JoAnn Grace, a nanny with twelve years of hands-on childcare experience, has released two children's picture books: Good Morning, Sunshine and Good Afternoon, Rain. The books, written for toddlers and preschoolers, draw on her years of caring for young children and aim to turn everyday moments into joyful learning experiences.
Good Morning, Sunshine is a rhythmic picture book that transforms an ordinary morning into a celebration. Set in a large yellow room, the story invites young readers to greet familiar objects—the fireplace, the bookshelf, the drapes, the toys, and even a cat chasing a rat. Each page pairs gentle rhyming text with a repeated "Good morning" refrain, encouraging children to point, name, and join in. According to the announcement, the book supports early literacy and vocabulary building by introducing familiar objects, colors, and shapes, while also promoting positive morning routines and gratitude. Its cheerful, accessible language is designed to suit new readers and reluctant listeners alike, turning the simple act of saying good morning into a shared moment between child and caregiver.
Good Afternoon, Rain serves as a cozy companion to the first book, helping toddlers face thunder, lightning, and rain with curiosity instead of fear. The story follows a group of toddlers watching a thunderstorm from a sunlit window. They long to go outside, but the wind and rain have other plans. As lightning flashes and thunder rumbles, the children feel both fear and wonder, asking the questions every child asks: When will it stop? Why is it so loud and bright? Rather than dismissing those worries, the author responds with comfort and imagination. The children settle in with picture books, blocks, and a wooden train, build blanket forts, and turn a gray rainy day into an adventure. By the end, they greet the storm itself with a cheerful "Good afternoon, thunder, lightning, and rain." The book supports emotional learning by naming feelings, while its rhyming text builds early literacy and vocabulary. Parents, grandparents, nannies, and teachers will also find fresh indoor play ideas for stormy weather.
Grace's decision to become an author stems from a desire to continue making a positive difference in children's lives as she nears retirement from nannying. "I dedicated this book to every child I have cared for, because each one is a blessing," she says of Good Morning, Sunshine. "I wanted to create a book that feels like a hug and a bright start to the day." Regarding Good Afternoon, Rain, she adds, "Storms can feel big and scary to little ones. I wanted to show that with a cozy space, a good book, and friends nearby, a rainy afternoon can become an adventure."
Both books will be available in print and digital formats through major book retailers and online platforms. More information about the author and her work can be found at https://joanngracebooks.com/.
