Children’s Book

This is a heartwarming story about Alex, a boy who doesn’t get everything right, but always chooses kindness. As small mistakes turn into big feelings, Alex learns that compassion and empathy can brighten even the hardest days, for himself and for others who need it most.

Listen to how the book came to be!

Click on the image above

Why the book was created.

“This title wouldn’t exist without my daughter, Bree, who always asked, “Are you happy…or happy in your heart?” If you just said “happy,” she’d gently remind you there was something deeper. That simple, beautiful perspective is what inspired the heart of this book.” -Jamie

The rain didn’t stop visitors and kids from coming to the Waterford Township Public Library today for their Local Author Day. Mike and I were fortunate enough to be invited, and we met some very talented authors and of course some surprise visi
The rain didn’t stop visitors and kids from coming to the Waterford Township Public Library today for their Local Author Day. Mike and I were fortunate enough to be invited, and we met some very talented authors and of course some surprise visits from my students both past and present. ❤️ I felt blessed today to meet 2 women authors whose books are very touching and moving. Check them out as well. Author, Tammy D. Hemmings wrote 2 memoirs called “Breaking What Broke Me” about her journey of survival and “His Voice Changed Mine” about her son’s diagnosis of Autism and how it didn’t let that define him. 🫶🫶❤️❤️ Author, Julia Castro’s book, “Throw Your Cares To Jesus,” is a delightful and inspiring book for young children inspired by her sweet baby boy. All I can say is, today was a Happy-In-My-Heart Day filled with gratitude and joy.
Last night was a happy in your heart night. Thank you to the teachers, parents, and students who made the evening special. There was plenty of creativity and compassion being shared. Thank you to the @lindenwoldecc for giving @jamiestephan1 and @mich
Last night was a happy in your heart night. Thank you to the teachers, parents, and students who made the evening special. There was plenty of creativity and compassion being shared. Thank you to the @lindenwoldecc for giving @jamiestephan1 and @michael__cagno the opportunity to spread kindness and compassion.
Let’s create a “Happy Heart” together! Take a moment today to: ❤️ Draw something that makes you smile ❤️ Share kind words with someone ❤️ Do one small act of kindness That’s what A Happy in Your Heart Day is all about. Snap
Let’s create a “Happy Heart” together! Take a moment today to: ❤️ Draw something that makes you smile ❤️ Share kind words with someone ❤️ Do one small act of kindness That’s what A Happy in Your Heart Day is all about. Snap a photo of your “Happy Heart” moment and tag us—we’d love to share it! #HappyHeartChallenge #CreativeKids #KindnessInAction
Some days feel big. Some feelings feel even bigger But inside every child (and every adult) is a place where kindness lives… A place we can always return to. Happy in Your Heart Day is a story about finding that place, and sharing it with o
Some days feel big. Some feelings feel even bigger But inside every child (and every adult) is a place where kindness lives… A place we can always return to. Happy in Your Heart Day is a story about finding that place, and sharing it with others. Tell us, what makes YOUR heart feel happy today? #HappyInYourHeart #SEL #KindnessMatters #ChildrensBooks #emotionalwellness
Thank you @hammgazette for sharing our story and spreading kindness to others. @downtown.hammonton @michaelcagno @jamie_stephan_r.i.s.e
Thank you @hammgazette for sharing our story and spreading kindness to others. @downtown.hammonton @michaelcagno @jamie_stephan_r.i.s.e
We are celebrating #earthday today and everyday as we grow #love and #kindness.
We are celebrating #earthday today and everyday as we grow #love and #kindness.
Imagine the possibilities!
Imagine the possibilities!
Thank you @belindamanning6355 for stopping by and supporting @jamie_stephan_r.i.s.e and our book. The conversations are always inspiring and you bring so much hope to the world. @michaelcagno
Thank you @belindamanning6355 for stopping by and supporting @jamie_stephan_r.i.s.e and our book. The conversations are always inspiring and you bring so much hope to the world. @michaelcagno
Inspiring the next generation of readers by practicing #compassion and #kindness. This evening, we had the opportunity to share Alex’s story of kindness at the Waterford Elementary School! @jamiestephan1 @michaelcagno
Inspiring the next generation of readers by practicing #compassion and #kindness. This evening, we had the opportunity to share Alex’s story of kindness at the Waterford Elementary School! @jamiestephan1 @michaelcagno
We have some exciting news to share... Waterford Township School District’s 3rd Grade teacher, Mrs. Stephan, is now a published children’s book author... and who better to reach young hearts and minds with a valuable lesson about always c
We have some exciting news to share... Waterford Township School District’s 3rd Grade teacher, Mrs. Stephan, is now a published children’s book author... and who better to reach young hearts and minds with a valuable lesson about always choosing kindness? Mrs. Stephan’s book is now available in our WES library and area town libraries, and she will be hosting a free Book Release Party this Sunday in Hammonton. She will also have a table at our upcoming Wellness/Summer Slide Night. (See flyer on this page and our website.) Our students and staff here are so very proud of Mrs. Stephan for fulfilling her dream of writing this book and for showing children the way to finding a truly happy heart! 😍❤️🥰 https://a.co/d/0aOS1MKG
Thank you all for coming out for the #AHappyInYourHeartDay book launch. Special thank you to the Hammonton Family Success Center for hosting the event in @downtown.hammonton town. #ChooseKindness #HappyInYourHeart #RaiseKindKids #SEL KindnessMatters
Thank you all for coming out for the #AHappyInYourHeartDay book launch. Special thank you to the Hammonton Family Success Center for hosting the event in @downtown.hammonton town. #ChooseKindness #HappyInYourHeart #RaiseKindKids #SEL KindnessMatters KidsBooks TeachingKindness ParentingWithPurpose EmpathyInAction
Join us tomorrow in @downtown.hammonton for our book launch at the #Hammonton Family Success Center. #kindness and #compassion are needed today more than ever. @jamie_stephan_r.i.s.e @michael__cagno
Join us tomorrow in @downtown.hammonton for our book launch at the #Hammonton Family Success Center. #kindness and #compassion are needed today more than ever. @jamie_stephan_r.i.s.e @michael__cagno
The rain didn’t stop visitors and kids from coming to the Waterford Township Public Library today for their Local Author Day. Mike and I were fortunate enough to be invited, and we met some very talented authors and of course some surprise visi Last night was a happy in your heart night. Thank you to the teachers, parents, and students who made the evening special. There was plenty of creativity and compassion being shared. Thank you to the @lindenwoldecc for giving @jamiestephan1 and @mich Let’s create a “Happy Heart” together! Take a moment today to: ❤️ Draw something that makes you smile ❤️ Share kind words with someone ❤️ Do one small act of kindness That’s what A Happy in Your Heart Day is all about. Snap Some days feel big. Some feelings feel even bigger But inside every child (and every adult) is a place where kindness lives… A place we can always return to. Happy in Your Heart Day is a story about finding that place, and sharing it with o Thank you @hammgazette for sharing our story and spreading kindness to others. @downtown.hammonton @michaelcagno @jamie_stephan_r.i.s.e We are celebrating #earthday today and everyday as we grow #love and #kindness. Imagine the possibilities! Thank you @belindamanning6355 for stopping by and supporting @jamie_stephan_r.i.s.e and our book. The conversations are always inspiring and you bring so much hope to the world. @michaelcagno Inspiring the next generation of readers by practicing #compassion and #kindness. This evening, we had the opportunity to share Alex’s story of kindness at the Waterford Elementary School! @jamiestephan1 @michaelcagno We have some exciting news to share... Waterford Township School District’s 3rd Grade teacher, Mrs. Stephan, is now a published children’s book author... and who better to reach young hearts and minds with a valuable lesson about always c Thank you all for coming out for the #AHappyInYourHeartDay book launch. Special thank you to the Hammonton Family Success Center for hosting the event in @downtown.hammonton town. #ChooseKindness #HappyInYourHeart #RaiseKindKids #SEL KindnessMatters Join us tomorrow in @downtown.hammonton for our book launch at the #Hammonton Family Success Center. #kindness and #compassion are needed today more than ever. @jamie_stephan_r.i.s.e @michael__cagno

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