Save the Children LA with a Meaningful SEL Children’s Book

About Me:

Hi! I’m Miranda Kogon Montoya, and I’m excited to share that my first book is now in the final process of getting published!

I am a former elementary school teacher, school psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and now I am a special education administrator. Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply passionate about supporting children and fostering their growth, both academically and social-emotionally. Children’s books have always held a special place in my heart — they have the power to teach, inspire, and comfort in ways that nothing else can.

Writing this book has been a lifelong dream of mine, and I’m so excited to finally share it with the world.

About Save the Children:

The wildfires in California have left countless children facing devastation, but together, we can help them find hope and strength for the future. As part of my efforts to support the young survivors, you will be able to donate copies of my book at a heavily discounted rate to them. This story explores the themes of resilience, perseverance through hard times, starting over, and finding joy in the unknown. My book aims to inspire children to embrace change and push through life's challenges, showing them that even in the hardest times, there’s a path forward.

“Save the Children” is dedicated to ensuring that every child, no matter their circumstance, has the opportunity to heal, learn, and grow. By contributing to this campaign, you're helping to provide these children with not only a meaningful resource but also the powerful reminder that they are capable of overcoming adversity and finding hope, even in the face of change.

About the Story:

The story, Petunia Moves Again (ages 3-9), follows a young chipmunk whose family migrates instead of hibernates like other chipmunks. This idea was inspired by my own childhood and the many times my family moved to new places.

The story is not just about a chipmunk’s journey, and the creatures she meets along the way — it’s about resilience, adaptability, and finding joy in the unknown. As Petunia navigates the challenges of moving, children are invited to see how facing change can lead to exciting new experiences and opportunities for growth.

Along the way, Petunia has a teacher who makes her feel like she belongs. Mrs. Elephant teaches Petunia that "trying something new can lead to great things."

This story encourages kids to embrace uncertainty, helping them understand that even the hardest situations can lead to something wonderful if they approach them with an open heart and mind.

The Reviews:

Petunia Moves Again has already received 5 Stars from Readers Favorite, and is a current runner-up to receive several other awards!

Here are a few of the reviews received from readers pre-launch:

-“…a heartwarming and insightful tale about resilience, adaptability, and the joys hidden in life’s challenges.”

-“Miranda Kogon Montoya's writing perfectly balances the struggles and joys of moving, portraying Petunia's emotions with authenticity and care.”

-“The universal themes of acceptance and personal growth make Petunia Moves Again a comforting and inspiring story for children facing changes.”

“… an invaluable resource for families and educators seeking to help children embrace transitions with optimism and courage.”

- “Her (Petunia’s) transformation is both inspiring and deeply moving, ultimately showing young readers that personal growth often emerges from unexpected and challenging experiences.”

- “The gentle, encouraging language makes the narrative wonderfully accessible, allowing young readers to connect with Petunia's experiences and emotions through simple but effective terms.”

- “The core message of inner strength and finding joy in change is conveyed with remarkable sensitivity, offering children a powerful lesson about adaptability, self-discovery, and the beauty of embracing life's unexpected challenges.”

- Montoya’s storytelling clearly demonstrates a deep understanding of children's emotions and how they work differently from adults, presenting complex feelings in a manner that is both age-appropriate and meaningful.

About the Project:

This project is not just about publishing a book; it’s about creating something that will make a meaningful impact in the lives of young readers.

The pre-sales of my book will help make a large print run much more financially possible, and I can have an even larger one now for a cause that is so important to so many of us; Save the Children LA.

In an ideal world, I would be able to donate endless books at no cost. However, as a new author, I do not yet have the revenue to be able to so. With the help of public donations, we are able to get this book into the hands of children who need it the most right now… together.

Donation Tiers:

Any amount:

Even if you're not able to contribute at a specific donation tier, your support means the world to me! Every donation, no matter the size, helps put books into children’s hands. I’m deeply grateful for your kindness and belief in this story and project.

I will put remaining funds earned from this project towards additional copies of books that will be sent to Save the Children. Every $10 earned will be a book sent!

- **$10 – 1 Book Donated to Save the Children**

For this generous contribution, 1 book donation will be made in your name (personal or business- please be sure to specify!) to Save the Children.

- **$25 – 1 Signed Copy Sent to You + 1 Book Donated to Save the Children**

For this generous contribution, you’ll receive a signed book and 1 book donation will be made in your name (personal or business- please be sure to specify!) to Save the Children.

- **$50 – 1 Signed Copy Sent to You + 3 Books Donated to Save the Children**

For this generous contribution, you’ll receive a signed book and 3 book donations will be made in your name (personal or business- please be sure to specify!) to Save the Children.

- **75 – 1 Signed Copy Sent to You + 5 Books Donated to Save the Children

For this generous contribution, you’ll receive a signed book and 5 book donations will be made in your name (personal or business- please be sure to specify!) to Save the Children.

- **$100 – 1 Signed Copy Sent to You + 8 Books Donated to Save the Children

For this generous contribution, you’ll receive a signed book and 8 book donations will be made in your name to Save the Children.

- **$200 – 1 Signed Copy Sent to You + 17 Books Donated to Save the Children

For this generous contribution, you’ll receive a signed book and 17 book donations will be made in your name to Save the Children.

- **$300- 1 Signed Copy Sent to You + Classroom Hero!

Send TWENTY FIVE signed copies of Petunia Moves Again to a classroom! I’ll even read it to a class that you choose (or if you don’t have a specific class in mind, I will choose a class that can benefit from the message of my story) virtually as an Author Visit.

*Price Includes Free Shipping, US only*

Please add $15 to your donation for each donation tier for an additional signed book that you would like to receive or add $10 to donate a book to Save the Children (please be sure to specify when I send out forms to collect your address via email).

Ships to:

Anywhere in the World

Estimated Shipping Date:

Within the Next Few Weeks

Final Steps;

Once my campaign has ended, I will be reaching out to everyone who has contributed via email to confirm shipping details and ensure that I have the correct address for sending your rewards. Please make sure to provide an up-to-date email address when you donate so that I can get in touch with you. Your support means so much, and I want to make sure you receive your signed book as quickly as possible!

While I will make a true attempt to reach you once my campaign has closed, should I not be able to reach you via email, I will donate your copy of the book to Save the Children.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Your support means more than you know. With your help, we can share this story of resilience, adaptability, and hope with children who need it most. Together, we’ll help kids see that even in the face of change and challenge, there’s always something new to discover, and something wonderful to come.

Thank you for your support and for being a part of this journey!

With sincere gratitude,

Miranda Kogon Montoya