Mom’s Choice Awards is excited to announce another post in our interview series where we chat with the inventors, designers, publishers, and others behind some of our favorite family-friendly products.

Welcome, Mom’s Choice readers! Join us for a captivating interview with Carmen M. Rosa, the brilliant mind behind the heartwarming book “Nanny and Lil One Friendship Team.” Through their touching narrative, Carmen M. Rosa explores the extraordinary friendship between a nanny and her charge, capturing the essence of laughter, learning, and the joy of companionship. As we delve into the pages of this enchanting tale, we will uncover the emotional journey of Nanny and Lil One Friendship Team, whose bond is tested by the pandemic’s unforeseen challenges. Moreover, Carmen M. Rosa has committed to making a difference by donating a portion of the book’s proceeds to National CASA GAL, an organization that advocates for children who have suffered from abuse or neglect. Join us as we discover the inspiration, compassion, and transformative power behind Nanny and Lil One Friendship Team in this interview with the remarkable author, Carmen M. Rosa.

MCA: Tell us about yourself!

Oh, I’m so thankful that MCA has honored my work and passion! I appreciate this platform to bring awareness to National CASA GAL, an organization that provides advocacy to children that have been abused and/or neglected. I appreciate MCA’s ability to bring about positive outcomes on a global scale! I am full of joy to see my sweet book, “Nanny and Lil One Friendship Team: A Parent’s Dream” illuminated and on your honoree list! WOW, again, thank you!

I’m a Mom, a retired soldier, a writer, a nanny, and an organizational consultant/trainer. I am also the mother of an adult son. After retiring from the U.S. Army, I earned a BA in Communications and an MS in Criminal Justice. Since retiring, I have focused my time and energy on doing what I genuinely enjoy. As of late, I have been working on “Resiliency” training for a mental health organization in my local area. I’m drawn to serve those who serve.

I grew up in San Diego, California, where my father was a native. I love to travel, cook, garden, and spend time with my loved ones, especially Jay Jay. And I love to be around the wee ones—babies touch my soul ‘ABSOLUTELY’!

MCA: What was your path to becoming a writer like? What inspired you?

As far back as I can remember, I have always had a desire to read and write. However, when I was in high school, Drusilla Campbell came into my life; that was a very important time for me. Dru was a novelist and member of Social Advocates for Youth in my hometown, among many of her over-the-top and successful endeavors.  Dru opened her heart and home to me at a very difficult time in my life; her mentorship had a profound and lasting impact on me both personally and professionally. She planted the seed for me to author and publish my own work. Dru’s desire to help others and advocate for them has made all the difference in my life!

MCA: What was your inspiration for writing Nanny and Lil One Friendship Team?

Over the years I have had to say “goodbye” many times. It’s never easy when your heart is involved, especially with the little ones. As a Nanny, I made up a little song that I sing to every one of the beauties I have learned with. It’s very basic: “Nanny is your friend. Lil One is my friend. We are friends.” That song became the template for this book!

Saying goodbye to Miss Carson was very difficult. It was during the global pandemic lockdown. We met when she was 6 months, and I was her Nanny until she was almost 3 years old. We all were affected. And we all feared the unknown. I wanted to convey that uncertainty—while focusing on the silver lining—can be empowering.

MCA: What is the book about?

Nanny and Lil One are the best of friends! While skipping hand-in-hand or even placing their toes on the stand-in, Nanny, and Lil One laugh, learn, play, and sing. They are truly a friendly team and a parent’s dream. By “parent’s dream,” I mean that as a young professional parent, I needed to know the person who cared for my son was bonding, loving, and safeguarding my beautiful son.

In this heartwarming tale, a nanny and her charge develop a strong bond that highlights their endearing relationship. Sadly, they had to say goodbye as a result of the pandemic.

MCA: What are some of the key lessons found in the book?

Teach and learn simultaneously while serving others. Put your heart in it! Serving others is a very important character trait, and goodbye doesn’t mean they aren’t in your heart and thoughts forever! Always look for that silver lining I mentioned earlier and help others in need when you can!

MCA: What kind of response from readers have you received?

What a wonderful response I’ve received—nothing but warm, welcoming, and positive sentiments! Most people have told me they absolutely love our illustrations. I am so pleased because I do, too! I’ve had positive feedback regarding the “friendship and inclusive” aspect of this sweet book as well! Also, this is funny but relevant: Many readers have commented on how they love the length of it because they can read it more than once in the same sitting while remaining engaging.

MCA: If you could ensure readers of your book walk away with one main lesson, what would it be?

Happily serving others is necessary, and rewarding—and leads to positive outcomes. It feeds one’s soul and is a SUPERPOWER! Winning all around!

MCA: Did the pandemic lead to an increase in at-home childcare as opposed to childcare centers?

Definitely. Childcare centers closed, mostly, and that opened an enormous amount of at-home doors for professional nannies. Additionally, for many families, it altered the way a Nanny goes about her workdays, in that many parents were required to work from home (and still are). Therefore, the entire family could be at home along with the Nanny! Nannies are resilient and agile—not only physically active and able to keep up with their charges but able to pivot when circumstances change.

MCA: What group(s) might be most interested in your book, and why?

Initially, when I was writing this story, I envisioned it being read by incarcerated parents who have had their parental rights removed as a result of abuse. I envisioned them learning about what “right looks like while caring for children” as a part of their rehabilitation journey. Many parents and childcare professionals, advocates, and people that love to learn, teach, and read with children have told me it is relevant in many ways but mostly because it demonstrates character traits needed throughout society: selfless service and joy!

MCA: How important is being of service to others in leading a fulfilling life? Please address the concepts of Servant Leadership and Selfless Service.

Being of service to others is very important. Leaders are required in all aspects of life, at the macro and micro levels—and everywhere in between! There are many types of leaders with varied leadership styles. Those that serve others, as opposed to self-serving, are needed everywhere! When we demonstrate service to others, we demonstrate agape love. I believe both are building blocks that are required for effective Servant Leadership, ultimately leading to a fulfilling and meaningful life.

MCA: You’re donating a portion of each book’s proceeds to National CASA GAL, an association that provides advocacy for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Could you tell us why this organization is so important to you?

Children are a nation’s barometer of how healthy that nation is. It’s necessary for me to be able to know that the most vulnerable of our future leaders are being cared for, set up for success, and loved. It’s important for me to be able to help parents and caretakers understand how vital their role is.

MCA: What is next for your writing endeavors?

Great question. Nothing like speaking something into existence where apprehension was once prevalent! The second book in a “Nanny Trilogy” is currently in the works!

MCA: Carmen, thank you again for meeting with us to discuss your award-winning work. We look forward to the next installment in your Nanny Trilogy!

You can learn more about Carmen M. Rosa and her award-winning book, Nanny and Lil One Friendship Team, by visiting her MCA Shop pages.