
On March 7th, Brian from https://writingfromtheheartwithbrian.com/ wrote a post that will bring a smile. He talks about the wonder of children’s books and how they show us what is “right and good in the world, and what is real.” Brian was kind enough to include my book, Cora’s Quest, but because of Copper’s passing, I wasn’t in the mindset to share. My heart still aches, but today is a better day to reblog.
Thanks again, Brian, for including Cora and your amazing review in your inspiring post. I’m so grateful, and I hope the students in your wife’s class love reading about Cora too! ๐
I’m sharing Brian’s review below, but please click on the blog link to read his full post. Other children’s literature is mentioned that will evoke great memories.
Looking for a little courage
For example, when police investigations into the New Orleans truck attack that killed 15 people and the Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas dominated the news in January, I found myself reading fellow blogger Lauren Scottโs childrenโs book Coraโs Quest. (Lauren can be found on her blog, Baydreamer Writes.)
In Scottโs wonderful little book, fawn Cora gets separated on a wooded trail from her ma and pa. When she looks up from investigating a fuzzy caterpillar, her parents are gone. She starts to worry about being in the big forest all alone. Of course it gets scary. The tree branches look like theyโre reaching out to grab her. Have you been in the woods in the dark? It can be a scary place. She can feel her tummy rumble and fear โtrickle from her nose to her hooves.โ I was right there with her.
Despite everything, she stands firm and reminds herself that โMy body may be small, but my courage is big.โ
When she thinks she canโt bear it anymore, her parents come from behind a bush. Of course, the three kiss and celebrate. They hurry home to feast on apples and acorns. If we ever needed a reminder to be courageous in the world, now is the time. Everyday some new problem comes out of the woodwork and the world seems minutes from calamity. Despite it all, little Cora shows us the way. โMy body may be small, but my courage is big.โ
What a great reminder. I canโt think of better advice. Yes, you go Cora! Laurenโs writing is touching and the colorful images by her illustrator Chris Mendez jump off the page. Itโs perfect for young kids and the young-at-heart like myself. Be sure to check it out.
And if you don’t know Brian, check out his blog! He’s a wonderful writer who shares his thoughts and experiences in a way that entertains and engages, and usually prompts a giggle!
Thanks for stopping by, and I wish you a wonderful Friday and weekend! โค๏ธ๐
ยฉ Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com โ All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Thank you! ๐
I read this on Brian’s blog. I love his blog, so positive and uplifting. Congrats on such a great review of your sweet book. I hope you are feeling better. xo
It’s great that you’re a fan of Brians too, Darlene, and thanks for your kind words about his review and my book. I’m a little better, but emotions are still fragile. And it still feels unreal in some ways. โค๏ธ๐
I can only imagine. Our time will come. It’s the price we pay for loving a pet. But it’s worth it.
Even though it’s tough when they leave us, I agree with you, Darlene. Hugs ๐
Loved Brian’s post. So good…and praise well-deserved for Cora! ๐ฅฐ
I know Brian will be thrilled, Vicki, and thanks for your praise about Cora. So appreciated! โค๏ธ๐
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Clicking through…
Thanks, Jacqui!
so very wonderful and I’m a huge fan of children’s books as well
Thanks, Beth. That’s great to know, and maybe someday you’ll read Cora. ๐ค
oh, I certainly will
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Congratulations on the heartfelt review, Lauren! Sharing.
Thanks so much on both counts, Liz. ๐
You’re welcome, Lauren!
I love Brian’s blog and his writing, Lauren. Congratulations on the fantastic review of your book. I also love the Brown Bear book. Have a wonderful weekend. ๐
Brian will be thrilled, Miriam, and thanks for your kind words about his review. Have a good weekend too. ๐
You’re very welcome, Lauren. I hope you find the conference materials helpful. ๐
What a wonderful review for Cora my friend.
Give yourself grace dear Laurenโค๏ธ๐
Copper has left a big space in your family’s life, you need time to process that.
Lots of love from me to you xoxox
Thanks so much, Maggie, for your kind and comforting words. I appreciate them very much. I’m thrilled with Brian’s review, and we’re still taking it one day at a time, missing Copper. It’s hard at home without him. Lots of love and hugs to you too. ๐๐ค๐
I understand Lauren .
Look after yourself my friend.
My pleasure and its good to see Cora doing well.
Hugs and love always โค๏ธ๐โค๏ธ
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Oh Thank you Lauren for the shout out. Iโm so happy for you. Writing and putting a book together are no easy task. They take a lot of creativity and hard work. Iโm so happy for you that Coraโs Quest is doing so well and youโre getting the credit you deserve. I loved the little story. Yes, even applicable for big kids like myself!!! Much continued success!!!!๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
You’re welcome, Brian, and thank YOU again! You’re so kind and I appreciate you taking the time to not only read my book but to share a review. And I love how you emphasize that you don’t have to be a little kid to enjoy Cora’s adventure. Thanks again! I’m so grateful! ๐ค๐๐ค
That is a wonderful review, Lauren! Congratulations to you!
Thanks so much, Jan! I appreciate your kind words. By the way, I’m enjoying A Beggar’s Bargain. โค๏ธ
Whoo hoo!! Your comment brightened my day!
Iโm glad ๐
Undoubtedly, one of my favorite parts of teaching was turning kids on to good books. I can’t tell you how many times I watched non-readers become readers when they discovered a favorite series, title, or author. Show them a good children’s book, and the rest is history.
I also enjoyed Brian’s post before. Kudos to you for writing Cora’s Quest.
Those are great memories, I’m sure, Pete. Whenever I see a young child on a cell phone or device, I cringe. Maybe it’s an age thing, but I want to see a book in those hands instead. And I’m glad you enjoyed Brian’s post, and thanks for your wonderful support of Cora’s Quest.
Love this review. Thanks for sharing, Lauren!
Thanks, Wynne! Brian made my day with his post and review. xoxo
A delightful review, Lauren โญ๏ธ๐
Thanks so much, Robbie! ๐
((( โค )))
Thanks, Annette! ๐
A lovely commentary on your book and it being a salve from the toxicity of the news cycle, Lauren. I hope it lifted your spirits some. Take care. ๐ค
Thanks for your lovely comment, Steve, and Brian’s post and review truly did lift my spirits. I hope you have a good Sunday. ๐ค
Youโre welcome, Lauren, good to know. I did have a nice Sunday, visiting with both our local grandsons ๐ค
That sounds wonderful, Steve. ๐ค
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Fortunately, we lived during our children’s formulative years without the gimmicks they have to take a child’s attention today and bought them literally bucket loads of secondhand books to be traded back for others which they consumed veraciously. It’s also important for parents to read to them from an early age as a bonding engagement and it certainly benefits as they mature.
That was a better time without devices, Ian. I’d rather see a young child holding a book than a cell phone or iPad. I agree about the parents reading to their children too. Thanks!
Congratulations on being included in Brians post, Lauren!
It’s a terrific article, and shows that even adults can learn, from teaching our children, well.
Cora is a wonderful book that inspired me.
I wish you all good things! Hugs xoxo
Thanks so much, Resa! I was thrilled that my book added some joy for Brian after watching the news. I’m feeling the same way these days. And I’m happy to know that Cora inspired you as well. You know I appreciate your support more than words can express. ๐ Hugs to you, and have a good week ahead. xoxoxox
The news sucks!
XOXOXO
Agreed!!! โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
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Dearest Lauren, Brian’s review is lovely and must have been so welcome. Kindness helps our courage to grow. Tim and I are sending you and Matt much love, and soft hugs. Xxxx ๐ฉท๐ธ๐ค๐ฉท
Thanks so much, Jane, and you’re right. Brian’s post and review lifted my spirits. I’m glad my book lifted his too. Matt and I appreciate your love and hugs. Sending some to you in gratitude. xoxoxoxo
That’s a very nice review.
Thanks so much, Binky. Brian’s review lifted my spirits.
Hi Lauren. Congrats on the wonderful review. I’ve recently returned from winter break and just catching up. I’m so very sorry for the loss of Copper. Hugs โค xx
Thanks, Debby, on both counts. Brian’s wonderful review lifted my spirits, and Copper’s in a better place, not suffering, but we miss him so much. I appreciate the hugs too. xo
More healing hugs your way. โค โค xx
A wonderful review, Lauren, and what a lovely view of the power of children’s books. I’m heading over to Brian’s to read more of his post. Congrats, and I’m glad the time was right to share. ๐ โค
Thanks, Diana! Brian’s review truly lifted my spirits. I’m glad you visited him too. โค๏ธ
Hi Lauren, Peggy and I just ordered the paper back version of Coraโs Quest. We want to give the book to our daughter, Tasha, who teaches a first grade in Lovettsville, Va.
Curt, you made my day! That is wonderful and I’m so grateful! I hope you’ll let me know if Tasha’s class likes my book. Anyway, thanks again, to you and Peggy!
You are very welcome, Lauren. I just read your reply to Peggy. I told Tasha last night. Sheโs excited to see it.
Again, you made my day, Curt! Thanks again to you all! ๐ค
Brian’s review is wonderful, Lauren. I’ll be picking up this book very soon. Can’t wait to dive into it. ๐
Thanks so much, Mike, and you made my day! I hope you enjoy Cora’s adventure, and I also hope you enjoyed Ever So Gently. I appreciate your support. โค๏ธ
Wonderful review, Lauren! Congratulations!
Thanks so much, Dawn! ๐
a wonderful eview lauren! I hope your book is selling lots of copies! โค xo
Thanks, Carol Anne! It’s doing better than I imagined. ๐ xoxoxo