About Nessa J.
Nessa J. Carrice is a children's book author and mother of two who writes from her home in the New England suburbs, usually with a cup of coffee in hand and the soundtrack of her own kids' laughter (or occasional chaos) in the background. Her journey into writing began when she found herself searching bookstore shelves and library aisles for books that could help her navigate challenging conversations with the littles in her life. How do you explain to a young child that families don't all look the same? How do you teach them to listen to their bodies and trust their instincts? How do you help them understand the difference between right and wrong in a way that truly resonates?
Time and again, Nessa came up empty-handed. The books she found were either too preachy, too abstract, or simply didn't capture the sing-song, rhythmic quality that makes stories stick in young minds. She wanted books that felt like the songs and rhymes she naturally created when comforting her children, teaching them new concepts, or helping them through difficult moments: the kind of silly, catchy tunes that get stuck in everyone's head (for better or worse). She wanted stories that were simple enough for toddlers to understand but meaningful enough to spark real conversations...
So she decided to write them herself.
Drawing on her education in creative writing and literature (and a natural love for wordplay and rhythm), Nessa began crafting the stories she wished she could find. Seeing the way her own children responded to these rhymes, and hearing them sing the refrains back at the most unexpected moments, she wanted to share them with other parents and caregivers who were struggling with the same conversations. Nessa's books are not intended to replace a family's values or do the teaching for parents. Instead, they open the door. Her books are intentionally written to facilitate tough talks on tough topics, providing a framework that parents can build upon with their own beliefs, values, and family-specific context. They create a safe entry point for conversations that might otherwise feel overwhelming, but they leave room for parents to fill in the blanks in ways that align with their own family's worldview.
Her signature style relies on sing-song rhymes that parents and children can read together, often turning into songs or chants that become part of daily life. In fact, many of Nessa's books began as exactly that: silly singing quips she made up for her own children in everyday moments. The refrain "just put it in your mouth and chew, chew, chew" started as a mealtime song to encourage her picky eater (sung with increasing dramatic flair as needed), while other rhymes emerged from bedtime routines, difficult conversations, and the countless small challenges of parenting young children. These aren't just books to be read once and shelved—they're tools to be used again and again in the moments when children need them most. Whether it's a mealtime struggle, a question about why a friend has two moms, or a school safety drill that needs explanation, Nessa's books provide a starting point for those crucial conversations.
As a parent herself, Nessa understands the delicate balance required in children's literature. Books need to be honest without being frightening, educational without being boring, and meaningful without being heavy-handed. They need to respect children's intelligence while still being developmentally appropriate. Most importantly, they need to be books that children actually want to read, that they ask for again and again. Ideally because they're catchy and fun, not just because they're good for them.
With two children at home providing daily inspiration (and occasional material), expect to see more titles from Nessa as she continues to identify gaps in children's literature and create stories that fill them. Her goal is to share the resources that worked for her family while addressing the full spectrum of challenges and questions that arise in early childhood. Whether it's a common struggle like picky eating or a more complex topic like when it's okay to physically defend yourself, Nessa is committed to creating accessible, engaging stories that help families navigate these moments together. Preferably with a catchy tune that everyone will be humming by bedtime.
For Nessa J. Carrice, writing children's books is about developing the tools families need to navigate tough topics together, one sing-song rhyme at a time. From her home in New England, she continues to write, parent, and create stories that empower parents to have important conversations while respecting their role as their children's ultimate guides. Her books become part of the fabric of family life, helping shape confident, kind, emotionally aware children who trust themselves and treat others with empathy and respect—because the hard stuff is exactly what families need help talking about. And if she can make it rhyme and get stuck in your head? Even better.