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What Do We Teach Our Children About Fear?

/ Jessica / Leave a comment

Fear. We all have it. It’s a natural part of being human. But what we do with fear? That’s where everything changes.

As parents, we want to protect our children. We want to keep them safe, keep them comfortable, and shield them from the things that might hurt. But what if, in doing so, we accidentally teach them to avoid growth, to fear risk, and to settle for less?

The greatest way we can teach our children how to manage fear is by leading with courage. They are always watching us. They learn more from our actions than our words. And if we want them to be brave, we have to go first.

One of the most powerful lines I’ve ever heard came from a Sunday message. Pastor Caitlin said, “I will never settle for less than God’s best, and I will never settle for a life full of fear.” That single sentence changed the trajectory of my life.

Shortly after, our family made one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever faced. We packed up our lives and moved three hours away from everything familiar — away from our hometown, our friends, our family — in hopes of finding better opportunities, more resources, and a safer community for our children.

My husband and I were terrified.

But we did it anyway.

And it turned out to be the best decision we could have made.

That experience reminded me of this truth: fear doesn’t always go away. But it doesn’t have to stop us. In fact, some of the most life-changing decisions we make will come with trembling hands and uncertain hearts. And that’s okay.

So what do we want to teach our children about fear? Do we want to teach them to stay small? To hold back? To only try when they’re sure they’ll succeed?

Or do we want to teach them to take risks, to try, to fall, to learn, and to rise again? To chase dreams with grit and grace?

When we choose courage over comfort, our children learn to do the same.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

Your bravery could be the reason they believe in what’s possible.

Follow me on Instagram @MonsterHillBooks for more.

Letting Go to Create: How Writing Children’s Books Changed My Life

/ Jessica / Leave a comment

If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d become a children’s author, I’m not sure I would have believed them. Not because I didn’t want to write, but because I didn’t see myself as creative. I was the structured one, the planner, the professional. Creativity, I thought, was for someone else. Someone braver. Someone who could handle the vulnerability.

But something shifted.

To start writing children’s books, I had to completely let go of who I thought I was, and who I thought I was supposed to be. I had to quiet the inner voice that told me I didn’t belong in that world. And I had to do something truly uncomfortable: I had to let my heart lead.

The stories came rushing out. They didn’t ask for permission. They poured out of me, full of rhythm, truth, and the lessons I wanted to share with my children. These books weren’t just ideas, they were little pieces of my soul wrapped in rhyme.

And that’s the thing about creativity: it’s deeply personal. It’s also wildly vulnerable. Sharing your art with the world means opening yourself to criticism, rejection, and misunderstanding. I’ve come to realize that artists aren’t just creative, they’re incredibly brave.

I’m not a published author yet. I’m currently working with a coach to refine my stories and prepare to query literary agents, with the ultimate goal of becoming traditionally published. It’s a journey filled with learning, stretching, and a lot of faith.

Now, as I work with my coach, I’m stepping into a new phase of growth. Learning how to improve something I’ve poured my heart into is both humbling and rewarding. It’s not always easy, but I believe that the more we grow, the more we can give.

If you’re standing at the edge of something new, something that both excites and terrifies you, know this: it’s okay to let go of who you were. It’s okay to not have all the answers. And it’s okay to begin before you feel ready.

The world needs your story.

You were made for this.

And just maybe, like me, you’ll find that your greatest transformation comes the moment you let go.

Follow my Instagram @MonsterHillBooks.

Why Stories Matter: The Power of Personal Development Books for Kids

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I still remember the first time a story made me feel. It wasn’t a lecture or a life lesson someone handed me; it was a book. A simple story with characters who stumbled, struggled, and eventually triumphed. That book made me believe that maybe, just maybe, I could too.

Now as a mom, an author, and a woman on a mission, I see that same spark in my children when they hear stories that speak to their hearts. That’s why I created Monster Hill Books. So I could write children’s picture books that do more than entertain. These books are designed to build confidence, nurture emotional intelligence, and empower kids with real-life tools for personal growth.

The Mission Behind Monster Hill

Monster Hill Books isn’t just a brand, it’s a movement. Rooted in faith and positive psychology, my stories tackle big feelings in kid-friendly ways. We use rhyme, rhythm, and relatable characters to show kids that they are never alone, that their feelings matter, and that they can overcome challenges with the right mindset. Whether it’s learning how to take a time-out to calm down, discovering the inner coach within, or realizing that failure isn’t the end of the story, each book is a stepping stone in a child’s emotional development.

Why Kids Need These Stories More Than Ever

Let’s face it: childhood today is not what it used to be. With social pressures, technology overload, and growing mental health challenges, kids need stories that ground them in truth, love, and hope. Personal development books for kids act like gentle guides, helping them understand their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies. In a world full of noise, stories become a safe space.

One of the most powerful examples of this is the classic book Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. My mom used to read this book to me, and she would sing the song from the story in a soft, sweet tune that I can still remember to this day. There’s a reason this book brings tears to the eyes of so many. It’s not just about a mother’s love, it’s about the passage of time, the bond between parent and child, and the bittersweet reality of watching your children grow. That simple refrain, “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living my baby you’ll be,” carries deep emotional weight. It stays with you. And that’s the magic of storytelling. It reaches deep into our hearts and becomes part of who we are.

The Power of Storytelling in Shaping Identity

Stories shape who we are. They give children words for what they feel and models for what’s possible. When a child sees a character face fear and still try, they internalize that courage. When they see a character struggle and grow, they begin to believe in the power of “yet.”

As parents and educators, we have the incredible opportunity to shape young minds not by preaching, but by placing powerful stories in their hands. These aren’t just books, they’re seeds. Seeds of confidence, kindness, and self-worth.

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Stories are one of the most meaningful ways we can guide our children down that path.

Join the Monster Hill Movement

If you believe in the power of stories to shape hearts and minds, I invite you to join me. Follow my Instagram @MonsterHillBooks. Let’s inspire the next generation, one page at a time.

Welcome to Monster Hill — Stories That Build Brave Hearts

/ Jessica / Leave a comment

Hi, I’m Jessica Dalton and I’m new here. I’m not a psychologist or a parenting expert. I’m just a mom trying to raise good humans while figuring it all out along the way.

This is why I’ve started Monster Hill Books. The whole concept started in the middle of a very difficult moment when my kids were arguing at the dinner table, my husband was out of town, and I was one second away from losing my mind. Instead of yelling, I did something unexpected: I told my kids “I need a time out,” and I walked away from the table and into my bedroom.

That moment turned into a story. And that story turned into something bigger—a mission.

Monster Hill is a series of children’s picture books that help kids (but mostly their parents) navigate big feelings, tough moments, and everyday challenges with courage, compassion, and joy. Inspired by my own experiences raising a neurodivergent child and powered by a deep faith in God, these books are my love letters to families like mine.. families doing their best in an overwhelming world.

I am obsessed with research, personal development, self-improvement, non-traditional ways of achieving health and healing, and finding solutions to anything life throws at me. I have learned so much as a mom, career woman, and I have achieved things I probably shouldn’t have given my circumstances growing up. But that’s a story for another time.

Here on the blog, I’ll share my journey and the behind the scenes moments of building a children’s book brand, parenting from a place of purpose, and the ups and downs of chasing a dream. I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to writing, but I have the passion and desire to make this a success, so I have hired an amazing author coach to help me along the way.

So if you’re looking for stories that build strong minds, practical tools for emotional growth, or just a reminder that you’re not alone—you’re in the right place.

Monster Hill isn’t perfect. But it’s real. And it’s rooted in something true: the belief that every child deserves to feel confident, seen, and deeply loved.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6

Thanks for being here. I can’t wait to grow this dream with you.

With love,
Jessica