Photo: Author Tracy Watland Advocates Positivity And Kindness In Her Captivating Children’s Books, Crafting Stories That Empower And Inspire Young Readers Everywhere.
Creating Worlds Of Kindness And Empowerment For Children
Tracy Watland crafts heartfelt children’s books that blend humour, positivity, and resilience, empowering young readers to embrace kindness, believe in themselves, and find their own voice in the world.
Tracy Watland, an acclaimed author, speaker, and Kindness Advocate, has dedicated her career to empowering young minds through positivity and self-belief. Residing in suburban Chicago when she isn’t globetrotting or inspiring acts of kindness, Tracy enjoys the serenity of the beach and the joy of music and concerts. Her books, infused with heart and humour, aim to help children and adults alike realise their potential and follow their dreams.
Recent insights into Tracy’s creative process, originally shared in Novelist Post magazine, shed light on her thoughtful storytelling and the profound messages conveyed within her works. She explains that her inspiration to write for children stemmed from recognising the importance of their formative years. “A child’s mind is most open and receptive during the first seven years,” Tracy notes. “This is when fundamental beliefs, behaviours, and habits that can impact someone’s life are developed. I wanted to share happy messages to reinforce that foundation for kids, helping them grow into kind, secure grown-ups.”
Tracy Watland is transforming children’s literature with optimism, heartfelt lessons, and humour, creating safe spaces for kindness and growth.
Tracy’s own childhood experiences deeply influenced her writing journey. Guided by the advice of Louise Hay from Hay House Publishing—to write books she needed as a child—Tracy embraced themes that resonated with her younger self. “I took all the things I loved—giving, helping, animals, music—and created a world I’d want to live in through my books,” she shares.
One of Tracy’s standout works, The Witch’s New Britches, began as a whimsical poem sparked by creative energy during a drive home from a writing class. Though light-hearted and laugh-inducing, it delivers an important message about inner value and self-worth. Similarly, The Kindness Can, a book that encourages compassion and courage, emerged from her passion for random acts of kindness. “I wanted to write about what kindness can do,” Tracy says, adding that she devised simple principles to make kindness accessible and meaningful. Though currently out of print, The Kindness Can is slated for a 10th-anniversary re-release in 2026.
Music plays a central role in another favourite of hers, Abby’s Magic Music: Billy’s Story, in which Tracy celebrates how music enriches lives and builds character. “Music makes EVERYTHING better,” she exclaims, attributing the book’s setting to a real-life music shop owned by a friend—an environment she describes as pure magic.
In Bluebird of Happy, Tracy masterfully addresses the theme of overcoming criticism to find confidence in one’s voice—a lesson she believes is critical for today’s children. Reflecting on her own experience of being drowned out by louder opinions as a child, Tracy is determined to empower her readers: “Whatever your gift is, you are meant to share it. And whatever you feel you want to give a voice to, you should speak it. The right people will hear you.”
Tracy balances humour and emotional depth in her narratives, crafting stories that provide both safety and empowerment for her young readers. “I use humour to build connection, but I make sure there’s room for real emotion underneath the laughs,” she explains. Her goal is to create books that leave children feeling seen, understood, and equipped with tools to navigate challenges.
In recounting the responses she’s received over the years, Tracy is particularly moved by moments when kindness ripples beyond her pages. One cherished memory is of a school that built a giant Kindness Can inspired by her book, using it to collect food donations for a local pantry. “They were so proud to show it to me during my visit, and I was so proud of them for taking kindness to another level.”
For aspiring children’s authors, Tracy offers encouragement rooted in authenticity: “Follow your heart. Write the stories your five-year-old or ten-year-old self wanted to read… If you have an idea or a desire to write, it’s because you’re the one meant to bring that story into the world. NEVER give up!”
Tracy Watland’s remarkable ability to weave heartfelt messages into relatable and entertaining children’s stories continues to inspire her readers and spread positivity globally. Her dedication to kindness, creativity, and empowering the next generation ensures her legacy as an advocate for hope and self-belief.
