COOKIE DOUGHGA BOOK

and songs for my students in order to help them process and retain information. My students would remember the shared readings that I would create and “read” them throughout the year from the shared reading binder I had in the library section of the classroom. It was fun!

Every weekend, I’d spend an hour in my local library looking for new children’s titles to grace the student library at school. When I wasn’t borrowing books, I was buying them! My children’s book collection (now totaling over 150!) is still ever growing, as it is my favorite teaching tool. There is nothing more engaging and powerful than the written and spoken word, especially in early development. Pair that with captivating illustrations, and you’ll undoubtedly capture the minds and hearts of kids big and small.

As a preschool teacher for 10 years I wrote hundreds of rhymes...

I’ve always loved to read and write, and would spend hours journaling and writing poetry in my youth. Years later, when I began teaching, I dreamed of writing a children’s book. But, I continuously told myself, “No! You’re a teacher…not a writer.” or “You can’t, there’s no time.” or worse yet, “You’re not good or strong enough.” Have you ever felt this way too?

Even as I transitioned into teaching yoga and mindfulness, my personal doubt was relentless. My job was (is) to show kids how to tune into themselves, trust their instincts, and remain grounded and present and curious. But, here I was, not practicing what I preached. 

I knew I could write. I knew that if I really poured my heart and soul into the process, along with my knowledge of children’s books…that I could do this! 

I stopped dreaming. Instead, I started doing. I stopped doubting. Instead I started believing. I stopped overthinking and putting too much pressure on myself. Instead I started taking each step one breath at a time. I practiced what I preached. I wrote and self published a children’s book, and I’m very proud of my pandemic baby! Even when my doubt creeps in, which it always does…I KNOW I AM ENOUGH. 

So are you. 

You owe it to yourself to continue to dream chase, and go for things that set your heart ablaze. It’s what we want the kids in our lives to learn, and they are always watching. So, take a leap. You never know where it’ll take you!

Available now on Amazon with 5 STAR ⭐️ Ratings, Readers Favorite Award Winner and 5 star recipient! Come along with Maria and her Mama as they make cookies shaped like yoga, and then practice each pose together!

In this sweet and simple rhyming story, your child will explore 10 foundational yoga poses as well as quick and effective mindfulness techniques to help in times of worry or stress. Cookie Doughga: A Book about yoga, mindfulness, and cookies! empowers children to observe their mind, and use their body as a tool for taking charge of their emotions.

Whether they're jumping like a frog, soaring in an airplane, or dozing like a sleepy mouse, each page engages a child's senses, joy, and wonder. This story is great for all ages, but perfect for children ages 3-8.

***Cookie Doughga is sold locally on Long Island, NY at Hitch in Babylon, Once Upon a Treetop in Plainview, and The Nesting Place in Farmingdale!