D202 Nurse Writes Book, Plans To Donate Copies To Grade Schools

Plainfield IL

06 December, 2021

4:15 PM

Description

PLAINFIELD, IL — Libraries at Plainfield District 202 elementary schools will soon receive a new edition to their shelves: a children's book written by a Plainfield North High School nurse. Colleen McGarr, who has worked as a certified Star Plus nurse — caring for students with special needs — at the high school since 2017, has dreamt of writing a book since she was a teenager. It was the COVID-19 pandemic that proved to be the right time for her to accomplish the goal. To enhance her skills, the nurse took writing classes when she first started working on her first book, and she worked closely with her illustrator, editor and publishing company. "Everyone has a talent," she said in a statement. "If you put your goals toward something you can accomplish things, you can do it." The book, "Journey of Forest Friends," tells the tale of two animals who must solve problems while traveling through a forest. Inspired by McGarr's children and the many students she has cared for as a nurse, the book teaches readers that materialistic items aren't as important as friendship, according to a news release. McGarr's plan is to donate copies of her children's book to all District 202 elementary schools, the release said. The book is also available for purchase at retailers including Barnes and Noble and Amazon. To celebrate the book's publication — made official on Sept. 25, McGarr read the story to her niece's fifth grade class at Charles Reed Elementary School in October. "All kids are going through a rough time," McGarr said. "I want them to know that you can start writing stories, poems, or whatever it may be, and it'll help your stress and anxiety levels." McGarr, who also worked as the first school nurse at Freedom Elementary School from 2007 to 2013, plans to write her next book about a school nurse, the release said.