“"Maddy’s Towers is a charming story about friendship and trust. It starts with a very realistic kid ‘problem’ that I think will draw children in and make them feel seen because of how relatable it is. Adults sometimes unintentionally minimize problems like the one in this story, so the fact that this one figures so centrally will be captivating for children. The lesson of the story seems to be that trust can be rebuilt when we can show forgiveness and kindness to those who have caused harm. Trust is a very abstract concept to kids and this story makes it more concrete with the block tower metaphor. I think this book would be good for any kids ages 6 and up and could definitely be used in a classroom as a read aloud to discuss themes of friendship and trust. This is a wonderful story that will make you feel inspired to be a tower builder of a friend yourself."”

— Frances Brand, Parent & 1st Grade Teacher

“"Maddy’s Towers explores the meaning of trust in friendships—how it is built, how it can be broken by a single small choice, and how it can be repaired. Trust can be a difficult concept for young children to understand and put into words, especially because it cannot be seen, only felt. This book helps children make sense of these complex emotions in a developmentally appropriate way, while offering tools to help them decide whether to build trust with someone new or work to repair trust that has been broken. While written for children, the story also serves as a gentle reminder to the adults in their lives that trust is something continually built, not freely given."”

— Amalia, Parent & Early Childhood Educator

“Maddy’s Towers is a warm, thoughtful story that helps children make sense of how hurt can happen and how healing is possible. I appreciate how the book breaks down a complex idea like trust into simple moments that children can understand without feeling overwhelmed. It doesn’t shy away from hard feelings, but instead shows that they are a natural part of connection and can be worked through with care and intention. The story invites meaningful conversations between children and adults about emotions, impact, and repair. What makes this book especially valuable is how it speaks to adults, too. Many of us instinctively want to fix things quickly or protect children from feeling hurt, but Maddy’s Towers reminds us to slow down and allow space for children to process emotions. The visuals are engaging and the message easily carries into everyday moments at home or in the classroom. Helpful resources at the end extend these ideas and encourage continued conversation. It also builds essential skills like recognizing emotions, fostering empathy, and making thoughtful choices—skills that help children navigate relationships with confidence. Overall, Maddy’s Towers is a meaningful addition across settings, offering a practical and reassuring way to support children’s emotional growth. ”

— Beverly Rogers, LICSW