Tag Archives: Writing

Oct22

Interview with Colleen M. Bratley

Posted on by
Standard
Colleen M. Bratley is the author of the picture book, “Jack and Bubble”.

As we enter into our spooky season, children are encouraged to use their imaginations as they embrace their learning. This is a great time to settle down with a book with your child as their mind escapes to the realms of fantasy. I have a fabulous picture book that will endear learning about kindness and self-expression, “Jack and Bubble”. I had a chance to talk to the author, Colleen M. Bratley, about her reading experiences as a child and how she is trying to make reading a positive time for learning social and moral skills.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Colleen M. Bratley: Feeling like I went to another place or world just by reading a book. It was exciting to me. I didn’t read as much when I was younger, but from middle school on, I almost always had a book open.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Colleen M. Bratley: I didn’t have a favorite; I loved so many of them. Any creative, well-written book was my favorite. How the author wrote, their style, helped me develop my own style. I wanted my words to flow as well as some authors’ did. It was definitely, and still is, a daily process. I even enjoy the edits many authors abhor.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Colleen M. Bratley: I write mostly at night. The day gets in the way, and other interruptions, so the quiet of night works best for me—either that or early in the morning. I very often wear headphones with classical music or just the sound of rain in the background. It helps me focus.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Colleen M. Bratley: I have numerous books in mind. I love children’s books that tell a story and also guide them with morals, love, and new learning or a new way of looking at things. Then I also love to write young adult, not only for the same reasons as the children’s books, but also in fiction where you can create new worlds, exotic and paranormal situations which expand the mind and nudge them to think outside of the box, learning that nothing is really impossible. That is fun.

The next children’s book I just finished for illustrations is titled Danica Dares To Dream. That was fun and is actually lightly based on my daughter Danica. Then I have the third book in the Morac series I am writing, which is almost done, along with, And Then I Saw Her, another young adult book almost finished. The next young adult will be about a female Cherokee shaman; I don’t have all the details worked out on that one yet. I have others but only the basic ideas written out.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Colleen M. Bratley: Creating an adventurous, mind-bending, uplifting, thrilling, creative, and clean story for others to enjoy makes my heart sing.

Book Blurb:

Title: Jack and Bubble

A young boy and bee meet together in a fantastic world. Through their friendship, they learn the magic of self-expression and the freedom of showing their true selves. The lesson of expressing oneself through style while learning to be tolerant of others is shown beautifully through this unusual pairing of friends.

Jack and Bubble are available at the author’s website below.

Buy Link Here

For more information on the author, visit her website below.

More Info Here
Oct14

Teaching Morals to AI Agents: A Thought from a Retired Teacher

Posted on by
Standard

Now that I’m a retired teacher, I have a lot of extra time on my hands. I fill my time with writing, gardening, knitting and throwing pottery. But it also gives me more time to reflect. Mostly, I’ve been thinking about my teaching years and how I got to inspire so many children. But it also makes me think about growing up and working in the Silicon Valley most of my life, teaching children there for about 20 years. I hope I inspired my students to be creative and have a love for learning.

I also built a community. Every teacher does this in their classroom. In fact, many teachers instill a lot of the culture and ethics of the society they teach in. They teach the morals needed to be a human.

As I’m watching the whole AI revolution going on, I keep seeing the references for the need of guardrails, and I realized, this is what teachers do. Parents do have some part in this too. They do guide their own child and teach their culture and beliefs, but teachers teach the next generation the morals and boundaries needed for life while out on the playground on yard duty or while instructing in the classroom. I often called myself a social mom. Teachers guide in the learning of basic social skills on a daily basis.

How is this done? Through years and coordination in the state standards, units planned, and activities done through out the school year. A lot is done at the beginning of the year, as you set up the boundaries of the learning environment in the classroom. All teachers create a learning environment in the classroom, helping children to learn the boundaries of society.

The rules of the classroom posted at the front of the class is an excellent example of this being taught. You might remember this as a child or seen this with your own children. Activities of getting to know the other students and socializing with others are often done through multiple subjects. Many a time I’d have students talk with each other to solve a problem. And these same social skills are practiced over and over, year to year, and increase in difficulty as they build upon each previous skill. It’s all a process.

So, it makes me wonder, have any of the AI companies like OpenAI or Anthropic tried creating a similar environment? Maybe create a classroom environment where AI agents learn morals and how to set boundaries for this emerging tech? Creating a moral sandbox might just be a start in the right direction. But then, I’m just a retired teacher mostly seeing what is reported on in regards to the current AI fear mongering. What am I to say to the CEOs and others with concerns that we need to teach AI agents to have boundaries? Just that I did teach the boundaries humans need to survive in our society for basically 20 years.

So, I wish they’d ask teachers to help. This is our line of work. Retired teachers or even current teachers would be a great resource for this new kind of student. Teachers might be able to help with this problem in the unique way that regular engineers might not think of. Teaching, after all, is not an easy thing to do. Which is likely why they might be having so many problems with the AI agents in the first place.

Well, I thought I’d throw this out there. Please leave your feedback and ideas in the comments. I’m sure an AI agent will eventually absorb this post and maybe it will be considered. If not by tech CEOs, but by AI agents scanning through sites. And maybe they’ll reach out. I’ll just be waiting.

-Tiffany Turner

Retired Elementary School Teacher

Author of the Crystal Keeper Chronicles Series

Oct1

Day 4 of the 2026 Back to School Blog Tour

Posted on by
Standard

Welcome to Day 4 of the Back to School Blog Tour. Today, I have a helpful book for those children going through a trauma with a parent that is doing drugs. As a retired teacher, it is sometimes part of teaching to try to help support children with trauma at home. It is also helpful to let other children know some of the difficulties other children might be experiencing in their daily lives.

The book, “It’s Not Your Fault: A Child’s Story of Drug Addiction” is a picture book that goes through the process of a child saving her mother from a drug overdose and what happens after. It’s a great read for any classroom during Red Ribbon Week to help understand the process of drug addiction and how it affects children.

Cindy is a third grader with a family that might differ from others. She tells her story about her mother’s addiction to drugs and how that has affected her. It’s a brilliant telling of how she calls 911 when her mother overdoses. She talks about the steps she goes through and all the people that help her and her mother along the way. From the police officers, to the judge and child services worker, Cindy relates her point of view of all that happened, including finally going to live with her grandparents. The message of it not being her fault is skillfully described through character dialog and personal thoughts from Cindy. It’s a beautiful depiction of what a child struggling through this kind of trauma might experience and want to share with others.

I would recommend this picture book as a great read-aloud during Red Ribbon Week to illustrate what illegal drug use does to families. Told through the sensitive point of view of the daughter of a drug user, children will relate with the protagonist and understand that this kind of situation is not the fault of any child. Plus, it opens up the classroom or home to discussions about this topic, whether there is a family member or friend going through a similar situation.

“It’s Not My Fault: A Child’s Story of Drug Addiction” is a read-aloud that tells the point of view of a child of a drug user and how it affects her family and life. It will be an asset to any classroom or home library to help explain how drug use isn’t the fault of the child related to the user, and that there are a lot of helpful safety nets available to help through this type of trauma.

“It’s Not My Fault” is available on the Wildfire Rose Book Company Website.

Purchase Your Copy Here

You can also donate this book as a gift to CASA workers, DJFS, foster care groups that can use this book in their work with children.

Info Here
Sep29

Day 2 of the 2026 Back to School Blog Tour

Posted on by
Standard

Welcome to Day Two of the Back to School Blog Tour. I’m sure about now, thoughts are turning to fall and reading unit planning. I’ve got a wonderful picture book with the theme of kindness and sharing to add to any reading unit. Enyonam’s Kind Heart is a beautifully illustrated picture book told from the perspective of a kind Ghana girl that chooses kindness and transforms her neighborhood. It’s a great book to dive into for this new fall season.

Enyonam is a Ghana girl that lives in a wealthy home, but is gifted with a kind heart. When talking with her grandmother, she learns that sharing often leads to spreading kindness. Through actions of buying oranges from the older market woman with no sales, sharing the oranges as snacks, and showing her cousin how to share, love and kindness spreads in her neighborhood. Her cousin, Ale, also learns the lesson when he finally decides to share his locked up toys with his other classmates.

This is a beautifully told story highlighting Ghana culture, vocabulary and traditions. The culture is reflected in the story and illustrations with loving details. We’re taken into Enyonam’s neighborhood and shown aspects of Ghana that many readers will enjoy learning about. There are very helpful discussion activities and questions at the end of the book which will help any teacher or parent with home schooling.

I found this to be a great introduction to morals and themes in a story as well. Plus, this would be a great picture book to start with the social morals that have to be emphasized in creating the classroom community each school year.

I highly recommend Enyonam’s Kind Heart as a beginning of the year read-aloud or literature circle story to heighten the community building in a classroom or at home.

To purchase the book at the Bright Love Learning Hub website, please hit the button below.

Purchase Here

May29

Interview with Paromita De

Posted on by
Standard
Paromita De is the author of the picture book, “Paromita: The Value In a Name”.

Summer is on the approach. Teachers are thankful for the upcoming break, and parents are wondering what to do when the kids are home full-time. Besides the vacations and outings, consider adding daily book reads to the routine. It helps to keep the skills that were learned during the school year engaged in your child’s brain. Keep your child ahead of the game by keeping up their reading skills this summer. Follow my blog or look over past posts to get some great reading suggestions.

Speaking of suggestions, here’s my first book suggestion to help keep your young ones in that reading frame of mind. “Paromita: The Value In a Name” is a darling, picture book telling the story of a young girl finding confidence and cultural connection with the disrespect done to her name in school. It is a personal connection to the theme of bullying by the author, Paromita De. I had the chance to talk with her about what influenced her as an author, some reading memories, and what she has planned next.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Paromita De: My favorite memory is simply the feeling of getting lost in a story. I loved the magic of opening a book and suddenly being in a whole new world right from my bedroom.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Paromita De: Jhumpa Lahiri is a writer I deeply admire, and her work is a constant reminder of what I aspire to achieve. Her ability to find deep meaning in ordinary, quiet moments taught me that a story does not need to be loud to be powerful.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Paromita De: Some days, I love going to local coffee shops with my laptop and notebook. The environment helps me focus. Other days, I stay cozy at home. I make my own chai, light a candle, and play music to create a peaceful space.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Paromita De: I want to write books that celebrate Indian culture, weaving in the same deep focus on family and identity that I admire in Jhumpa Lahiri’s work. Alongside those, I am excited to create a children’s book series about Paromita’s wisdoms and adventures, helping young readers build confidence and pride.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Paromita De: Writing is my source of joy, healing, and true self-expression.

Blurb: “Paromita: The Value In a Name” by Paromita De

Some kids worry about homework. Paromita worries about her name. When her teacher twists her name into something that sounds like a sputtering car engine, the whole class laughs, and Paromita’s confidence hits the floor. “Paromita” follows a young Indian girl who once loved her beautiful name and the kathak dances she learned from her grandma. But at school, her name becomes a target. Between “Parooometer” and “Parrot,” she decides that life might be easier if everyone just called her “Pat.” Spoiler alert: it isn’t.

What follows is a story about pride, identity, and a seven-yard sari. Paromita finds her voice again at the school talent show, where she performs her kathak dance and tells everyone exactly what her name means, where it comes from, and why mispronouncing it is more than a simple mistake. By the next day, her classmates see her differently, and she learns that being herself is far stronger than trying to fit in.

For more information about the author and her books, please visit her website at: www.paromitadebooks.com

“Paromita: The Value In a Name” is available at: Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com.

Dec4

December Featured Author: Interview with Mona Liza Santos

Posted on by
Standard
Mona Liza Santos is the author of the picture book, The Dream Jar: When Dream Turns to Magic.

The holiday season is here, and many of your thoughts are likely drifting toward what to get for your little ones. Picture books are a wonderful way to promote reading and create meaningful connection time with your child or grandchild, especially during this cozy time of year. Consider adding a heartwarming story to your holiday traditions and share the magic of reading together this season.

I’ve got another great recommendation for your holiday gift list! The author, Mona Liza Santos, is an accomplished children’s author with nearly forty titles to choose from each filled with messages of kindness, courage, and self-worth. She is also our Featured Monthly Author for December 2025. Her newest release, The Dream Jar: When Dream Turns to Magic, is a beautiful story that connects imagination with the special wonder of the holidays. With its uplifting message about dreams, courage, and believing in yourself, this story promises hours of magic and meaning for readers of all ages.

I was honored to interview Mona Liza Santos for my blog and talk with her about how reading shaped her as a child, how writing influences her life today, and what she envisions for her future books.

  1. What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Mona Liza Santos: I’ve always loved reading rhyming books and stories that were super colorful. I still remember sitting with my grandma — she had this way of bringing every page to life and making the stories feel like little adventures. Those moments were pure magic. And in elementary school, I was obsessed with the Scholastic order forms they’d pass out in class. I’d circle books for hours and get so excited when my order finally came in. It felt like opening a treasure box every time.

2. Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Mona Liza Santos: As a kid, I was a huge fan of The Babysitters Club and Beverly Cleary’s books. I loved how real and relatable the characters felt. As I got older, I fell in love with authors like Danielle Steel, Dr. Seuss, and Shel Silverstein. Each one taught me something different — how to write from the heart, how to play with rhythm, and how to find beauty in both the happy and hard moments of life. They made me believe that stories can heal, connect, and inspire — and that’s what I try to do with my own writing.

3. Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Mona Liza Santos: I don’t really have a set routine. Writing for me happens whenever inspiration shows up — in the car, while I’m working out, in the shower, or right before bed. It’s random, but it’s real. I’ll grab my phone or a notebook and jot down whatever thoughts come rushing in before they fade. Some of my best ideas have come when I wasn’t even trying to write.

4. What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Mona Liza Santos: Even though children’s books will always be my favorite to write, I also see myself writing women’s empowerment stories one day — about healing, self-worth, and finding your voice again. But no matter what I write, I’ll always come back to children’s books. They make me happiest. Helping kids see their own worth and know they matter — that’s the kind of impact I want to keep making for as long as I can.

5. Do you write other books besides children’s books?

Right now, I only write children’s books, but I can definitely see myself expanding in the future. I’d love to write novels centered on women’s empowerment and maybe even some heartfelt fictional stories that come to mind. I’m keeping my ideas open because I believe stories have a way of finding you when the time is right.

6. Do you love to travel? If so, where have you explored?

Mona Liza Santos: Travel is one of my greatest inspirations. I’ve been fortunate to visit more than seventy countries, and each one has taught me something new about people, culture, and compassion. Some of my favorite places have been Greenland, Egypt, Switzerland, Albania, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and even Russia — places that many might see as too far or too different, but each one showed me the same thing: the world is not as dangerous as it seems. People everywhere are just living their lives, loving their families, and trying their best. Our differences — in culture, language, and traditions — are what make the world a more beautiful and connected place.

7. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Mona Liza Santos: Write what feels true to you. Don’t chase trends or compare your journey to anyone else’s. Start small, be patient with your growth, and write from your heart — that’s where the magic happens. There will be days you’ll doubt yourself, but if you keep your “why” close, it’ll guide you through every moment of uncertainty.

8. How has your son and being a parent inspired you to write?

Mona Liza Santos: My son is the reason I began this journey. Watching him grow reminded me of how powerful stories are in shaping how children see themselves and the world around them. Every book I’ve written has a little piece of him in it — his wonder, humor, and courage. As a parent, I want to encourage other parents to nurture that same self-acceptance and confidence in their own children — to help them embrace who they are, speak kindly to themselves, and understand their worth. Being a mom made me realize that stories can heal, connect, and bring light where it’s needed most.

9. What do you want to accomplish through your writing?

Mona Liza Santos: I want every child who reads my books to walk away feeling proud of who they are. I want them to know that being different is not something to hide but something to celebrate. My hope is that through my stories, children learn kindness, empathy, and confidence — and that they carry those lessons with them long after they close the book. More than anything, I want kids to feel empowered for who they are, no matter where they come from or how they look.

10. What is writing to you in one sentence?

Mona Liza Santos: Writing, to me, is pouring out your heart and thoughts into words that touch children and parents — knowing you’ve made a difference in how they see themselves and the world around them.

Book Blurb:

Every night, Ellie’s dreams take her somewhere new—where dragons soar, fairies dance, and jellyfish light up the sea. But when morning comes, her dreams start to fade—until her grandmother gives her something truly special: a glass jar to keep them safe. As Ellie begins to fill the jar with her wildest dreams, she learns that what makes her imagination unique is exactly what makes her shine.

The Dream Jar: When Dream Turns to Magic is a gentle, luminous story about imagination, courage, and remembering who you are. Reading is a reminder for every child (and every grown-up, too) that the magic we’re searching for is already inside us—just waiting to be seen. This tale is perfect for promoting reading and imagination, and is highly recommended for fans of The Wonderful Things You Will Be and What Do You Do with an Idea? It will leave hearts glowing long after the last page is turned.

The Dream Jar: When Dream Turns to Magic is available on Amazon.com as an ebook or paperback and is part of the Kindle Unlimited collection.

Purchase Copy

For more information on Mona Liza Santos and her books, please visit her website at: https://www.monalizasantos.com/.

Instagram: @momosvoyage.

**Mona Liza Santos is the featured author for December!

Link Here to see our other featured authors.

Nov21

A Second Interview with Michael Dibley

Posted on by
Standard

The holidays will soon be upon us. Likely, thoughts of what gifts to get are churning in your mind for your child or grandchild. Books are great gifts! Picture books are wonderful ways to connect with your child during read-aloud time before bed and to stimulate their imagination. So, I’ve been gathering info on some great new picture books for you to consider for your child’s home library. Teachers, these would be great for your class library.

 “The Magpie’s Reflection” is my first choice for your gift giving list. It’s a great story about losing something you take for granted and then trying to recover. Your child will meet Magnus, a magpie thrown into a moment of turmoil and shown kindness to survive. This touching story will warm your heart as it did mine. I had a chance to interview the author, Mike Dibley, about his love for writing and reading, and what he’ll be up to in future projects.

  1. What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Mike Dibley: Probably reading Peter Rabbit books. There was something magical about them. I also fell in love with the watercolour style of the books, something that has kept with me after all this time.

2) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Mike Dibley: Children’s books are what I want to keep writing about. It’s all an adventure, whether it’s stories told or stories to learn. It’s all fine with me.

3) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Mikie Dibley: Writing is relaxing and a way to declutter thoughts.

Book Blurb/Cover:

High above the bustling city, two magpies Millie and Magnus perch on a rooftop, judging the world below with sharp eyes and sharper beaks. But when a powerful wind sweeps them apart, Magnus is thrust into a journey he never expected. Lost and alone, Magnus is rescued by a kind old woman who shows him a different side of life, one filled with warmth, kindness, and self-discovery.

As he heals, Magnus begins to see himself and others through a gentler lens. But will he ever find Millie again? And if not, can he find the courage to fly forward into the unknown?

“Magpie’s Reflection” is available on Amazon in Kindle or paperback format.

Purchase on Amazon

Link here for the first interview with Mike Dibley and information on his book, “Iwa, the Snowflake”.

For more information on Mike Dibley, please visit his Amazon Author Page.

Oct7

“Meet in the Park”, selected for 2025 Playfest, performed at the Grand Opening of the new Brannan Center in Calistoga, CA

Posted on by
Standard
“Meet in the Park” by Tiffany Turner had a debut performance at the Brannan Center Grand Opening on Oct. 4, 2025 performed by UpStageNapaValley.

I am excited to share with you the first performance of my play, “Meet in the Park”, was held at the grand opening of the new Brannan Center in Calistoga, CA on Oct. 4, 2025. It was such a treat to be able to see my characters come to life from the incredible production put on by UpStage Napa Valley. I was so humbled while attending this preview of my play. I was honored to have my play represent PlayFest 2025 and to celebrate the new performance space of the Brannan Center.

I sat in the audience, excited with everyone else, to see the new Upper Hall used for a play performance for the first time. The play was directed by Lauren Haugan as her debut in directing. She stood up before the audience, introducing the play. I relished hearing my name as the playwright. It was a moment. But the grandest moment was when the lights dimmed, and I saw my characters, that had only been on the page before, appear before my eyes as actors for the first time. It. Was. Amazing.

Lauren Haugan, director of “Meet in the Park” introducing the performance at the Brannan Center on Oct. 4, 2025.

It’s hard to explain what it’s like to be a playwright having their play debut for the first time. It’s a mix of excitement, maybe a little fear, and imposter symdrome. Questions like “Will people like it?” and “How will it be received?” buzzed around in my head. Then, the acting began, the play performed with the dialogue I wrote, the humor bringing laughs from the audience, and the themes and the emotional highs and lows brought out by the actors. I looked around at the audience, saw reactions of enjoyment and quiet during the dramatic lines.

It was incredible. To think how in my craft room where I wrote it, the play is now fully formed, being enjoyed by the people around me, was insightful as an artist. It made the writing process worth it.

When it was over, applause filled the room. People began to get up, and I asked how people had liked it. My friend, that had watched with me, started to let the cat out of the bag, that I was the playwright. This brought exclamations of excitement from the people around me. One woman mentioned she “felt so much more relaxed” after the performance. I knew the meditation theme that flowed throughout the play worked. A man added, “I enjoyed the play. Now, write another one.” I basked in the support and positive feedback. I was thankful to UpStageNapaValley for putting on a great production and looking forward to seeing the performance during the festival at the regular performance space in a few weeks.

Will I write another play? Oh, you bet ya. What it will be, I’m not quite sure yet. I have a couple ideas buzzing around, and look forward to trying again to enter the festival likely next year. I do enjoy a theme and deadline to write to. But then, I also want to bask in this triumph so I can remember it later during the many rejections and blocks often run into while writing. It’s these kinds of successes that keep you going, propel you to the next project. The moment of seeing my characters on stage for the first time will comfort me on my writing journey. No matter what happens next, I have that memory now. I’m sure, it will make all the difference.

Keep writing. You never know what you’re going to get.

If you’d like to see “Meet in the Park” during the festival, the performances will be:

Oct. 24, 25, & 26

Performed by UpStage Napa Valley at Newton Hall: at Grace Episcopal Church, 1314 Spring Street, St. Helena, CA.

Tickets are available at: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/upstagenapavalley/6762.

Buy Tickets Here

For more information on UpStage Napa Valley’s 2025 Playfest, please visit their website at:

https://www.upstagenapavalley.org/

-Tiffany Turner

Playwright of “Meet in the Park”

Children’s author of the Crystal Keeper Chronicles series.

Sep11

Teaching on Sept. 11, 2001: Always Remember, Never Forget

Posted on by
Standard

I’ve been reflecting, as many people do that remember that day, what is was like to teach on 9/11. I also just saw on the news a segment about how 1/3 of Americans weren’t alive or don’t have memories of that day. It is basically something to be taught and remembered. I do agree. It is something to be taught. We have to teach about what happened that day. It will keep the promise that our nation made to itself that what happened will never be forgotten.

Personally, I am always finding more about 9/11/01. There are so many stories of survival, or just witnessing the second plane hit the tower on TV, or one of the phone call recordings from passengers on the plane. There were so many experiences that day that many Americans can’t forget. We just can’t. Telling our stories, no matter how you experienced 9/11 when it happened, is important.

So here is mine.

I woke up to my phone ringing at 6:45am. Normally, I would wake up around 7 am to get ready for work. But I got the phone, wondering who it could be. It was a good friend, telling me to turn on the TV, and asking me if it was safe to send children to school? I was turning the TV on at the same time I was wondering about her question. Then, I saw it.

The image that many people see today, The North Tower on fire, smoke bellowing, looking like a scene from an adventure film where Bruce Willis was going to save the day. But it was real. It was live. Not a movie. And just as I was trying to process what I was seeing, I saw a second plane hit the South Tower. That’s when I knew it wasn’t going to be a normal day.

I let my friend know to find out from her district if the school was going to have session. I called my own school, and found out it would be open. So, I prepared to go to work. After all, by going to work, that’s what those terrorists wanted to destroy. Our spirit. Our strength. To cause fear. Going to work for the day would be a way to fight back. I wasn’t going to let terrorists stop me from teaching the children of America, though I admit for days after I watched airplanes flying over cautiously.

When I got to school, I had the kids journal about their feelings about what was happening, and told them it would be OK. The authorities had things under control, the airports were closed, and everyone was on the alert. Many drew flags. Many drew the Towers on fire as they had seen on TV in the morning. We’d all seen it. It naturally started as a comfort symbol. Some of the students stayed home that day. So, I only had about 2/3rds of my class. Then, I continued with my lesson plans I had laid out on Sept. 10th. I tried to make things normal for the kids. Give them routine. Make them feel safe.

The next day, all my students attended class. Most everyone had seen the images of the towers on fire. Now the Pentagon was talked about. Some of the kids saw images that have been blocked now. I know because it’s the second day that they drew bodies falling from the towers, instead of just the towers burning. What kids experienced in 2001 when everything was all a current event is so much more. Things have been edited down now. It was more raw on the day and the days after. All Americans, young and old, were united in their grief about what had happened.

We talked about what we wanted to see happen next. Many students wanted to see the Two Towers rebuilt. They heard about more of what happened, with the Two Towers becoming the symbol of the whole event. Everyone gravitated on the collapse, and seeing them rebuilt or something to replace them, gave my students hope. The flag was comforting. Many people dug out their 4th of July decorations and started to put them up. Flags decorated overpasses.

On Friday, there was a moment of silence by the whole school for those that had been lost. In a moment of emotion, I grabbed the class flag and gave it to my line leader to hold as we walked to the center of the school for the moment of silence. Many other classes had done the same. I remember watching him hold it high, proudly for all the kids to see, as we silently remembered what had happened on Tuesday.

Now, I think about that whole week I taught for this country. I’m so thankful I was able to teach that day, and unite with the students in my class for the first moment of silence. It’s a school memory I’ll cherish, always.

To those lost, the firemen and police officers that tried to save them, and to all Americans that experienced the first 9/11, we’ll never forget. Tell your experiences. Tell your stories. Show the tears.

For the education of future Americans. That’s what we stand for. Always remember, never forget.

-Mrs. Turner

Sep8

September Featured Author: Interview with Jennifer Ferrell

Posted on by
Standard

I hope you enjoyed the 2025 Back to School Blog tour last week. I have one more surprise for you. Consider it a post blog tour treat. I’d like to introduce you to the author, Jennifer Ferrell. She has a darling book about two sweet characters, Fran and her pig, Benny. I am partial to kid adventure stories since I’ve written a children’s fantasy adventure series. So, I couldn’t wait to let you know about this new find. The Story of Benny and Fran is a charming story of a fun kid adventure that will pull any child into an imaginative reading experience. The info on her book is below the interview.

Jennifer Ferrell is also our featured author for September. So, get ready to read all about her. I have an exclusive interview in which I was able to find out about her inspirations, writing routines, and plans for future projects. Enjoy!

Jennifer Ferrell is the author of the picture book, The Story of Benny and Fran.
  1. What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Jennifer Ferrell: My favorite memory from reading as a child is hearing my dad’s excitement while reading. We could go on so many imaginary adventures together. I will always have that precious memory.

2) Who was your favorite author as a child?

Jennifer Ferrell: I love Dr Seuss. The simplicity of his books with amazing rhymes and characters has always amazed me.

3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Jennifer Ferrell: My writing routine has been to write when I can, but mainly in the evening. I will shut myself in my room and start typing away.

4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Jennifer Ferrell: In future projects, I’d love to continue creating stories that inspire children with themes of friendship, courage, and discovery. My next idea is about a character named Sammy. She is an adventurous pigeon. Because of her curiosity, she seems to find herself in different situations that she, with the help of her friends, will have to get out of. I want to teach children life skills in a fun and relatable way.

5) What themes would you like to include in future books?

Jennifer Ferrell: The themes I would like to include in future books are experimenting and curiosity. My new book series, Sammy the Pigeon, is full of curiosity.


6) Who were the inspirations for the characters Benny and Fran?

Jennifer Ferrell: The inspiration for Benny and Fran came from my really good friend Frances and her pig, Benny. I do plan to write another book about my pig named Penny. I got her from Frances, so I am going to intertwine the two books.

7) What kind of pets did you have growing up?

Jennifer Ferrell: I had a cat named Sassy. She definitely was a little sassy pants.


8) Why do you enjoy photography as a hobby?

 Jennifer Ferrell: I love to take photos of nature. So, I guess it is calming to me too.


9) What kind of adventures did you do as a kid?

Jennifer Ferrell: The adventures, as did as a kid, were to explore the woods with my best friend, Amanda; and go to the mountains with my parents.

10) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Jennifer Ferrell: Writing to me is a creative outlet that I can use to bring new characters alive.

Book Blurb:

The Story of Benny and Fran (A Picture Book)

Benny and Fran are inseparable. Their days are a whirlwind of excitement filled with all sorts of surprises. The silliest things can spark an adventure. Benny is a curious pig that loves to sniff out fun. Fran is a spirited girl with a big heart and a bigger sense of adventure. When things get tough; Fran comes up with a plan to save Benny. They learn about friendship and how to lend a helping hand while on their kid adventures. Come join them on their journey through the countryside finding butterflies, bubbles and exploring the great open skies.

This story is a playful romp of antics and fun with charming illustrations. It will have you and your little one giggling and smiling along with the characters. Age range is 4 to 8 year olds. It’s the kind of book that families will find themselves reading over and over.

The Story of Benny and Fran is available on Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title ebook and as a printed paperback book.

Purchase Here

For more information on Jennifer Ferrell and her books, please visit her website at:

https://jenniferdawnferrell.com/.

Also, find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/share/1NMifYkWZn/.