Children's Book Review for Sam Can't Poop by Samantha Jeffries, Carly Nguyen and the 5W's of being an Author

 Sam Can't Poop by Samantha Jeffries, Carly Nguyen

Published:  August 27, 2024 by Blue Balloon Books

Taken from Amazon:  “One morning, Sam woke up with a grumble in her belly and gas that was too smelly.”

So begins Sam Can’t Poop, a delightfully entertaining and simultaneously helpful picture book penned by Samantha Jeffries and Carly Nguyen. Inspired by Samantha’s untimely—and somewhat infamous—exit from Bachelor in Paradise and backed by the writing duo’s combined professional experience in the medical field, this book follows Sam as she tries to find a cure for her aching tummy.

While Sam Can’t Poop is sure to get kids—as well as their Bachelor-loving parents—laughing, the story ends with useful and healthy advice for getting things moving—literally! When young readers see that veggies have done the trick for Sam, they’re sure to remember her story next time they, like Sam, just can’t poop.

My Thoughts:  I never dreamed I would read a book about pooping or writing a review, for that matter.   Yet, here I am.  I read the book and am glad that it all came out okay. 

The illustrations in this book are bright and colorful.   My eyes were drawn to the details and if I was not able to read, I think I could write a story just based on the illustrations.  The words were few but easy enough to read that a beginning reader would be able to sound out most words and giggle at a story about pooping. 

Thank you Blue Balloon Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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Carly Nguyen:

5 W’s of Writing a book and being an author…

 

 

Who?   Who are you besides a children’s book author?   

 

I am an occupational therapist by day and aspiring interior designer by night.

 

 

What?  What helped you decide to write a children’s book? Or how do you decide what to write? 

 

My co-author Sam and I had discussed writing a children’s book prior to her infamous bachelor in paradise stay because of our passion for pediatric occupational therapy. When she returned and told me about her time on the beach, we felt it was too funny not to write about and that a children’s book was the perfect way to make light of the situation.

 

 

Where?   Where do you do most of your writing? 

 

Most of my writing begins in the notes app on my phone - so really it’s wherever I am when inspiration hits! 

 

 

When?   When do you do most of your writing?  How do you find the time in a busy life?  

 

This bones of this book came together over a few days when inspiration hit, and through collaboration with my co-author Sam. I found that when I wasn’t thinking so hard the words started flowing. Progressing this book to being published on the other hand has been a process that has required time late in the evenings and early in the morning, but it was so worth it!

 

 

Why?   Why do you write?   Do you write books other than children books?  

 

I write to express my creative thoughts and share joy with others. I want to make others laugh but also provide thoughtful lessons. At this time I have only written this children’s book but who’s to say what the future holds? 

Samantha Jeffries:

5 W’s of Writing a book and being an author…

1. Who are you besides a children's book author? 

- I am a christian, dog lover, and coffee enthusiast. My professional background includes occupational therapy and nutrition coaching, but right now, I'm focused on project management as I'm overseeing the construction and renovation of a storefront and mobile cafe. I also do photography as a side job, specializing in lifestyle and hospitality. 

 

2. What helped you decide to write a children's book? Or how do you decide what to write? 

- The inspiration to write this book came from Carly and me working in pediatrics and seeing children struggle with toileting. We wanted to create a fun way to normalize these experiences for kids and parents. The idea solidified after my experience on "Bachelor in Paradise," which felt like a sign from God. We turned an awkward topic into something lighthearted and relatable. 

3. Where do you do most of your writing? 

- I tend to write on my phone wherever I can find a quiet moment - whether I'm walking my dog, in a cafe, or at home before bed. 

4. When do you do most of your writing? How do you find the time in a busy life? 

-I don't force myself to write; I write when something pops into my mind. After several days or weeks, I review and compile my notes and finish what I've already started. It's much more organic this way. 

5. Why do you write? Do you write books other than children's books? 

-I write to inspire and educate others in a way that's engaging and relatable. Currently, I focus on children's books, but I have a strong desire to write biblical devotions in the future to encourage and uplift others in their faith.