Rose loves to write, draw, and play―but what happens when she has to face a project she’s never done before?! With encouragement from her best friend, Brady, and some brainstorming with Dad, does Rose’s rocket launcher project turn out to be less than stellar or out of this world?!

*Interview with Lauren Piland*



As a former second grade and elementary art teacher, Lauren Piland is a Louisiana native turned Texas homesteader who knows the importance of engaging read-alouds both in class and at home. After taking a step back from the classroom to raise her second child, she realized the gap some campuses face between the undersupported emotional struggles of students and the overwhelming responsibilities of teachers. “When we can use tools such as books and relatable characters to open up those more meaningful conversations, both at home and in the classroom, it aids in that process of peeling back layers of getting to know each other better and building trust,” says Piland. “Children need to feel seen, feel heard, and feel protected. And we do that by tapping into our emotions.”

Piland also wanted to further support teachers by including ready-to-use, curriculum-based exercises to go along with each book that focus on learning objectives such as reading comprehension strategies, vocabulary building and word mechanics exercises, writing prompts, whole group projects and STEM exercises with differentiated versions for students in Pre-K all the way to fourth grade.

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How can we emotionally support our kids in the classroom or at home?

I feel roles are similar for both parents and teachers in that our kiddos are going to learn best from imitation, from role modeling, from what they see their adult caretakers doing and reacting to in certain situations. So, we can first start with examining our own triggers and reactions. But also, opening conversations that can not only identify complex emotions but appropriate ways to work through them can help children turn abstract feelings into concrete concepts. This is where great books on social and emotional support come in handy, so kids can see and relate to stories in a real-world way.


Would you like to tell us about the other books in this series?


Sure! I came up with the concepts and summaries for the first seven books in the Blooming Rose series right from the start. I knew I wanted this series to work in conjunction with one another to cover an array of emotional support situations yet be able to stand alone as an engaging and useful story each on its own. Blooming Rose Finds Her Jam is up next, which speaks to the power of music to reflect our moods. And it’s followed by Blooming Rose Chills Out, which exemplifies breathing and movement techniques to help self-regulate in sticky situations.


What does your writing process look like?


I think my writing process might be a little odd in the sense that I’m a planner, I like to develop things as a whole before I focus on each individual detail. So, after writing summaries for the first seven titles, I then went back to the first three I wanted to release and wrote their rough draft manuscripts. I then hosted sip & proof parties where I had two groups of parents & educators critique the drafts and academic bundle materials. After hearing feedback from them and from a writing critique group I’m in, I made some more tweaks and submitted my file to the professional editing team at Mascot Books to add all the final touches.


What did you do before becoming an author?


I graduated from LSU with a degree in advertising, and worked for an agency in Baton Rouge for about seven years before relocating with my husband to Texas. Once in the lone star state, I wanted to switch gears and get certified to teach elementary, which is where my love and passion for children’s books and emotional learning bloomed.


What was your favorite kids’ book as a child?

I remember when I was old enough to read the Goosebumps series I felt so cool, although it scared the bejeebers out of me. But, before that, I remember loving the Bernstein Bears. Guess I’ve always been a sucker for a good series!

*Review*

I loved everything about this book.

The illustrations, and cover art, are so vibrant! They really help tell the story, the illustrator captured the expressions perfectly. From worry to excitement, you really feel it.

The story itself is wonderful. Rose has a big project due in school she has no idea how to start. She thinks experiments are not for her and is worried she will get a bad grade. But, her dad shows her how fun doing all these different trials can be and that failing a few times is okay, because that is how we learn, grow, and shape ideas.

I especially love how happy she is even though he rocket didn’t win. Losing gracefully is an important thing to teach children and it’s great this was included.

The added Beyond the Text Bundle was a fantastic addition, as well as the bonus videos on Youtube. These added extras make learning more fun and is a nice way to get your children or student’s brain power pumping outside of the pages of a book.

I look forward to more lovely reads in the Blooming Rose series.

I rated Blooming Rose Blasts Off! five stars.

Title:  BLOOMING ROSE BLASTS OFF! 

Author: Lauren Piland

Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages

Genre:  Children’s Picture Book

Publisher:  Mascot Books

Release date:   Jan 10, 2023

Content Rating:  G for all kids.

Buy the Book
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Mascot Books
Blooming Rose Kids

Scroll down for information on the giveaway!

Enter to win Blooming Rose Blasts Off! by Lauren Piland.

One (1) winners will receive a signed copy of Blooming Rose Blasts Off! by Lauren Piland. (US Only)

*Click the link below to be taken to the entry form.*

BLOOMING ROSE BLASTS OFF Book Tour Giveaway

Thank you so much Lauren Piland and iREAD Book Tours for the opportunity to participate in this amazing tour!

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