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Marissa Bader | SEL Children's Author

@marissabaderwriter

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Children's Book Author
Empowering kids through stories 💛
DASH MAKES A SPLASH • out now!!
Kids' Books & FREE SEL printables ⬇️

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Hi, I'm Marissa! 👋 I'm so glad you're here.

If you're new around here (or you've been following for a while!), I thought I'd introduce you to all of my books. Each one was inspired by real kids (as in, mine ;-), real emotions, and the hope that every child feels seen, valued, and loved. 💛

📚 The Only Me
A celebration of what makes each of us wonderfully unique. Perfect for helping kids embrace who they are instead of trying to fit in.

🗣️ Stella's Brave Voice
For every child who's ever had something to say but didn't know how to say it. A story about finding the courage to speak up—with kindness and confidence.

🖌️ Petunia the Perfectionist
Meet Petunia, a girl who wants everything to be perfect. When she finally makes a mistake, she discovers that mistakes aren't failures—they're how we learn, grow, and even create amazing things!

❤️ Saturdays with Gramps
A heartfelt story about love, grief, and the special people who stay with us in our hearts forever. A comforting read for families navigating loss together.

💧 Dash Makes a Splash
Meet Dash, the tiniest droplet in the cloud. When one unexpected splash creates a ripple, he discovers that even the smallest among us can make a big difference. A story about belonging, friendship, self-worth, and the incredible water cycle!

Which book sounds like the best fit for the little reader in your life? I'd love to hear in the comments! 💙

#MarissaBaderBooks #KidLit #ChildrensBooks #SELBooks #mentalhealthsupport by @marissabaderwriter

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11 days ago

Wondering what my children’s books are all about? Here’s a quick guide to each SEL-focused picture book — written to support kids’ emotional growth, confidence, and connection 💛

📚 The Only Me
A tender twin story about identity, self-worth, and embracing what makes you YOU. Perfect for ages 4–8 and families navigating comparison or sibling dynamics.

💬 Stella’s Brave Voice
A gentle social-emotional learning story about courage, speaking up, and setting boundaries — especially helpful for kids navigating friendships. Ages 4–8.

💖 Petunia the Perfectionist
For children who feel pressure to “get it just right.” A compassionate growth mindset book that celebrates mistakes as part of learning and joy. Ages 4–8.

💧 Dash Makes a Splash
A tiny water droplet wonders if someone so small can really matter. Through one little splash, Dash discovers that he belongs exactly as he is — and that even the smallest among us can make waves. A heartwarming blend of SEL + STEM exploring belonging, self-worth, friendship, and the ripple effect of our actions. Ages 4–8.

❤️ Saturdays with Gramps
A deeply comforting picture book about grief, loss, love, and healing through memories — created to help children process loss with care and hope. Ideal for ages 7+.

✨ Each story is infused with SEL, empathy, and heart — and written through a mental-health-informed lens.

📦 Signed copies available at MarissaBader.com
💻 Also available wherever books are sold online & at select indie bookstores

Which story is calling your heart today? 📖💛

#ChildrensBooks #SELBooks #SocialEmotionalLearning #KidsMentalHealth #PictureBooks ReadAloudBooks STEMBooks GrowthMindsetKids GriefBooksForKids RaisingReaders IndieAuthor KidsBookstagram by @marissabaderwriter

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12 days ago

Hi there! 👋 I'm Marissa, a children's book author who writes social-emotional learning stories that help kids build confidence, embrace who they are, and know they belong.

I've loved writing for as long as I can remember, but my children's book journey officially began in 2022 with The Only Me. 💛 Inspired by my fraternal twin daughters, I wanted them to know that while they shared a birthday, they each had their own unique gifts, strengths, and place in the world. As I wrote, I realized it wasn't just a message for twins—it was something every child (and honestly, every adult!) needs to hear.

Since then, I've published three more books, and my fifth, Dash Makes a Splash, is set to release this Fall 2026! Each story explores an important social-emotional learning theme—like confidence, courage, grief, perfectionism, belonging, and friendship—to help children feel seen, valued, and understood.

Beyond my books, I also love creating free resources for families, educators, and counselors, including printables, coloring pages, discussion guides, and SEL activities. You can find them all at MarissaBader.com.

I'm so grateful you're here. Thanks for following along, and I hope you'll stick around for book news, free resources, behind-the-scenes peeks, and lots of encouragement for raising kind, confident kids. 🤍

#AbouttheAuthor #BehindtheScenes #ChildrenseBookAuthor #ChildrensBooks #kidlit by @marissabaderwriter

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3 months ago

It’s my birthday! 🎂🥳

And birthdays always make me a little reflective.

If you had told a younger version of me that someday I’d have FIVE children’s books out in the world, I’m not sure I would have believed you. 📚

This author journey has taught me so much — about creativity, courage, rejection, persistence, trusting myself, and continuing to put things into the world even when it feels vulnerable to do so.

But maybe the biggest thing I’ve learned is that so much of what I write for kids is what I need to hear, too (hello, Petunia the Perfectionist)!!

Not a bad lesson to carry into another trip around the sun. ☀️

Here’s to another year of stories, connection, growth, and hopefully making a few more ripples along the way. 💦💛

Thanks for being here for it. 🥰

#Birthday #HappyBirthday #BirthdayLessons #Children'sAuthor #connection by @marissabaderwriter

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9 hours ago

There’s something pretty special about seeing my books on the shelves of independent shops. 💛📚

A huge THANK YOU to these wonderful stores for making room on their shelves for my stories and for supporting independent authors!

📚 Wild Rumpus — Linden Hills, MN @wildrumpusbookstore
📚 Valley Bookseller — Stillwater, MN @valleybookseller
📚 Cream & Amber — Hopkins, MN @creamandamber
📚 Acorn Bookshop — St. Paul, MN @acorn.bookshop
📚 Scout & Morgan Books — Cambridge, MN @scoutmorganbooks
📚 Grand View Lodge • Grand Outfitters — Nisswa, MN @grand_viewlodge
📚 Moon & Back Bookstore — West Medford, MA @moonandbackbookstore

If you’re nearby, stop in, browse their shelves, and support these amazing businesses! 💛

#ShopLocal #IndieBookstores #ChildrensBooks #MinnesotaAuthors #KidLit by @marissabaderwriter

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3 days ago

Bullying prevention isn’t just for one day. 💛

Today, on Bullying Prevention Day, here are a few simple ways we can help kids create kinder, safer spaces, today and EVERY day.

Remember, kindness can create a ripple, and every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and included. 💧🌊

Save this post, share it with a parent, teacher, or caregiver, and keep the ripple going. 💛

#BullyingPrevention #BullyingPreventionDay #ChooseKindness #socialemotionallearning #everyonebelongs by @marissabaderwriter

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4 days ago

Meet Marissa Bader - author and mom whose collection of books just keeps growing! Follow her @marissabaderwriter for more!

#authorinterview #bitesizedbookreview #authorlife #authorcommunity #authorgram by @marissabaderwriter

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5 days ago

So grateful for each and every review for my new book, Dash Makes a Splash. I LOVE knowing that this book is making its way to bookshelves, and resonating with its little (and adult!) readers!

Find all my books at the link in my bio! 📚💛

#BookReview #DashMakesaSplash #KidsBooks #SEL #STEM by @marissabaderwriter

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5 days ago

Had a truly wonderful time this morning on the @wcco Mid Morning Show with @heatherwcco and @a.j._hilton talking about my new book DASH MAKES A SPLASH 💦

We chatted about what inspired the story (it's important we all know we have the power to make a difference in the world-- even when times are heavy & tough), how the water cycle is layered in, and that every child (and adult!) matters, has value and belongs exactly as they are!! ❤️

Watch the segment here ➡️ https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/video/we-cant-give-up-new-childrens-book-inspired-by-operation-metro-surge/

#wcco #midmorning #changemaker #childrensbooks #dashmakesasplash by @marissabaderwriter

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6 days ago

Belonging isn’t about fitting in or being just like everyone else. 💛

It’s knowing you matter exactly as you are -- differences, quirks, strengths, struggles, and all!

It’s a message I care deeply about sharing with kids (and grown-ups!) and one that’s at the heart of Dash Makes a Splash. 💧

Because just like Dash discovers, you don’t have to be bigger, different, or more like everyone else to matter.

✨ You are worthy.
✨ You have something special to offer.
✨ You belong because you are YOU.

Which of these reminders does a child in your life need to hear today? What about YOU? 💛

Save this for later, or share it with someone who could use it.

#ChildrensBooks #SocialEmotionalLearning #BelongingMatters #SELforKids #kidsmentalhealth by @marissabaderwriter

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6 days ago

💧 Some exciting Dash news!

Kirkus Reviews calls Dash Makes a Splash:

“A welcome reminder of individuality and self-acceptance.”

And I especially loved this:

“With its combination of science and social lessons, Bader’s book encourages children to recognize their differences as strengths.”

That is exactly what I hoped to create with Dash—a story that reminds kids that they matter and belong exactly as they are, while adding a little water-cycle learning along the way. 💙

I'm so grateful to see this review recognize the heart of this story and its blend of SEL + STEM. 💧

Dash Makes a Splash is available now on my website, Amazon, and wherever books are sold. LINKS IN BIO! 💦

Illustrations by @elliecolorss

#DashMakesASplash #ChildrensBooks #KirkusReviws #SEL #STEM by @marissabaderwriter

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10 days ago

REVIEW TIME THURSDAY!!! 💫

📚Title: Dash Makes A Splash
✍🏼 Author: Marissa Bader
🎨Illustrator: Ellie Beykzadeh

🐽 Meet Dash, the tiniest droplet in the cloud. He constantly wishes he were bigger, faster, and more like the other drops around him. However, when his unexpected SPLASH creates a beautiful ripple, Dash begins to discover something extraordinary: even the tiniest drop can make waves.

Set against the wonder of the water cycle, this book is a heartwarming social-emotional learning (SEL) picture book about friendship, courage, belonging, and discovering your own worth.

🐽 You can buy this book on Amazon or link in her bio @marissabaderwriter
If you do please give a review. It really helps out indie authors. Thank you. 🙏🏻❤️🐷 by @marissabaderwriter

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