Interview with Author Jenny Mouse!!

When it comes to helping children understand themselves and the way their minds work, stories can be some of the most powerful tools we have. That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to fellow children’s author Jenn Misener, whose heart-centered work is making a meaningful impact for neurodivergent kids and their families.

Jenn is the creative mind behind the Brian the Brain series—a collection of books designed to help children explore how different parts of the brain function, especially through a neurodivergent lens. With relatable storytelling and approachable language, her books break down complex concepts into something kids can truly connect with and understand. As someone who is deeply passionate about education, healing, and helping families thrive, I truly admire the way Jenn uses storytelling as a bridge between science and self-awareness. I’m honored to share her work with you and hope it inspires both you and the little ones in your life.

We did an interview with one another a couple of weeks ago and here you'll find some Q&As along with how to follow her.

1) Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I’m Jenny, and I write big topics for small people! I have been an educator for 15 years, and a

professional writer for 8 years. I published my first book in 2020. I have three kids who are my

inspiration and my collaborators.

2) What inspired your series on “Brian the brain”?

I struggled to pay attention in elementary school, and because of that I would spend up to

three hours completing my homework every day. I was sitting in my first psychology class when

I started university before it finally clicked, that there was an easier way to learn. The hacks I

learned in psychology class really drove home the need for brain-based education, and so I

knew I needed to teach this topic to kids. Many years later I sought to teach the brain to my

neurodivergent three year old, and couldn’t find the book I wanted on the shelf, so I decided to

write it!

3) What kind of impact do you want Brian to make in the mental health community?

I believe we go about mental health awareness and prevention backwards. We treat mental

health as an afterthought, only responding to it once things have spiraled. Instead we need to

look at the brain, and our mental health, as the foundation to everything we do, and we need

to take care of that first. That means restructuring education so that lessons are presented in a

way that works for children’s brains. That means restructuring health care so that the brain is

treated like part of the body’s biological response to illness instead of a separate entity to be

treated in a different field of medicine.

I see Brian the Brain as being a catalyst to better understanding the brain from an early age.

Our children are our future, and their brains are the driving factor of who they are.

4) What message or feeling do you hope children take away from your books?

I hope children develop a fascination with the brain and with learning through my books and

that they understand that they can always get better if they practice. I hope that they become

lifelong learners, and that they never stop thinking about how their brain impacts their life each

day.

5) Tell me about your writing process in creating this series. How long did it take and what

steps were involved?

It takes me about a year to produce each book. I usually start with some scribbled ideas in my

notebook and a lot of research. Once I have a solid idea of my story, I do a rough storyboard to

plan out how images might work with the text. I have a team of teachers and therapists that

review my work for me and send me feedback. After a few more rounds of changes I send my

manuscript to my editor and content matter expert who goes over everything with a fine-

toothed comb. Once I have made any necessary changes, I send my manuscript to my

illustrator. We go through 2-3 rounds of sketches and edits before he completes the images and

the book is ready for formatting and printing!

6) Was there a book in the series that challenged you the most? Which book was the most

fun to write in the brain series?

I am currently writing the fourth book in the series, and I have found it to be the most

challenging. It’s been a bit more research heavy, so incorporating everything into it while also

keeping it short and simple has taken a bit of creativity.

I think my third book “Mindset Go!” was the most fun to write. It brought back a lot of good

memories of my own competitions, and it was fun envisioning a new character/ brain

combination.

7) Are you working on anything now?

Yes! I am working on my fourth book in the Brian the Brain series! It doesn’t have a release date

yet, but I’m hoping to have it out by the end of this year.

8) How can people connect with you?

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelingchalkboard/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/travelingchalkboard/

Website: www.Jennymouse.com

9) Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for this opportunity! It’s been a pleasure!