Social-emotional learning for kids by an early childhood and elementary education expert
Life doesn’t wait until children have the words to explain what they’re feeling
Carolyn Cutler Hughes is an early-childhood educator. She writes and illustrates award-winning children’s books about challenging life topics - identity, relationships, relocation, divorce, addiction, grief, faith, and family.
Through simple storytelling, soft watercolor illustrations, and familiar elements from nature, her stories help children see themselves in what they’re experiencing, and understand big feelings and real-life situations in a gentle way.
Each book is intentionally written to be:
• Short and accessible (1–2 sentences per
page)
• Emotionally safe for children and adults
• Flexible across many settings
They are used by:
• Early childhood and elementary educators
• Therapists and school counselors
• Social workers and family support
professionals
• Caregivers: parents, grandparents and other
guardians
Whether read preventatively or during a life transition, the books support shared reading, conversation, and adult-child bonding.
When children encounter major life events without emotional language or context, anxiety and confusion grow. Research and practice in early childhood education show early exposure to emotional concepts—presented gently and appropriately—helps children regulate, adapt, and feel safer when challenges arise.
Carolyn's books introduce life concepts before, during, or after a child experiences them, using:
• Simple language
• Visual storytelling
• Familiar scenes from nature
Carolyn Cutler Hughes is an award-winning author and illustrator and an Early Childhood and Elementary Education professional with advanced degrees in education and behavioral science. Her work is grounded in 30 + years of experience supporting children academically, emotionally, and socially across schools, childcare programs, and family education settings.
Book Excellence Awards
The Living Tree
Story Monsters Royal Dragonfly Book Award
To Love a Hummingbird
American Book Fest FInalist
Through God's Eye
Story Monsters Purple Dragonfly Book Award
Flutterfly