Books for Little Hearts™

BOYNTON BEACH, FL — August 1, 2026 — Two Palm Beach County youth authors are earning national recognition for children’s books they wrote to help other children navigate grief, confidence, and life’s difficult moments. Children’s book publisher, Books for Little Hearts™, has officially expanded its lineup of emotionally intelligent picture books designed to help young readers navigate complex life experiences, with the distinct feature that these children’s books are written by children for other children. Founded and led by local resident Dr. Mimi Smith, the independent publishing imprint focuses on creating premium stories that give families a soft-landing place for difficult early childhood conversations.

The trademarked brand is earning national critical acclaim for its comfort-driven catalog. Its standout title, The Voice in the Heart by 9-year-old local author VictoriaLyn J., recently won 2nd Place in the national Purple Dragonfly Book Awards (sponsored by Story Monsters LLC) for New Author: Fiction, alongside an Honorable Mention in the Picture Books 5 & Younger category. The book achieved critical praise from the prestigious Kirkus Reviews, which hailed it as “a sweet story about a young one’s experience of grief” and “a wonderful idea for a children’s book.”

Fellow youth author Sage J., who recently released her upper elementary picture book at age 11, is also capturing the attention of literary critics for the newly released title, Wonderful Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow. Kirkus Reviews lauded the book as “an affecting story that could help tweens develop vibrant, self-confident selves,” noting that it presents “a realistic reflection of both the optimism and fragility of tween minds.”

The impact of their work is already expanding locally; the titles have been integrated into two Palm Beach County public libraries and elementary schools, supported by active educational partnerships spearheaded by the publisher to build early childhood emotional resilience and self-confidence. Following a recent national appearance on The Donna Drake Show, the brand is focusing heavily on expanding its local footprint across Florida schools.

“Our mission at Books for Little Hearts™ is to raise awareness that children voices matter in the publishing world too, and that their authentic voices are important,” says founder Dr. Mimi Smith. “When children write for other children, they aren’t offering clinical or therapeutic fixes; they are simply sharing pure, honest snapshots of childhood. These stories provide a comforting, relatable space where young readers see their own real feelings reflected back at them. They build confidence and resilience at the same time.”

Books for Little Hearts™ titles are currently available through major national retailers, including Barnes & Noble and Walmart. Readers can also find exclusive items from the authors by visiting the official online bookshop linked directly on the publisher’s website. To learn more about the publisher, view upcoming book releases, or connect with authors VictoriaLyn J. and Sage J., visit BooksforLittleHearts.carrd.co or their social media page on Instagram @books_for_little_hearts.

About Books for Little Hearts™

Books for Little Hearts™ is an innovative children’s publishing platform dedicated to building a permanent online library of youth voices. Founded by Dr. Mimi Smith, the imprint serves as a premium resource and Future Youth Publisher platform that empowers aspiring young authors to share their stories. By providing a dedicated space for children to write for other children, Books for Little Hearts™ is raising awareness for the power of protecting authentic childhood perspectives on the bookshelf, offering families a gentle, relatable space for shared reading.