Social-Emotional Learning At It’s Finest by Author Nicole Oke

Meet Nicole Oke 

Let’s meet Author Nicole Oke and how she got started with her wonderful books.

First off, let’s start with my review for her newest book, “Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas.”

“Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas,” by Nicole Oke and illustrated by, Richard Hoit is a great book for readers and parents to read together when a range of emotions arise.

When Izzy is about to go on stage to dance in front of a large audience, she can feel the nervous butterflies flittering in her stomach. She turns to Penny Panda for help.

Penny introduces her to the “Emotions Ninjas” and explains how these feelings are normal, how to understand them, and how to navigate through them.  

This book is a fantastic resource for parents and educators looking to teach children about emotional intelligence, and emotional awareness.

Readers will love the fun, bright and colorful illustrations.

Inspiration for Her books

1)  Nicole, what inspired you to write your Penny Panda books? 

I was first inspired to write my children’s books when my oldest daughter was around six months old. I didn’t know exactly what the story would be, but I knew I wanted to create something meaningful for her—something that would inspire her and reflect my love and dedication. A few years later, I began focusing on my own emotional intelligence and self-improvement, and I found myself thinking, “What if my kids could learn these skills now, instead of waiting until their 30s like I did?”

I went to Amazon, searching for children’s books that taught social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, but I noticed that while there were many books about how emotions are important, few really dove into how to manage and process those emotions. I wanted to find something that would teach my girls how to handle their feelings, challenge their thoughts, and develop emotional resilience. When I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, I decided to write it myself.

That’s when the inspiration for Penny Panda and the Gift of Possibility came to me. Each Penny Panda book focuses on a different social-emotional skill that I want my kids—and others—to learn. The first book explores how we can challenge our assumptions and embrace new possibilities. The second, Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas, teaches that every emotion has value, but we’re ultimately in control of how we respond to them. I’m also working on future books that address important topics like fairness and grief, areas I believe are underrepresented in children’s literature but essential for kids to understand.

Illustrator

2) Tell us about how you chose your illustrator?

Choosing an illustrator was a thoughtful process that took some time. I had a general vision of the style and feel I wanted, but I wasn’t quite sure how to translate that into the right artist. I spent a lot of time referencing children’s books and looking through different illustrators’ portfolios. Eventually, I narrowed it down to three illustrators whose styles resonated with me. My editor and I reviewed their work together, and we selected the one that best captured the spirit of the characters and story.

I wanted a style that was playful and relatable for kids, but also professional and polished. As someone who enjoys photography and various forms of art, it was important to me that the illustrations were of the highest quality. That’s how I found Richard Hoit, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with him. Not only is he a fantastic illustrator, but he also became a true creative partner. He brought fresh ideas to the table, even suggesting a few playful lines that enriched the first book. His work really brought the characters to life in a way I hadn’t even imagined!

Finding Nicole’s Books

3) How can our readers find your books?

Readers can find my books just about anywhere books are sold. However, I always recommend starting with my website, ►  https://nicoleokeauthor.com, where you can order copies at a discounted price. Plus, there are a lot of great freebies available—like activity books and free lesson plans for teachers—along with helpful blogs for parents, caregivers, and educators. You can also find my books on Amazon, which is especially convenient if you’re a Prime member and want to take advantage of free shipping!

Find Nicole Oke’s Book here, too!

Amazon:

► Penny Panda and the Gift of Possibility

► Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas

Barnes and Noble:

► Penny Panda and the Gift of Possibility

► Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas

Social Media Profiles – Great to follow. I offer lots of different activity books and freebies throughout the year 🙂

► Instagram

► Facebook

► Linkdin

► TikTok

Nicole, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to tell us about your sweet books.

Please leave a message for Nicole if you have any questions.

My Last Outside Fall Project for 2024

Once daylight saving times hits the first weekend in November, my outside art will have to end. I’m still going to make art in the coming months, but will have to bring it all inside.

To see my past 2024 art fall project and blog post, click here ►

If you follow my Facebook – “Books by Rose” page and Instagram page – (booksbyroseforyou11- Rosie Russell) type in those links to read the backstory on how and why I made this. Please follow these two pages for upcoming news. I’ll be sharing lots of fun things for my next book coming in 2025.

Goodreads Challenge 2024

Phew what a month it has been for me to get some reading done this month.

I was going right along and the book below had to be returned to the library. I thought, “No big deal, I can renew it, right?” No, it’s such a popular book I was put on many waiting lists. Finally, the CD audiobooks came in and I will have to finish it up in November. I’ll be back to review then.

“Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings,” written by Dionna L. Mann.

5 Stars

I thoroughly enjoyed, “Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings,” written by Dionna L. Mann. The rich voice of each of the characters puts readers right in the setting in the 1930s. Mann’s research in the back of the book shows the amazing backstory of Charlottesville, N. C. and the times and relationships which adds to this sweet tale. Problem solving among two girls and their quarrels were perfect, not to mention, the interactions which sets the tone for the story to be complete.
The recipe for the chicken and dumplings can be found on the author’s website. I’m looking forward to trying it and reading more of Mann’s stories.

I highly recommend this book for a read aloud and for classroom learning and enjoyment.

That’s all for this month.

I hope you have a wonderful November. Let us know what you have planned for this month.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie