Stories, Thoughts, & Inspiration from the heart behind the stories.

Welcome to our blog—a space where we share the ideas, moments, and behind-the-scenes glimpses that inspire each Understanding My World story. Here you’ll find reflections on childhood, tips for nurturing empathy and resilience, and updates from our journey in creating books that help children feel seen and understood.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply someone who cares about the next generation, we hope these posts offer encouragement, insight, and a little spark of inspiration.

From the Author: The Stories Behind the Stories

From the Author: Book 01 – Josh Sees Colors

Discover the story behind Josh Sees Colors and the real-life moment that inspired this book about blindness, kindness, and inclusion.

From the Author: Book 02 – A New Friend

Discover the story behind A New Friend and the shelter experiences that inspired this heartfelt book about homelessness, empathy, and hope.

From the Author: Book 03 – What Gram Remembers

Discover the story behind What Gram Remembers and the nursing home experiences that inspired this book about memory, empathy, and connection.

From the Author: Book 04 – Never Too Little

Discover the story behind Never Too Little and the real-life donor experience that inspired this heartfelt book about helping others.

From the Author: Book 05 – Michael, Michael, Michael!

Discover the story behind Michael, Michael, Michael! and the family love that inspired this book about autism and sibling understanding.

From the Author: Book 06 – No Words Needed

Discover the story behind No Words Needed and how personal hearing loss experiences inspired this book about connection beyond words.

From the Author: Book 07 – Share the Love

Discover the stories behind Share the Love and the real-life moments of illness, kindness, and compassion that inspired them.

From the Author: Book 08 – Okay to Cry

Discover the story behind Okay to Cry and how this compassionate book reminds children that every feeling in grief is real, valid, and okay.

From the Author: Book 09 – Daddy, We’re Okay

Discover the story behind Daddy, We’re Okay and how this gentle book helps children understand healing, hope, and moving forward after loss.

From the Author: Book 10 – Bad School Day

Discover the story behind Bad School Day and why Diana Hutsell wrote this gentle, age-appropriate book to help children feel safe at school.

Growing Together: Tips, Tools, and Encouragement

Here you’ll find practical ideas and thoughtful insights to help you support the children in your life—whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver. Each post offers simple, actionable ways to navigate daily ups and downs while fostering empathy, resilience, and confidence. Together, we can help kids feel seen, understood, and ready to explore the world around them with understanding, acceptance, and inclusitivity.

Building Classroom Community Through Stories of Acceptance

Learn how to build classroom community through stories that teach empathy and acceptance with the Understanding My World book series.

Celebrating Each Child’s World through Lessons in Inclusivity

Discover how celebrating each child’s world helps build empathy and inclusion at home and in the classroom with Understanding My World.

How to Use the Understanding My World Series in a Guidance Curriculum

Discover how Understanding My World helps counselors and SEL teachers with read-alouds, discussion prompts, and inclusive lesson ideas.

What To Do When Your Child Says “Nobody Understands Me”

Learn how to respond when your child says “nobody understands me” with empathy, support, and tools that help them feel seen and heard.

Why It’s Okay for Parents Not to Have All the Answers

It’s okay for parents not to have all the answers. Discover how listening, learning together, and using books can support your child’s emotional growth.