reading

Read This If You Want To Be Taken Seriously

/ Jessica / 1 Comment

If You’re Trying to Get People to Take You Seriously, I have the book for you.

You can be the smartest person in the room, have the best idea, and work harder than everyone else but if people don’t like you, or if they don’t listen to you, you’re going to end up spinning your wheels.

There is a book that was written nearly 90 years ago that is still relevant today. The book is, How to Win Friends and Influence People written by Dale Carnegie.

If you are: :

  • A mom returning to the workforce
  • Someone who wants to rebuild their confidence (and influence)
  • A creator, writer, or small business owner
  • An introvert who wants to connect more easily without feeling fake
  • Anyone who struggles with networking or “selling themselves”

Then you should read this book.

Most of us were never taught how to actually build strong relationships. We were told to “be nice,” “work hard,” or “just be yourself.” In this book, Carnegie breaks it down in a way that’s practical, timeless, and surprisingly kind.

This book taught me:

  • How to talk so people want to listen (without being manipulative).
  • How to make people feel seen and valued.
  • Why it’s often better to listen more and talk less and in a way that builds connection.
  • That kindness and curiosity can open doors faster than expertise.

If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “Why didn’t I say that differently?”
Or if you’ve felt invisible in a meeting… or awkward talking to new people… this is a great read.

It’s not about being fake. It’s about being intentional. It’s about being interested, not just interesting.

This book needs to be on your nightstand.

Here’s the link so you can add it to your Amazon cart👉 https://amzn.to/42jygNl

Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

Feel free to follow me on Instagram @MonsterHillBooks

Thank you for spending your time with me and the Monster Hill family!

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

/ Jessica / Leave a comment

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.