"The Gentle Pen" Lessons behind the Books

Life Lessons Through Laughter: What Kids Learn from My Books

By Liv McLean, Children’s Author

If you’ve ever seen a child light up while reading—or laughing mid-story with chocolate on their chin and a sparkle in their eye—then you know that stories matter. In my books, every giggle, every rhyme, and every delightful mess serves a purpose.

Because I believe children learn best when having fun, lessons should never feel heavy in a little reader’s hands. They should feel like magic.

My stories are created with magic in mind: gentle learning wrapped in joy. Here’s a closer look at what’s tucked between the pages of my books:

🌪 Tommy and the Broken Window

Lesson: Accountability & Making Things Right Tommy’s endless curiosity sometimes leads to trouble (and cracked glass!). But when faced with consequences, he learns that telling the truth and making amends is what being a “big kid” is really about. It’s a laugh-out-loud reminder that even mistakes can be great teachers.

🍝 Netti Spaghetti and Noni Macaroni

Lesson: Actions Have Consequences (and Spills Happen). These two pasta-loving pranksters get themselves in a saucy situation. But their journey from mischief to mop teaches young readers about teamwork, responsibility, and making it right, with plenty of laughs along the way.

🐾 Max and Luna

Lesson: Unlikely Friendships & Heartfelt Courage Max the golden retriever pup and Luna the clever Maine Coon kitten show that love, loyalty, and bravery come in all forms. This tale encourages empathy and shows how standing by a friend makes you braver than you think.

🌍 Oliver’s World Adventures

Lesson: Cultural Curiosity & Compassion From Morocco to Tokyo, Oliver’s journeys teach children to embrace differences, appreciate traditions, and greet the world with kindness. It’s about discovering that though we may live in different places, our hearts beat the same.

🌕 Monty Munches the Moon

Lesson: Balance, Boundaries & Caring for the Earth. Monty eats a little too much… and the moon starts to disappear! Through its zany charm, this story gently encourages mindfulness, environmental respect, and understanding limits. A stellar tale for children learning to make good choices.

🏥 Philip Phun

Lesson: Bravery in Big Moments Hospitals can be scary—but not for Philip Phun! This uplifting story was created for kids facing medical challenges, surgeries, or time away from home. It celebrates courage, compassion, and the kindness of caregivers.

🐿 Nutty and the Whimsy

Lesson: Finding Friendship in Unexpected Places. Nutty the squirrel tumbles into a mysterious underground world and meets the whimsical Whimsy. This tale reminds children that imagination is a powerful tool and that true friendship can bloom where you least expect it.

🚢 Shirley and the SS Sparkle

Lesson: Confidence, Self-Worth & Sparkling Spirit. Shirley might wear cozy pyjamas and fuzzy slippers—but don’t be fooled! She’s the fearless captain of her dreams. Children learn that they can be brave, brilliant, and bold… even on quiet days—a gentle, empowering story of time with grandparents.

🐱 Finnie Minnie Meow

Lesson: Self-Acceptance & Empathy Finnie Minnie is different—and that’s her superpower. This warm, whimsical tale reminds children that being unique is something to be proud of. It gently teaches inclusion and celebrates the beauty of being your true self.

🏠 The Ruckety Tuckety House

Lesson: Change, Community & Heartfelt Belonging. The old, creaky house may be falling apart, but it holds love, laughter, and an old lady who never gives up on caring for her house. This story shares the quiet lesson that home isn’t just a place, it's hidden treasures, a family of mice, and never giving up on each other.

💛 Why Laughter Matters

When children laugh while learning, the lesson stays with them. That’s why my books never lecture—they whisper, giggle, and hug their way into young hearts. Whether it's a runaway squirrel or a boat made of sparkle, every tale is crafted to deliver joy first and wisdom gently.

Parents and educators often ask me, "What should kids take away from your stories? "My answer is always the same:

I want them to feel loved, seen, and celebrated. I want them to laugh, think, and grow. Most of all, I want them to love reading.

📚 You can find all of these heartfelt, laughter-filled adventures at👉 https://livmclean.com

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or someone who loves watching little ones blossom, thank you for sharing the joy of stories. Learning doesn’t have to feel like work; sometimes, it just needs to be fun.

Gently,

Liv McLean

Children's Author of over 11 books