JoAnn Grace, a longtime nanny and first-time author, has announced the release of two children's picture books: Good Morning, Sunshine and Good Afternoon, Rain. Both titles are written for toddlers and preschoolers and draw directly on Grace's twelve years of hands-on childcare experience. The books are available in print and digital formats through major book retailers and online platforms.
Good Morning, Sunshine turns an ordinary morning into a joyful 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—with a repeated "Good morning" refrain. The rhyming text is designed to encourage children to point, name, and join in, supporting early literacy and vocabulary building by introducing familiar objects, colors, and shapes. "I dedicated this book to every child I have cared for, because each one is a blessing," Grace said. "I wanted to create a book that feels like a hug and a bright start to the day."
Good Afternoon, Rain serves as a cozy companion to the first book, helping toddlers meet thunder, lightning, and rain with curiosity instead of fear. The story follows a group of toddlers watching a thunderstorm from a sunlit window. 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, Grace answers 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."
Grace's approach is grounded in her understanding of how big a storm can feel to a small child. 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. "Storms can feel big and scary to little ones," Grace said. "I wanted to show that with a cozy space, a good book, and friends nearby, a rainy afternoon can become an adventure."
Both books are designed as read-alouds for bedtime stories, morning routines, and quiet moments at home or in the classroom. At 24 pages of simple, sing-song text, Good Morning, Sunshine is a quick, cozy read that families will return to again and again. Its cheerful, accessible language suits new readers and reluctant listeners alike, turning the simple act of saying good morning into a shared moment between child and caregiver.
For media inquiries, interviews, review copies, or speaking opportunities, Grace directs interested parties to https://joanngracebooks.com/. As she nears 65, Grace plans to retire from nannying but not from making a positive difference in children's lives. Becoming an author allows her to keep sharing joy, warmth, and love with little ones everywhere. Her heartfelt approach to storytelling comes from years of reading, singing, and playing with children.
The release of these two books matters for the Long Beach and surrounding communities because it highlights how local caregivers can translate years of direct service into resources that support early childhood development. Grace's books offer practical tools for families and educators seeking to build literacy and emotional resilience in young children, while also demonstrating a viable path for experienced childcare professionals to extend their impact beyond the classroom or home.
