Sources for Caitlin's Star

 Welcome, Caitlin’s Star is an interactive picture book offering comfort to children and families navigating loss. Explore the book, media features, and related resources below.

Explore the Book 

Caitlin's Star on Amazon

Caitlin's Star on Goodreads  

 

Watch and Learn 

 Caitlin's Star Book Trailer 

Nancy Range Anderson reads Caitlin's Star here.  

Nancy Range Anderson explains how to use the interactive prompts and journal pages here.

 

Seasonal Reflections 

Holiday Memories

 

 In the News

 The Monmouth Journal 

 The Link News

 

Connect 

Nancy Range Anderson Children's Author  on Facebook

Nancy Range Anderson Books on Instagram

The Moments That Become Our Memories

 Last week, a wonderful friend and neighbor suddenly passed away. His loss was a quiet reminder of how swiftly life moves — how, in the blink of an eye, we travel from childhood to adolescence, from young adulthood to older adulthood.

As I thought about his family this morning, a few simple reflections came to mind.

• Live in the moment. Be fully present at the concert, the play, or the conversation. When you’re young, some things may feel silly or unimportant, but they’re not. These are the songs that stay tucked in your memory and resurface years later at holidays, sung word for word. These are the moments that quietly shape us.

• Really look at your family. If you’re lucky, they are showing up for you, creating memories, and doing their best to give you something meaningful to carry forward.

• Don’t feel the need to do things exactly the way everyone else does. If others paint their canvases one way, it’s okay to choose your own colors.

• Walk away from people who don’t treat you well. Don’t let anyone take up space in your mind or dim your light. There are plenty of people who will appreciate and celebrate who you are.

• Notice things. When you walk, look up. Take in your surroundings — not just for safety, but for beauty. We are given only so many walks in our lives, and each one holds something worth seeing.

As the holidays draw near and we look ahead to a new year, I find myself thinking about presence, gratitude, and the fleeting nature of time. May we notice more, hold our people a little closer, and allow ourselves to truly be in the moments that quietly become our memories.

When a Story Brings Back Fond Memories

 

I saw a friend today who shared that she had bought Caitlin's Star and loved it. She told me that Grandmother Pearl reminded her so much of her own grandmother.

 

I asked her what kind of “job” she thought her grandmother might have. She paused for a moment, then smiled and said she imagined her grandmother would be the one welcoming people. She also thought she would be the one offering gentle, heavenly advice.

 

I love hearing people talk about what their loved ones’ special jobs might be. Their eyes light up, and they smile as they remember the traits, habits, and kindness that made those people so special. It’s a beautiful reminder that love continues through the memories we carry.

 

I’ll share one of mine, too. This is my grandmother (Mom Mom) at Christmastime back when I was about six years old. She's here with my Pop Pop, mom, sister and me. When I think about her special job, I imagine her as a warm, loving caretaker — always making sure everyone felt safe, welcome, and loved. She's probably still giving the best hugs!

Memories of Holidays Gone By

✨A conversation with an old friend brought back so many holiday memories — the music, the food, the people who filled our homes and our hearts. This reflection grew out of that conversation and out of Caitlin’s Star. My hope is that it brings a quiet moment of warmth and peace to your holiday season. 

👉 https://youtube.com/shorts/pNtTLBcB23E

#HolidayReflection #FamilyMemories #CaitlinsStar #RememberingLovedOnes #GentleMoments

 

 

 

 

Fear of Public Speaking and Some Tips to Overcome It

 Did you know that the fear of public speaking sometimes ranks # 1 in the list of fears that people face. It surpasses fear of spiders, falling, fire, flying, heights and even death! It also has a name - Glossophobia and it affects  up to 75% of people to some degree. The major reasons for the angst is fear of judgement, past experiences and social anxiety.

Recently in some book groups that I am in on social media, an author said that she was going to be making some presentations about her book. She said that she was petrified and she asked for some suggestions on what to do.

She got all kinds of responses and I agreed with many of them. Others though, not so much. I've attached my response to her. 

"I'm a former corporate trainer and my job was preparing and giving training sessions and presentations. My best advice is to plan what you are going to say and practice, practice practice. Find out how much time you will be given and create a small presentation to fill that space. Have an intro - who you are, your background and why you wrote the book. Tell a little about the book - who it is for, read some portions of it, give examples of why those parts hit you and why. Give a personal story or two, people like that because they can relate. This is authenticity.

 I like to walk around during a presentation but with a book, it's good to stay put. Look at the people and don't forget to smile. Once you know what you want to say, practice it in the car, in the shower, while doing the dishes. Say it out loud and then time yourself. You will be surprised at how good you are and how much better you get with each presentation. I envy you and can't wait to hear how you made out!"

 

What other tips would you add? 

Thankful

 

Yesterday was a challenging day. I was deep in the technical side of preparing my book for hardcover—formats, conversions, error messages… the frustrating but necessary part of authorship.

And then an email arrived that immediately changed everything.

A woman who recently purchased Caitlin’s Star asked me to inscribe it for her sister, who lost her son six months ago. She later wrote:

“I just received your book and read through the most touching tribute one can give to/for a loved one. It is beautiful! Thank you so much.”
— C.V.

Later that same day, more messages came in:

“I received your beautifully written Caitlin’s Star yesterday. Loved it. The notes at the end are such a thoughtful addition.”

“That was just beautiful—TRULY. I love the whole concept of the grandma having a job and inviting Caitlin to participate. It truly is a wonderful message!”

These aren’t just book reviews.
They are reminders of why I wrote this story in the first place.

For many families, grief is complex, especially for children. My work, whether through writing, coaching, or teaching, has always centered around helping people navigate change, loss, and new beginnings. Caitlin’s Star is simply another expression of that mission.

Hearing how this book brings comfort, connection, and healing is the kind of feedback that keeps me going, even on the difficult days.

If my work can help even one family feel less alone, then every format issue, every technical hurdle, and every long night is worth it.

 

 

Keep Learning - It's As Simple As That

 I learned something new this week, and it reminded me why continuous learning matters at every age, especially in today’s job market.

Like many older job seekers and career changers, I’ve heard the same assumptions over the years: that older workers don’t want to learn new technology, that they resist change, or that today’s AI tools are too complicated for them.

But here’s the truth: we are not only capable of learning — we are capable of creating. We have been adapting our entire lives.

This month, I taught myself how to use Canva, animation tools, AI-enhanced design, and video editing to create the official book trailer for my new children’s book, Caitlin’s Star.
Here it is: https://lnkd.in/eK7H3PXt

It wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely worth it.

More importantly, it reminded me that learning isn’t tied to age — it’s tied to mindset. In a world of rapid technological change, the most valuable skill any of us can cultivate is curiosity.

To every older job seeker: you are not behind, too old, or stuck. You are experienced, capable, and resilient. You are NOT invisible! Those qualities matter now more than ever. You can learn new tools. You can embrace AI. You can navigate whatever comes next.

If I can teach myself how to create a video trailer using brand-new technology, you can absolutely learn whatever your next step requires.

I've been saying this for years -continuous learning is not just possible at any age, it is essential.

For job search questions or if you'd like to talk about my book, please let me know. Now excuse me while I update my LinkedIn skillset. with technical skills - something I never thought I'd do!