Houston – When Houstonian Lauren Piland left teaching in 2017, she soon started to feel like she was missing out. Not long after that, she decided to create the “The Blooming Book Series” inspired by the likeness of her daughter, Avery.
In a mix of education and empathy, she is championing the conversation surrounding Social Emotional Learning (SEL) by showcasing the character “Rose” and her challenges when it comes to a science project.
Piland’s time as an author drove her to further pursue SEL and has spent a good deal of her time dedicated to leveraging the magic of storytelling as a tool for growth and confidence.
Through her podcast, ”The Blooming Books Podcast”, Piland goes into detail about an array of children’s books that explore SEL themes such as self-regulation, facing challenges, navigating friendships, inclusion, and grief and loss. These themes can be considered tough conversations to have between parents and children and educators and children.
Here are the books she recommends that could make sparking that conversation a little easier.
1. Barbara Throws a Wobbler by Nadia Shireen
2. Blooming Rose Blasts Off! by Lauren Piland
3. The Not So Friendly Friend: How to set boundaries for healthy friendships by Christina Furnival
4. You’re Invited! by Meredith Staggers
5. The Memory Keepers by Sarah Allison
6. The Perfect Shelter by Clare Helen Welsh
The first three episodes of “The Blooming Books Podcast” are out anywhere podcasts are available.
Catch up with Piland here where she shares kid literature picks for a purpose and has an entire page dedicated to academic resources.