A young reader finds her kindergarten voice! WILLOW’S WHISPERS (Kids Can Press)A Kindergarten learning carpet count of food donations, and ONE CAN (Groundwood Books)A primary grade champ’s successful day and RAJ’S RULE FOR THE BATHROOM AT SCHOOL (Owlkids Books)A Telling Tales Festival reading and a little guy checking out my board book THE COW SAID, BOO!Please check out my 17+ books that speak to social emotional learning for early learners

Today I renewed my membership with the College of Early Childhood Educators. I put in 30 years behind the ‘playdough curtain’ but it has been two years since I had my own classroom of early learners. Today I get to be a full-time writer of children’s books. It’s my dream ‘day job.’ My days are filled with writing, editing and presenting— and children are my focus. (Okay, to be transparent, I also do admin work, accounting…plus, I am my own social media manager, and my own roady.)

None of these current jobs require membership with the College of ECE, but I am proud to be a Professional Early Childhood Educator, and I am better at my ‘day job’ when I stay up to date with professional learning and professional standards in Early Childhood Education.

I’ve written 17+ books for children, and many of my books focus on social-emotional learning. Some of the topics I’ve tackled include learning differences (Brianna Banana, Helper of the Day) bullying (What if Bunny’s Not a Bully?) change in school routine (My Teacher’s Not Here!) school bathroom anxiety (Raj’s Rule for the Bathroom at School) asking for help (Tough Like Mum) and understanding food insecurity (One Can) My experience has given me insight into a child’s perspective at school. When my characters get through a specific social-emotional challenge in school it is my hope that a young child feels seen and perhaps feels inspired to keep trying.

Leaning into what I have learned, through study and experience, about a child’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth and development, I’ve written board books, picture books and early chapter books. I am currently working on a fun letter concept book (my version of Chica Chica Boom Boom) as well as a math concept book about colour patterns (told from the perspective of a traffic light.)

I am better able to reach a child when I understand them. I am proud to be a member of a profession that is dedicated to the development of ‘the whole child.’ I may no longer be in the early learner classroom, but I am hoping that my books will be.