STEM + SEL: The Dynamic Duo
Every great superhero needs a sidekick. Batman has Robin. Buzz has Woody. And in the world of learning, STEM has SEL. Together, they make an unbeatable team.

STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math—helps kids discover how the world works. It’s the power of asking questions, solving problems, and exploring everything from baking cookies to launching rockets.

​​SEL—Social-Emotional Learning—helps kids discover how they work in the world. It gives them the super-skills of empathy, resilience, teamwork, and kindness.
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On their own, they’re strong. But when STEM and SEL team up, they become a storytelling superpower. Let's talk about how, together, they can conquer the world.

​Snip, Stitch, Storytime
Do you remember turning something old into something new—like magic with scissors and thread? Nancy Bess Had a Dress is a heartwarming picture book that wraps resilience, creativity, and vintage charm into one delightful daisy-print package. With awards already lining its metaphorical sewing basket (including the 2025 Librarians’ Favorite Award!), this little gem has clearly stitched its way into many hearts—and now, mine too.

If you’ve ever watched your child stare at the night sky with wonder, asking questions like “What are stars made of?” or “Why did God make the universe so big?”—then God’s Little Astronomer by Tina Cho is the perfect picture book for your family.

Blending science and faith in a gentle, relatable way, this story helps children see that curiosity, learning, and belief in God can all grow together. With strong ties to both STEM education and social-emotional learning (SEL), it’s a story that sparks questions while comforting young hearts.

​Sometimes, a book comes along that is so delightful, it sneaks some serious learning in while making you laugh out loud. Except Antarctica by Todd Sturgell is exactly that kind of picture book. With a lovable cast of characters, a globe-trotting adventure, and a narrator who is hilariously ignored, this book is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. It's the kind of read-aloud that has preschoolers giggling and grownups chuckling at the same time.

As both a children’s author and someone who’s passionate about creating playful, purposeful stories, I wanted to take a moment to spotlight one of my own books, The Wonder of Under. This story was such a joy to write, and it held Amazon's #1 New Release spot for three weeks! But beyond the fun and whimsy, The Wonder of Under was written with intention—blending imaginative play with early STEM discovery and gentle SEL growth.

Through the eyes of a curious young owl named Quinn, we’re invited into a tender conversation between parent and child about separation, security, and the ever-present love of God. This book is more than a bedtime story—it's a tool for emotional reassurance and spiritual connection.

A Tender Truth Told Simply
Christie Thomas has a special gift: the ability to take profound biblical truths and make them accessible, meaningful, and memorable for young hearts. In Quinn's Promise Rock, she