Never did I imagine that having a boy would mean navigating strong opinions about his wardrobe — but here we are. I’m sharing this in hopes that other parents can relate, and to explain how I arrived at my decision in what I now call the “First‑Day of School Wardrobe Debate.”

First, let me say: my son has never been enthusiastic about Mom’s idea of a “nice outfit.” My love for a matching polo set, J.Crew khakis, and a crisp button‑up is, according to Liam, “cute, not cool.” We’ve mostly agreed that he can choose his school outfits, but on Sundays, when we go to church, Mom gets to decide. That arrangement worked beautifully… until the first day of school.

Of course I wanted the perfect first‑day photo — the one with the nice outfit, the coordinated colors, the whole vision I had in my head. Liam, however, had other ideas. He suggested his black Iron Maiden tee — the one he has worn almost every other day since he got it for his birthday — paired with black athletic shorts. And because he’s currently obsessed with Pirates of the Caribbean, he insisted on wearing his pirate‑gold necklace.

So what was I supposed to do? Send him to school in something that didn’t meet my “perfect picture” expectations, or let him wear the outfit he loved and felt proud of?

He wore the rock tee. Here’s why.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that confidence on the first day of school matters. Sure, I come from a background in child development and education, but I think most parents understand this instinctively. Liam liked this outfit. He felt “cool.” That confidence was important.

Second, his dad gave him the Iron Maiden shirt for his birthday. Iron Maiden is his father’s favorite band, and it’s the soundtrack of their father‑son adventures. Wearing that shirt isn’t just about music — it’s about wanting to be like his dad. Today it’s a t‑shirt; tomorrow, hopefully, it’s his dad’s work ethic, creativity, and love for family that he chooses to reflect.

So at the end of the day, pick your battles wisely. Honor your child’s voice. Help them start their school year with confidence — and yes, with a “cool” outfit.

I created this space to bring together the things I love most—children's books, early education, resources for educators and families, and my faith in Jesus. Whether you're a parent, teacher, college student, or simply someone who loves great stories, I hope you'll find encouragement, inspiration, and practical resources here.

My husband, Mike, and I live just outside Nashville with our young son and our two four-legged sidekicks—Jäger, our Boxer, and Ruby Sue, our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Life is busy, joyful, and often a little messy...just the way childhood is meant to be.

My love of children's books started early.

In many ways, becoming a children's author feels like a full-circle moment.

When I was growing up, my mom worked with a partner of Scholastic Book Company, helping select the books that would be featured in school book fairs each year. Imagine having early access to shelves filled with brand-new children's books—that was my childhood, and it was magical.

Some of my favorites were Where the Wild Things Are, The Polar Express (long before there was a movie!), Where the Sidewalk Ends, and the Jillian Jiggs series. I could easily add dozens more to that list.

While I wasn't always the top student in every subject, I absolutely loved to read. Looking back now as an educator, I know just how important that was. When a child discovers a love of reading, they open the door to a lifetime of learning. That's one of the reasons I write books today—to help children fall in love with stories.

Why early childhood education matters so much to me.

When I'm not writing, I'm teaching future teachers.

As a full-time professor of early childhood education, I have the privilege of preparing the next generation of educators who will work with children from birth through age eight. I intentionally say educators because those who teach and care for young children during their earliest years are doing some of the most important work there is.

Research tells us that approximately 90% of brain development occurs before the age of five. Those early years shape a child's future in remarkable ways. That's why I'm passionate about advocating for high-quality early childhood education, supporting the professionals who dedicate their lives to young children, and encouraging families as they nurture a lifelong love of learning.

Why I'm here.

Everything I create—whether it's a picture book, classroom resource, or article—is rooted in the same mission:

To inspire young readers and empower early educators.

I believe stories help children build confidence, character, compassion, and curiosity. I also believe educators deserve meaningful resources that support the incredible work they do every day.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you'll explore the books, teaching resources, and blog—and that you'll leave feeling encouraged, inspired, and reminded of the incredible potential found in every child.

I'm so glad you're here.

– Jen