Welcome to my corner of the storytelling world, where you can explore heartwarming children's books and discover bedtime stories for kids, as well as find children's stories about identity. Join Paula Carol in diving into picture books about belonging.
"Where are you from?” It’s a simple question — unless you’re from two places at once.
A lyrical picture book about belonging to two places at once — and never having to choose between them.
She was born there. She’s growing up here. Though she doesn’t remember the country she came from, she carries it anyway — in the language at her dinner table, in her family’s stories, and in the arms that held her tight during one long-ago visit.
Dad says “Boa noite.” She responds with “Night-night.” Two worlds, one bedtime.
Season by season, she notices how her two worlds tilt against each other. There’s fall in one place and spring in the other. A Christmas that feels cold and cozy in one place contrasts with the sunshine and music of the other. Bedtime on one clock while morning is already arriving on another. There are folktales from here and folktales from there — Saci spinning through the trees, Bigfoot hiding among them — both wrapped in the same sense of wonder.
Somewhere in this noticing, the question stops being a question. Living here while speaking the language of there isn’t just something to explain; it’s a superpower.
Written in warm, rhythmic verse suitable for ages 3 to 8, Paula Carol's "I’m From Here and There" speaks to any child navigating their identity between a here and a there — whether that’s two countries, two languages, two houses, or simply the town they left behind and the one they call home now.
Inside the book:
- A gentle read-aloud story, perfect among bedtime stories for kids, written in free verse, with about 440 words.
- Educational back matter identifying “there” as Brazil, featuring Portuguese words and simple pronunciation guides.
- An introduction to Brazilian traditions, from Festa Junina to Carnaval.
- Side-by-side animal comparisons: jaguar and cougar, sloth and bear, toucan and bald eagle.
This heartwarming children’s book is a tender read-aloud for families in the midst of a move, children finding their footing in a new environment, Brazilian and bicultural families raising children between two languages, and classrooms or libraries where every child's story starts somewhere different.
Pre-order opens September 1! Join our newsletter to get a reminder the moment pre-orders begin and secure your copy of this beautiful picture book about belonging.
My relationship with stories began in a fourth-grade library in Brazil. I will never forget my teacher, Mrs. Yolanda, who patiently guided me through my very first pages. From that moment on, I became an avid reader. Books became my refuge and safe haven, giving me the chance to travel the world and live a thousand different lives, much like the heartwarming children's books I write today.
Now, I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with my husband, the love of my life, and our two children. My family is my "why." They inspire me every single day to do what I love most: create engaging children's stories about identity, belonging, and the joy of growing up.
I write every single day and am captivated by the workings of the human mind, especially children's minds. I can still see the magic in everyday moments, just as I did as a child, and I find inspiration all around me—whether it’s a crooked neighborhood basketball hoop or the rushing water of a river.
As an author, my goal is to build a lifelong career creating a wide range of children's books, including delightful bedtime stories for kids that reflect all sides of childhood. Some standalone books delve into meaningful themes like identity and navigating between different cultures, while others are lighthearted and designed to make kids laugh out loud.
I believe that children deserve honest, engaging books that take their minds and emotions seriously, all while leaving plenty of room for joy.
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I favor clarity over cleverness and meaning over spectacle. My writing is warm, emotionally grounded, and always focused on honest storytelling, whether I'm crafting bedtime stories for kids or exploring deeper themes like identity and belonging. I strive to create heartwarming children's books that resonate, whether I'm sharing a lighthearted adventure or delving into children's stories about identity. The best picture books about belonging don't shout; they linger with you long after the final page is turned, a testament to the value of honest narratives, much like those by Paula Carol.
I believe children deserve bedtime stories for kids that treat their big experiences with care, respect, and a healthy dose of fun! My heartwarming children's books explore the beautiful complexities of identity, family, and connection. Whether a story is tackling the brave questions of living between two worlds or sharing a laugh through a funny everyday adventure, my goal is always the same: to help children feel seen, celebrated, and completely at home. Through my picture books about belonging, I strive to connect with young readers and remind them that they are not alone.
Feel free to send me a message or ask a general question using this form. If you're looking for heartwarming children's books, I highly recommend my picture book about belonging by Paula Carol, which beautifully explores themes of identity and is perfect among bedtime stories for kids. I’ll do my best to respond to you soon!
