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When Miranda Clark tucks her three kids into bed in their Mill Creek home, books are always part of the routine. But for Clark, the stories don’t just come off the shelf — she writes them, too.
The local resident is the author of “You Are Kind’ and “A Pocket Full of Posies,” two self-published board books that pair gentle messages with hand-illustrated artwork. Both were inspired by her own children and a desire to create something lasting that parents and little ones can share together.
A first book rooted in kindness
Clark’s debut title, “You Are Kind,” grew out of a daily ritual with her oldest child.
“I started saying affirmations with him every day — things like, ‘You are kind, you are smart, you are important,’” she said. “That simple routine sparked the idea for my first book.”
For Clark, it’s more than a story. It’s something physical that her kids will always have, that can be stumbled upon in local bookshops.
Highlights:
Written for babies and toddlers ages 0–4, “You Are Kind” pairs rhyming affirmations with cheerful illustrations.
Illustrator Danielle Fabrega helped bring a modern, uplifting look to the story.
Nearly 700 copies have sold so far through local shops, Clark’s Etsy storefront, and word-of-mouth connections.
A second story in bloom
Her second book, “A Pocket Full of Posies,” is dedicated to her daughters and celebrates Clark’s love of flowers.
“This one introduces little ones to what a florist does and helps them learn about different kinds of flowers,” she said.
Thanks to her newfound familiarity with the publishing world and a trusted illustrator, the process for book #2 was easier — and the story is a bit longer, too.
Highlights:
Announced in July, the book just became available to purchase (Tri-Cities Central readers get a special discount — more on that below).
It features illustrations that nod to Chicago’s Armitage Avenue, a neighborhood Clark has always loved.
This title is still designed as a sturdy board book for young children and their caregivers.
Local connections and future plans
Clark’s books have already appeared in Tri-Cities shops like Arlo Hendrix in Batavia, Harvey’s Tales in Geneva, and Town House Books in St. Charles. She’s also hosted a local reading and hopes to do more in the months ahead.
Between parenting three children under five and running her Etsy shop, Clark doesn’t rush the process. But she says new ideas are always percolating.
“It would definitely be fun to write a couple more,” she said. “Once this new one starts selling, I may come up with a new idea now that I’m sleeping through the night again.”
“A Pocket Full of Posies” will be available soon, just in time for fall gift-giving season. Look for it in local shops — or order online through her Etsy storefront.
Local discount for you
BONUS: If you order one of her books now, use code TCC20 at checkout for a special 20% discount for Tri-Cities Central readers.
📖 Thanks for reading
Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.
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