Father-daughter team publishes children's book 'The Nook'

By Kelvin Portillo, Correspondent

Local resident Jeremy Carty and his 11-year-old daughter Brooklyn have written and released a children’s book called “The Nook”. It follows a girl named Maya who’s consumed by technology until she develops a newfound sense of magic and appreciation of the world around her after her parents introduced her to their magical garden, the Nook.

While Jeremy was deployed in Iraq for 10 months, Brooklyn, age 8 at the time, developed severe anxiety. As a coping mechanism he created a nightly routine to aid her in falling asleep, which consisted of a prayer, a made-up bedtime story filled with only their imaginations, and a theme for a dream to help Brooklyn relax at night.

On one of their nightly bedtime routines, Jeremy used a picture of a colorful Eiffel tower hanging in Brooklyn’s room as inspiration for the idea of “The Nook” while Brooklyn filled in the rest with characters and the ages of the characters. Eventually, the theme of reconnecting with the world away from technology was too good of an idea to pass up as only a bedtime story.

As Jeremy Carty explains, “I think the book will provide children with an understanding of finding beauty in our community and what the world has to offer when we can take time and separate ourselves from devices. It’s a great way for parents and children to connect in a fun, adventurous story with tons to explore and see.”

This 32-page adventure picture book published by Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. has a sweet message for people of all ages and a way for parents and children to connect to one another.

“Having the book come to life and be published has been extremely exciting. Brooklyn really wanted the story to help kids reconnect to fun activities and everything that is beautiful about where people live and fun places to travel,” said Carty on Brooklyn’s thoughts of the impact of their book.

Brooklyn attends Santa Rosa Academy in Menifee and is receiving treatment for her anxiety. She and continues to have her nightly bedtime routine with her father. Much like the main character of “The Nook,” this young, published author will likely have many more adventures to come.

For fans wanting more, Carty explained there are currently no plans for a sequel, but is hopeful there might still be more world building to be had of “The Nook”. He said he might release a book with his son. “The Nook” can be bought on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.