News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Two local authors want to teach children about the importance of manners.
Authors Debbie Stephens and Kimberly Hamler crafted the Positive-LY Positive Series. Stephens said that the series is designed to help children see the positive aspects of the world around them. Stephens said that by encouraging them to look beyond the surface, the series aims to foster qualities like kindness, respect, and empathy in their everyday lives.
“There’s good in everybody if you just look for it,” Stephens said. “Look at individuals in situations and see what positive things comes from that. Then internalize that is to, do I emulate that myself?.”
Stephens said she and her co-author rely on a unique editing method to ensure the books resonate with young readers, their own grandchildren. Stephens said by tailoring the stories to reflect the interests and experiences of children, they create content that feels both relatable and engaging to all.
Stephens said the duo has released three books featuring six characters, with some resembling there own family.
“There are six children that are the reoccurring characters in the books and four of those are my grandchildren and two of them are Kim’s grandchildren,” Stephens said. “A lot of times the books are run past these kids before we even approve them for print.”
Stephens said the vision is to create a series that spans the entire alphabet, with each title starting with the same letter and reflecting a theme that corresponds to that letter.
“Each title is similar like Amazingly Amazing or Courageously Courageous,” Stephens said. “We are the Positive-LY Positive Series. Each one focusing on a certain characteristic or behavior that kids can learn from.”
Stephens said that for every four books sold, they donate one to an organization or a child in need. She said that giving back and benefiting future generations is the most important aspect, whether through the books themselves or by directly contributing.
