Longtime nanny and author JoAnn Grace has announced the release of two children's picture books, Good Morning, Sunshine and Good Afternoon, Rain, both written for toddlers and preschoolers. The books draw on her twelve years of hands-on childcare and aim to turn everyday moments—morning routines and stormy afternoons—into shared, comforting experiences between children and caregivers.
Good Morning, Sunshine is a rhythmic read-aloud set in a large yellow room, where young readers greet familiar objects such as the fireplace, bookshelf, drapes, and toys. Each page pairs gentle rhyming text with a repeated “Good morning” refrain, inviting children to point, name, and join in. The book is designed to support early literacy and vocabulary building by introducing familiar objects, colors, and shapes, while encouraging positive morning routines and gratitude.
Good Afternoon, Rain serves as a cozy companion, following a group of toddlers who watch a thunderstorm from a sunlit window. As lightning flashes and thunder rumbles, the children feel both fear and wonder, asking when the storm will stop and why it is so loud and bright. Rather than dismissing those worries, the story responds with comfort and imagination: the children settle in with picture books, blocks, and a wooden train, build blanket forts, and turn a gray day into an adventure. By the end, they greet the storm with a cheerful “Good afternoon, thunder, lightning, and rain.”
The release matters because it addresses two core needs in early childhood: literacy development and emotional learning. Grace’s background as a nanny informs both books, which use repetition, rhyme, and rhythm to help children thrive. Good Morning, Sunshine introduces vocabulary and positive routines, while Good Afternoon, Rain names feelings and offers fresh indoor play ideas for stormy weather. Parents, grandparents, nannies, and teachers may find the books useful for home libraries and classroom bookshelves.
“I dedicated this book to every child I have cared for, because each one is a blessing,” Grace says of Good Morning, Sunshine. “I wanted to create a book that feels like a hug and a bright start to the day.” Of Good Afternoon, Rain, she adds: “Storms can feel big and scary to little ones. I wanted to show that with a cozy space, a good book, and friends nearby, a rainy afternoon can become an adventure.”
Both titles will be available in print and digital formats through major book retailers and online platforms. More information about the author and her work is available at https://joanngracebooks.com/.
