(WFRV) – Finding a painted rock in the community is a bit like finding a hidden treasure. This art inspired one local mom to write books for her kids.
Author Stepheni Curran stopped by Local 5 Live with a look at her series Rock On Kindness.
- First book published in February of 2018 and the second book published in April of 2021 through Orange Hat Publishing
- Targeted ages for both children’s books: 6 through 12
- Themes within the stories: kindness, diversity, disability awareness, inclusion, friendship, empathy, kindness rock painting, making predictions, and vocabulary development
- Best-selling author for Orange Hat Publishing in the category of children’s books in 2019
- Honorable mention for best-selling children’s book author for Orange Hat Publishing in 2022
- TCK Publishing Reader’s Choice Nominee in 2020 and 2022
- Featured author on the news several times in Wisconsin and then a spotlight regarding my second children’s book on 6ABC in New Jersey for their weekly “Be Kind” segment (October, 2021)
- Copies sold in varying countries, such as Australia, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, United States, etc.
- Available online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Ingram Content Group, Orange Hat Publishing, Target, and Walmart (paperback format typically retails at $9.99 plus tax). Independent bookstores and gift shops also sell this series.
- Stepheni Curran is a native of Antigo, Wisconsin. She is currently living in Gresham, Wisconsin. Stepheni is a mother, a pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP), and a children’s book author.
- 76 public presentations completed since March of 2018 during Stepheni’s vacation days as her primary job is a pediatric SLP
- Presentation locations: libraries, schools, daycare centers, churches, youth centers, scout meetings, businesses, skilled nursing facilities, community
events, etc.
- Stepheni is also a Program Partner for the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes.
LIST OF INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES AND GIFT SHOPS SELLING THE ROCK ON, KINDNESS! BOOK SERIES:
- BayShore Books (Oconto, WI)
- Book Stop (Green Bay, WI)
- Boswell Book Company (Milwaukee, WI)
- Caramel Crisp & Cafe (Oshkosh, WI)
- Cedar Ridge Crafts & Gifts (Neenah, WI)
- Frugal Muse Books: will order books per customer request (Madison, WI)
- Greater Wausau Children’s Museum (Wausau, WI)
- Janke Book Store (Wausau, WI)
- Kindred Spirit Books LLC (Stevens Point, WI)
- Martha Merrell’s Books & Toys (Waukesha, WI)
- Novel Bay Booksellers (Sturgeon Bay, WI)
- Orange Hat Publishing (Waukesha, WI)
- School House (Green Bay, WI)
- The Book Store (Appleton, WI)
- Thomas A. Lyons Fine Books (Neenah, WI)
- Til The Cows Come Home (Shawano, WI)
- Tricia’s Treasures (Crandon and Rhinelander, WI)
