by serving a specific audience with clarity and consistency. We are still small since we published our first book, A Study in Terminal by Kara Linaburg, in 2022. But we serve a Mighty God and feel blessed to do this work each day.

North Carolina’s publishing landscape is strong and diverse.

And within that landscape, Monarch is something different. Not better, because we aren’t about the comparison game. Not louder, because we are humbly walking this calling. But clearly, purposefully set apart.

“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” — Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV)

This is the vision.

A Safe Shelf.
A trusted path.
A place where stories are not only powerful, but safe to hold for the whole family.

Thank you for supporting our small business. We appreciate every prayer, share, and purchase.

Blessings,

Eli & Dr. Jen Lowry

A professional host uses high-quality audio and lighting to lead an engaging online coaching webinar.

For years, educators may feel they are “just teachers.”

Just teachers.
Just professors.
Just coaches.
Just people doing meaningful work behind the scenes.

But that is not the full truth.

Educators carry frameworks, stories, strategies, lessons, and life-changing wisdom that people desperately need. Many teachers have curriculum others would gladly pay for. Many professors hold years of research that could become a book, a course, a speaking platform, or a consulting path. Many instructional leaders and coaches are sitting on ideas with real market value.

The problem is not lack of expertise. The problem is that too many brilliant educators never get a clear roadmap for how to turn that expertise into something publishable and profitable. That is exactly why I believe more educators need to start thinking like authors and founders.

Why educators should write books

A book is not only a book. A strong book can become your credibility marker. It can become your business card. It can support speaking opportunities. It can create trust with readers before they ever meet you. It can lead to workshops, trainings, school partnerships, courses, consulting, and curriculum sales.

For educators, a book is often the bridge between the classroom and a larger calling.

That does not mean every educator needs to leave education. It means your expertise can work for you in more than one way.

If you have built systems that help students grow, if you have developed content that works, if you have a message rooted in lived experience, then you already have the beginning of a book.

What stops most educators from getting started

Most educators do not struggle because they have nothing to say. They struggle because they are overwhelmed by the process.

They wonder things like:

Is my idea even good enough?
Should I wait for a traditional publisher?
How do I know what kind of book to write?
What if I want to build a business too?
How do I do this with all the things too?
Can I really create something meaningful while still working full time?

Those questions are real, and they are common.

That is why so many smart, gifted professionals stay stuck in the idea stage for years. They have heart and expetise. But they do not yet have a practical framework.

What a successful educator-author really needs

If you want to move from idea to impact, you need more than inspiration. You need clarity. You need a writing path that fits your life.
You need to identify your niche that makes sense. You need a publishing strategy that aligns with your goals. You need to understand how a book fits into the bigger picture of platform, audience, and business growth.

Most of all, you need permission to stop minimizing your knowledge.

Your experience matters.
Your voice matters.
Your work has value beyond the walls of a classroom.

The smartest way to begin is not to try to figure out everything alone. The smartest way is to learn from someone who has already built what you are trying to build. A live opportunity for educators ready to move

That is why From Classroom to Chapters is such a timely opportunity for the right person.

This live Monarch masterclass is designed for educators, professors, and coaches who want to turn their expertise into a published book and a business. It is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM Eastern on Zoom. Enrollment is intentionally capped at 25 participants, and the investment is $177. The offer also includes a 14-day replay and a downloadable Monarch Method resource guide.

What makes this offer especially compelling is that it is not vague motivation. It is built around a practical, structured learning experience.

You will learn:
the permission shift around why your expertise is already publishable,
the myths educators often believe about publishing,
a five-step framework called the Monarch Method,
and how a book can function as a business asset tied to speaking, consulting, and income growth.

The event is hosted by Dr. Jennifer Lowry, a traditional publisher, and author coach, as well as a Special Education Professor at Campbell University’s School of Education and Human Sciences, a 25-year North Carolina public educator, and founder of Monarch Educational Services, LLC.

Who this is best for

This masterclass is likely a strong fit if you are:

An educator who keeps saying, “I want to write a book someday”A professor with research, curriculum, or lived expertise that deserves a wider audienceA coach who wants a book to strengthen your authority and expand your businessA professional who wants to create an additional stream of income rooted in your knowledgeA mission-driven person who is tired of waiting for permission

If that is you, then writing a book is not vanity or a hobby. It is stewardship. It may be one of the most strategic things you do with your expertise.

Ready to take the first step?

If you are ready to stop circling your idea and start building a real roadmap, this is your invitation.

From Classroom to Chapters is happening live on Wednesday, April 30, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM Eastern. It is hosted on Zoom, limited to 25 seats, and priced at $177. Enrollment closes when the final seat is filled.

You do not need another year of wondering.
You need a plan.
You need clarity.
You need the courage to believe your expertise is worth building on.

Save your seat here:
From Classroom to Chapters Masterclass

From Classroom to Chapters Masterclass

I get it.

Teachers are overwhelmed. Parents are cautious (as they should be). Schools are under scrutiny with age-appropriate and novel content debates.

And in the middle of all of it, one question keeps rising:

Can I Trust This Book?

A teacher reached out and told me something that stopped me in my tracks.

She said she did not have time to pre-read the novel she wanted to give to a 13-year-old student.

But she handed the student Disconnected anyway.

Why?

Because she trusted Monarch.

She trusted that if it carried our name, it had already been vetted. She trusted that our clean standards were real. She checked out our website. She trusted that she could place it in a 13 year olds hands without fear.

That kind of trust is not built overnight. And it is not accidental. It is God guiding our steps, helping us been seen, and allowing us to grow with readers.

What Happened Next

Then, the student’s mother messaged the teacher.

Her daughter was already reading it.

Already invested. Already engaged. No panic. No complaint. No concern.

Just a young reader connecting with a story.

That is the moment we work for.

Not controversy. Not shock value. Not pushing boundaries. Connection.

Here’s a short video I posted on my YouTube channel to share the story (please subscribe to my YouTube when you visit the link):

https://youtube.com/shorts/y0TIXjTLZpQ?si=_nGgaJDxmKNcp6WI

About Disconnected by Riley Cross (High School English Teacher and Author)

Here is the official blurb:

Chiara was born a mistake. An Anomaly. In a society engineered for control and perfection, she does not fit the mold. When tragedy strikes her family, the cracks in her world begin to widen. As secrets unravel and the truth behind her existence comes into question, Chiara must decide whether to accept the system that defines her or risk everything to uncover what is real. In a world that demands conformity, one voice choosing courage can change everything.

This is a clean YA dystopian novel that explores identity, belonging, truth, and courage. It invites young readers to think deeply without exposing them to graphic content or material that compromises family values.

Why This Matters

Teachers do not have time to read every book cover to cover.

That is the honest truth.

Between lesson planning, grading, meetings, behavior support, and communication with families, their margin is thin.

But students still need high-quality books. Parents still need reassurance. Schools still need quality literature. This is where publishing integrity matters.

At Monarch Educational Services, we vet our books intentionally. We publish clean, value-based stories that teachers can trust and parents can feel confident about. We do not rely on “probably fine.” We build on purpose.

When a teacher says, “I trust your company,” that is not a small statement.

That is stewardship.

The Real Win

The real win was not a sale.

The real win was a 13-year-old girl reading.

The real win was a mother at peace.

The real win was a teacher who could do her job without fear.

That is what we are building. Not just books. A Safe Shelf.

If you are an educator, homeschool parent, or librarian looking for clean, meaningful literature, we would love to serve you.

Visit:

http://www.monarcheducationalservices.com

“And let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Corinthians 14:40, KJV

https://a.co/d/0ehpwfro

Check out Disconnected today.

If you have ever wondered what it looks like behind the scenes of a family-owned publishing company, I can tell you it is not all polished desks, perfectly lined up bookshelves, and quiet afternoons.

Sometimes it is a dog wrapped in a blanket like royalty, a living room that turns into an editing studio, and a kitchen that smells like peanut butter because someone in our house has very serious opinions about homemade food and treats.

At Monarch Educational Services, we are family-owned. That is not just a business detail. It is the way we operate. It is the way we make decisions. It is the way we care about the stories we publish and the people we serve. We are a family serving families.

And yes, it also means our dog is part of the team.

Chupie is our sweet girl. She is our companion, our comfort, and our constant reminder that love is built in small, faithful routines. She has listened to more brainstorming sessions than any dog should reasonably be expected to endure. She has sat beside us through late-night proofreads, cover revisions, growth plans, and the kind of “we can do this” moments that small business owners know well.

She is a Monarch, too. #TeamMonarch

Lately, life at Monarch has felt full of fresh momentum. We had two contract meetings yesterday, and I cannot wait to share more soon. Let’s just say new things are blooming, and we are grateful and excited for what is ahead.

In the middle of all that growth and planning, we are still doing what we have always done, keeping our home and our work grounded in the things that matter most. Clean, value-based stories that inspire. Family. Faith. And yes, homemade treats for the world’s most loyal office assistant.

So today, I am sharing something simple and sweet. A little glimpse into our “bookish love” lifestyle at Monarch, and Chupie’s favorite recipe, typed out for anyone who simply wants to spoil their own furry family member.

Chupie’s Golden Tickets

Homemade Dog Treats

Ingredients

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (we use Jif) 1 cup wheat flour 1/4 cup water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix peanut butter, wheat flour, and water until a dough forms. Roll out and cut into shapes. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until firm. Cool completely before serving.

A little love in every bite.

This recipe is simple, affordable, and honestly a perfect reflection of how we try to live. Not complicated. Not flashy. Just steady love, done with care.

If you are reading this as a fellow writer, reader, teacher, parent, or entrepreneur, I hope this encourages you. Big dreams are often built in ordinary places. A kitchen table. A laptop. A manuscript with sticky notes. A dog at your feet. A family praying quietly for wisdom and open doors.

We are grateful for every reader, every author, and every family who chooses Monarch. Thank you for being part of our story.

More is coming soon.

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?” Isaiah 43:19 KJV

Monarch logo

There are moments in business that feel small on the outside but monumental in your heart. Tonight, I experienced one of those moments and wanted to share it with you.

I typed “clean reads publishers” into Google, not really expecting anything. I was just checking. Learning. Growing. Practicing what I am being taught inside the LaunchJOCO entrepreneurship program here in Johnston County. A program that is challenging me every week to learn more and do better! Our readers deserve it. Our authors deserve it. I’ve been so blessed.

And then I saw it.

Monarch Educational Services.

Right there in the list of clean reads publishers.

I just stared at it for a second.

Not because we have arrived. Not because we are the biggest. But because we were there. We showed up.

I leaned over in class and whispered to my accountability partner, Ty, “Look. We are there.” She smiled and then pulled up a new search and did her own. She typed, “NC clean reads publishers.”

And there we were again.

Y’all. I wanted to cry.

When families search for clean reads publishers, wholesome fiction publishers, or safe books for their shelves, they are looking for trust. They are looking for stories without profanity, without explicit content, without extreme violence. They are looking for uplifting fiction, clean romance, meaningful young adult stories, children’s books with heart and integrity. Most importantly, books they do not have to pre-screen before handing to a child or teen, because rating guides and transparency is there from page one.

Why This Matters

Monarch was built for that very reason. Out of a need to find safe shelf reads for my kids when we homeschooled. Safe shelf reads I could have on my ELA shelf at public school with confidence that students would encounter age appropriate content. We believe in clean fiction that is engaging, beautifully written, and safe for your shelf. We believe wholesome storytelling does not have to sacrifice quality. We believe families deserve strong, compelling, value-based books they can read together.

Seeing Monarch show up under searches like “clean reads publishers” and “NC clean reads publishers” felt like a quiet confirmation that our message is becoming clearer online. Google is beginning to understand who we are and what we stand for.

And that is not accidental.

Sharpening the Business Behind the Mission

One of the greatest blessings this year has been being part of LaunchJOCO. I am surrounded by business men and women who are building companies, refining their systems, and learning how to grow sustainably. I am learning practical business practices that will strengthen Monarch for years to come.

Being led by Katie Gailes has been such a gift. Her steady leadership and real-world business insight are sharpening my skills as both a publisher and an entrepreneur. Monarch is not just a creative dream. It is a mission-driven business, and I am committed to stewarding it well.

The late nights updating our website and building the Monarch Compass Awards for Clean Reads. The beginning of a high school ELA curriculum families and schools can trust. The careful crafting of submission guidelines for Bloom and Nectar Books (adult clean reads).

The clarity around what “clean reads” truly means at Monarch is shining through it all.

Every small decision since 2022 matters. And tonight, we showed up. God is showing out. It’s all because of Him!

A Growing Clean Reads Movement

The market for clean reads is growing. Families, homeschool communities, educators, librarians, and book clubs are actively searching for clean fiction publishers and wholesome adult publishers who align with their values.

We are honored to be part of that larger clean storytelling movement. There are other publishers serving in this space, and the demand continues to rise. That tells us something important. Readers are looking for something different. Something safe. Something intentional.

And Monarch is here to meet that need.

A Question For You

If you read clean fiction or look for clean reads publishers, what matters most to you?

Is it zero profanity?

Sweet romance?

Strong family themes?

Faith elements?

Uplifting endings?

No graphic violence?

We would truly love to hear from homeschool families, teachers, librarians, and book clubs. What makes a story safe for your shelf?

Your voice helps shape the future of Monarch.

We Are Grateful

Tonight was a reminder that steady work compounds. That visibility grows quietly before it becomes obvious. That obedience in the small things matters.

And above all, that the Lord orders our steps.

“And let us not grow weary in doing good: for in due season we will reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:9

Thank you for reading. Thank you for supporting clean reads. Thank you for being part of this journey.

We showed up.

And it’s all for God and you.

Blessings,

Dr. Jen

http://www.monarcheducationalservices.com

There are some books that feel like a celebration the moment you cast your eyes on the cover. You know something is happening here that is special. You see the artwork of sweet children! It makes you wonder about all the prayers and love that was poured into that moment. From ideas, to drawing time, to bending over paper with care and love! With celebrations and illustrator meetings and mom author collaborations! It truly has been such a rewarding experience at Monarch. One that showcases who we are and what we believe. The Magical World of Poetry by Sandy Whiting, illustrated by Jane and Ethan Whiting, is one of those rare treasures, the kind that reminds you why stories matter, why words matter, and why families creating together is one of the most beautiful things on earth.

The Magical World of Poetry by Sandy Whiting, illustrated by Jane and Ethan Whiting

At Monarch Educational Services is thrilled to announce that The Magical World of Poetry is now up for preorder! It will release on April 2, 2026. Please join me in celebrating the Whiting family and send words of encouragement to our youngest illustrators!

Click here to preorder on Amazon or purchase where you buy books!

We believe in clean reads that families can trust, books that spark imagination without compromising what matters most. We believe in honoring voices, especially the voices of children and families who are creating something meaningful together. And we believe that when a book is built with love, joy, and purpose, it becomes more than a book.

It becomes a keepsake.

A Fun Endorsement We Are Honored to Share

“Fun subject matter, a variety of styles, and a fresh quirky vibe make The Magical World of Poetry loads of lyrical fun.”

-Brian P. Cleary, Author of Eating My Words and 128 Other Poems

About the Author and Illustrators

About the Author and Illustrators:

Sandy Whiting has been penning poems and stories for as long as she can remember. She is a Speech-Language Pathologist and has previously published two other books with Monarch Educational Services. Sandy loves reading, writing, and leads a creative writing club (see book dedication!) and a middle grade book club at her local library. Sandy lives in Western, New York with her husband, two kids (aka awesome illustrators!), and two cats.

Jane Whiting is nine years old. She loves reading, drawing, writing, softball, and dance! Jane’s favorite poet is Shel Silverstein. She finds joy in reading and writing and hopes other kids will find joy in this poetry collection, too!

Ethan Whiting is seven years old. He enjoys reading, drawing, writing, and karate! Ethan spends hours creating his own short stories and is thrilled to be part of this collection, of which his favorite poem is “Snake on a Swing Set!”

Why This Book Matters to Monarch

This book is exactly what Monarch is all about:

A family-friendly collection that children can enjoy and parents can feel good about.A confidence-builder for young readers and writers who want to understand poetry and try it themselves.A joyful place to begin for kids who love silly, clever poems, and also for kids who need a gentle, guided path into writing.A love letter to creativity, because every child deserves the chance to discover, “Hey… I can do this.”

When a mother and her children come together to build a book like this, it’s more than publishing. It’s legacy. It’s laughter at the kitchen table. It’s imagination on paper. It’s the kind of project kids remember when they grow up.

And that is why Monarch does what we do.

What’s Inside The Magical World of Poetry

Welcome to The Magical World of Poetry – a joyful, family-friendly poetry collection and writing guide created to help young readers fall in love with poems and feel confident creating their own.

The Magical World of Poetry is a joyful, kid-friendly poetry collection and “how-to” guide designed to help children read, understand, and write poems with confidence. Inside you’ll find 70+ poems across kid-loved themes like animals, sports, food, weather, holidays, and fantasy, paired with charming illustrations created by young artists.

But this is more than a poetry book, it’s a poetry workshop in disguise. Young readers learn engaging poetry forms, including acrostic, cinquain, concrete (shape) poetry, free verse, haiku, and rhyme, plus a helpful glossary of poetic devices like alliteration, simile, metaphor, imagery, onomatopoeia, and personification.

This uplifting poetry book encourages creativity, vocabulary development, fluency, and confidence, while keeping content clean, age-appropriate, and encouraging. If you are looking for poetry for kids, a poetry writing workbook feel, or a classroom-friendly book that helps students read poems and write poems with joy, this collection is a wonderful fit.

Perfect for:

Ages 8-12 (and up), independent reading, class poetry collection, homeschool educators, and family read-alouds of ALL AGES!
Classrooms, homeschooling, poetry units, writing centers, and library programs will love this quirky poetry collection
Kids who love Shel Silverstein-style fun, plus kids who need a gentle, guided entry into writing poetry
Open the book. Try a poem. Then write your own magic.

Our Invitation to Families, Teachers, and Homeschoolers

If your home, classroom, or library is craving a book that feels light, joyful, and genuinely wholesome, this one belongs on your shelf. Read a poem out loud after dinner. Use one as a morning warm-up in your homeschool day. Keep it in your classroom writing center and watch what happens when kids realize poetry can be fun.

And if you have a child who loves to draw, write, doodle, or make up silly stories, let this book be a gentle reminder:

Their creativity matters.

Closing Blessing

“And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” — Isaiah 54:13 (KJV)

At Monarch Educational Services, we believe books can do more than entertain. A strong story can shape character, spark meaningful conversation, and invite students into deeper thinking about the world and their place in it.

As Monarch continues to grow, we are preparing to launch a new chapter: a collection of educational resources designed to support families, teachers, librarians, churches, book clubs, and homeschool communities with excellence and care.

Before we build, we want to listen first.

Why We’re Asking for Your Input

Reader’s guides should be more than “extra pages.” They should be truly useful: clear, consistent, printable, and meaningful for students. They should support rich conversation, thoughtful writing, and joyful learning. And they should reflect what you actually need in real classrooms and real homes.

That is why we created a short survey for Monarch readers and educators.

What Your Feedback Will Help Us Do

Your input will directly shape how Monarch’s reader’s guides and educational resources are structured, designed, and released. Specifically, your feedback will help us:

Design reader’s guides that are simple to use and easy to printCreate consistent formats across grade levels and book typesInclude the kinds of questions, activities, and learning supports that matter mostBuild resources that honor both academic growth and the hearts of studentsThank You Gift

As a small thank-you, everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a Monarch book of their choice. One winner will be selected at random and notified by email by February 22, 2026.

Take the Survey

Survey link: https://bit.ly/monarchsurvey7

Thank you for helping us cultivate clean reads with purpose and intentionality. We are honored to serve your families, your students, and your learning spaces.

“In the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” — Proverbs 11:14 (KJV)

Blessings,

Dr. Jennifer Lowry, Founder & Co-President
Monarch Educational Services

http://www.monarcheducationalservices.com

Last night’s Monarch Bootcamp reminded me why we gather in the first place. Learning labs matter.

So often, writers assume they are stuck because they lack skill, discipline, or the right plan. But many times, what is actually happening is simpler and deeper. Noise has crept into the writing space. When the thief of noise knocks on the door and there is no protection against it, it will kill, steal, and destroy all of your peace, confidence, positive emotion, and creativity.

It’s not just the noise of busy schedules and social media notifications, but the quiet noise that lives inside us – that battle with the mind. Overthinking. Fear of not being good enough. Pressure to get it perfect. Comparison. The heaviness of feeling behind. The ache of wanting to write, but not knowing how to begin.

And if we do not name the noise, it will keep taking up space that belongs to joy.

Last night, we gathered to learn about how to take an idea, that concept that God has placed on your heart, and then move it to a solid pitch and clear path forward to structure and write your book! God had other plans. That is why our session will always begin with prayer. When we ask the Lord to give us the words to say, and we honor him in our Bootcamp space, we have to submit to the will to be led to that space and have it develop into what it was meant to be in the first place. We wanted the Lord to lead the time, not our nerves, not our expectations, and not a checklist or slideshow (even though I had those).

Remember, we spent days and countless hours of research to plan a Concept-to-Pitch workshop. But what unfolded was something more personal. It became in the moment coaching for what was needed in that moment. We slowed down. We reflected. We listened. We asked what was blocking the next faithful step.

And in that quiet, something shifted.

As we talked, we could see it clearly. The roadblock was a weight. A swirl of noise that had been stealing confidence and momentum.

We didn’t stay there long. Because we know that Jesus came to give us joy and have it more abundantly. So, we dealt with the NOISE, tackling it head on, and then slid into to JOY.

Not the kind of joy the world tries to manufacture, but the kind Jesus gives. Not secular writing spaces, but Christian writing spaces became our focus. The kind of space that steadies your hands, clears your mind, and helps you remember why you started writing in the first place.

Joy does not mean the work is easy. It means the work becomes lighter because you are not carrying it alone.

An author shared something after the bootcamp that stayed with me as a testimonial to what the power of gathering can do:

“I enjoyed the reflection part of the bootcamp. It opened my eyes to what was a roadblock to my writing and made the bootcamp personal and meaningful. I will be using the prayer and the personal scripture each time I prepare to write. I am energized about writing in a way I haven’t been before and can’t wait to see what happens.”

That is the heartbeat of Monarch.

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We are not just building writers. We are nurturing God-called authors who want to create with clarity, courage, and obedience. That’s a part of our Monarch mission, to help authors navigate their calling to clean reads so readers have a safe place to land.

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is take the next faithful step, even if you cannot see the whole path yet. That includes the co-presidents of Monarch. We are continuing to stay faithful, even if we are still small and unsure where God is leading us. We have submitted our total company to Him. Help us, Lord. Let it all glorify you.

An author wrote in their survey reflection, “During the waiting, you’re writing, and then God shows you what He’s been doing!”

If you have felt stuck, distracted, or heavy in your writing life, I want you to know you are not alone. There is nothing wrong with you. You may simply need a quieter space, a moment to reflect, and the reminder that your calling still matters. You might just need a Christian-based Bootcamp where you can fellowship, remind yourself about the joys of writing, and spend time reflecting on those blessings.

Commit your writing to the Lord. Let Him establish your thoughts. Then write what He puts in front of you.

Proverbs 16:3 (KJV)
“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”

Join the Next Monarch Bootcamp

If you would like a guided, faith-centered writing space with coaching, prayer, reflection, and a next-step plan, I would love to have you join me for our next event.

Click Here to Go to the Monarch Website: https://monarcheducationalservices.com/clean-reads-concept-to-pitch-bootcamp/

Concept-to-Pitch Learning Lab Bootcamp
Saturday, March 14
7:00 to 8:30 p.m. ET

$177.00 (Ticket Includes Zoom Live Coaching with Toolkit, 14 Days Access)