I recently interviewed the local author of the Nurse Florence children’s book series. Michael Dow is a registered nurse. He has written every book in this series. According to Dow, Nurse Florence is a book series that helps kids learn more about their bodies and how they work, while also honoring the historic champion of the nursing profession, Florence Nightingale. Dow has an extensive collection of Florence Nightingale memorabilia, including a first edition of “Notes On Nursing,” published in 1860.
The Nurse Florence book series started when Dow’s kids were stuck in the house doing homework on the computer during COVID, and Dow had a brilliant idea. He wanted to make books for kids, especially his kids, so they would have more to do while stuck in their house.
Since he was working full time-plus during the pandemic, Dow learned to be efficient with his writing. Dow said that his main challenge is making sure the word count works for each illustration while making the pages flow. What helps him write is listening to Beethoven’s symphony. The most challenging part is marketing the series, because he still works full time as a registered nurse.
I have read every book in the series, because my sister is one of his illustrators! If you want to teach your kid fascinating biological facts about the human body, this series is so helpful. Written at a level that they can easily understand, with colorful, engaging illustrative art work, kids soak it up. You can get the Nurse Florence series at Walmart.com and Amazon.