Kandy’s Secret Friend:
A Child’s Journey to Faith, Friendship & Self-Worth
By Maura Pool
Morristown, N.J. – December 18, 2024. Inside emotionally hurting adults, psychiatrists know, are the hurts of childhood, with many people carrying unresolved pain and conflict that all too often began with events that hurt them when they were too young to understand that those events were not their fault.
One psychiatrist seeks to help with her new series of books for children to help them understand God is there to help them face life’s challenges.
Author and Illustrator Maura Pool is the pen name for a compassionate and experienced psychiatrist, loving wife, mother, and grandmother who has turned her passion for storytelling into a mission to uplift children.
The recently released debut book, Kandy’s Secret Friend: A Child’s Journey to Faith, Friendship and Self-Worth, reflects her commitment to helping children build self-worth, embrace God’s love, and understand that the hurtful behavior of others is never their fault.
Pool aims to nurture a loving connection between children and God, helping them navigate life’s challenges with faith and resilience. Through her books, she reassures young readers that they are never alone—many others share their struggles. Her stories encourage children to find comfort in God’s grace, reminding them that they are deserving of love and kindness, no matter what.
“Children can sometimes internalize blame for the unresolved emotions of adults, affecting their confidence,” Pool said. Her stories inspire hope and resilience, helping children understand it’s not their fault when other people’s words or actions are hurtful. By sharing this message, she aims to empower children and support parents in raising secure, confident kids.
Kandy’s Secret Friend shares a story inspired by true events of a child who learns from friends about someone named Jesus who loves and sees us, even if we feel invisible to others.
The warm watercolor style illustrations fit the gentle message of God’s life-changing love. As Pool states, “All children need to know they are seen, heard, and cherished by Jesus.”
For parents, Pool emphasizes the importance of nurturing a child’s sense of faith and self-worth, and a reminder that is one of the greatest gifts they can give.
“I deeply believe that a child is never at fault for the actions of others,” she continues. “Children are inherently innocent, and they deserve to be protected, nurtured, and loved unconditionally. As adults, it’s our responsibility to create a safe environment for them to grow, learn, and thrive, free from guilt or blame for situations beyond their control.
“This belief shapes the stories I write, as I aim to convey messages of hope, self-worth, and the unwavering love of God. Through my books, I want every child to know they are cherished and that their value is never defined by the mistakes or behaviors of others.”
By sharing this message, she aims to empower children and support parents in raising secure, confident kids.
“My journey into writing was inspired by a heartfelt desire to share messages of faith, hope, and love with children and their families,” Pool said. “As a psychiatrist and a passionate hobbyist artist, I’ve always been captivated by the power of emotions and the stories that bring them to life.”
“Guided by my faith, my family, and a lifelong love of storytelling, I feel deeply called to create books that not only spark joy and imagination but also help children feel valued, cherished, and connected to the boundless love of God.
“To me, success is when my message nurtures young hearts and helps children understand that God’s love reaches out to each and every one of them,” she concludes. “The choice to respond is theirs, but knowing they are unconditionally loved and cherished by God is the foundation I hope to instill.”
The second book in the series, anticipated for 2025, is a humorous look at a grumpy great grandpa who tries to hide from God.
Kandy’s Secret Friend: A Child’s Journey to Faith, Friendship and Self-Worth (ISBN 979-8-218-56226-7, $12.95), recently released. It is available from selected bookstores and online retailers. For more information, visit the author’s website, maurapoolbooks.com.
For a review copy or to interview Maura Pool, contact Joni Sullivan Baker, Buoyancy PR, at 513/319-3231 or jbaker@buoyancypr.com.