Robin Lemons, a Nocatee resident, is a busy woman. On a daily basis, she cares for her two young children while also teaching as a St. John’s County school teacher in science and social studies through St. John’s Virtual School. Most recently, she added the title of “author” to her list of credentials as her children’s book titled “Bear Sniffles Soup” made its debut.
“Bear Sniffles Soup” is a tale about a young girl whose beloved teddy bear comes down with a case of the sniffles. She then spends the morning caring for her bear by concocting a recipe named “Bear Sniffles Soup” to help him feel better. The book is an interactive recipe story meant for children to follow along, but none of it is made with actual food ingredients, and instead with play items such as a cup of air and a blanket.
Lemons hatched the idea for this story after spending countless afternoons playing with her own children. One of her daughter’s things to do is use her play-kitchen, and Lemons thought it would be a fun idea to create a coordinating cookbook for their games.
“The idea [was] born out of play,” said Lemons.
Lemons’ father, dubbed Pops, had always been a creative person, so Lemons knew to go to him with this story idea. After some discussion, the two decided on a plot and a coordinating “recipe.” While Lemons wrote the story, Pops practiced his use of Photoshop to draw images for the children’s book. Around eight or nine months later, the story was published.
Upon publication of her children’s book, Lemons knew she wanted to do more than simply leave the book on shelves.
“I feel really fortunate,” said Lemons, “and when I think about writing a book, or a business endeavor, I like to think about how I can give back, as well.”
Since the theme of the book dealt with sickness and healing, Lemons reached out to a children’s hospital in the area that holds a special place in her heart: Wolfson Children’s Hospital. She donated 100 copies of her new book to the auxiliary department of the hospital, a division that provides toys and comfort items to children and families staying at the hospital. Along with the book donation, Lemons will be donating 20% of all future book proceeds to the hospital, as well.
Response to her book, so far, has been overwhelmingly positive.
“My absolute favorite thing is hearing that kids love the book,” said Lemons. “That is really what makes it all worthwhile and makes me happy.”
To purchase “Bear Sniffles Soup” and learn about any of Lemons’ future book endeavors, visit robinlemons.com.
