Make mornings calmer, happier, and easier—for kids and parents alike. Mornings don’t have to mean tears, stress, or running late. Little Gator’s Morning Dash is a playful, engaging picture book that turns everyday routines into fun habits children actually want to follow. Step by step, Little Gator shows kids how to brush teeth, get dressed, make their bed, and head out the door feeling proud, capable, and ready for the day. Written by Sheri Morris, a licensed marriage and family therapist and lifelong educator, this uplifting story blends fun characters with positive psychology to teach independence, responsibility, and life skills in a way that feels natural and joyful. Parents love how it transforms chaotic mornings into meaningful moments of connection. Perfect for: Toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary kids - Parents looking for calmer, stress-free mornings - Teachers and therapists introducing daily habits - Family read-aloud time with siblings By combining story, structure, and encouragement, Little Gator’s Morning Dash helps children build habits they’ll carry for life—while giving families a simple, proven tool for smoother mornings. “Just the ticket for teaching and encouraging the very young.” —D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review Available in paperback, ebook, and hardcover. "Little Gator's Morning Dash addresses a common problem parents have with kids: getting them up and going in the morning. Many books have tried to tackle this problem in a positive way, but Sheri Morris offers a different perspective by promoting a fun, easily-learned 'Morning Dash' that encourages kids to get out of bed in the morning and perform their tasks. Morning habits and routines involve quietly getting up so as not to disturb others, putting jammies in their proper place when getting dressed, and saying morning prayers. Each routine Little Gator experiences comes with insight, respect for others, and the physical and mental process of 'getting ready for another wonderful day.' Read-aloud adults will especially appreciate the positivity and concern that Little Gator reflects as he goes through his morning routine, and the focus on consideration for and helping others that Little Gator cultivates through his choices. Libraries and readers seeking positive choices for read-aloud, behavior modification efforts, and a fun read featuring the colorful Little Gator (which Tom Tolman's vivid, full-sized illustrations bring to life) will find Little Gator's Morning Dash just the ticket for teaching and encouraging the very young." —D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review I know the chaos of mornings all too well. Cereal spilled across the table, shoes hiding in impossible places, and everyone rushing out the door with frayed nerves. As a family therapist and lifelong educator, I have also seen how those stressful moments can shape the way kids and parents feel for the rest of the day. Little Gator's Morning Dash grew out of real mornings in my own home, when I longed for things to feel calmer, lighter, and more joyful. This story is my way of sharing that possibility with you. With playfulness, connection, and an easy to follow routine, mornings can become something your family actually looks forward to. My hope is simple. When you share this story together, your child will feel excited to try the steps, and you will find yourself smiling at the calm, confidence, and connection growing right in front of you. Mornings do not have to be a struggle. Little Gator's Morning Dash is a playful picture book that helps children begin the day with confidence and joy. Through fun storytelling and colorful illustrations, children learn simple steps such as brushing teeth, getting dressed, and making their bed in a way that feels fun and encourages them to try the steps with confidence. Perfect for toddlers through early elementary ages, this story offers families an easy and encouraging way to turn hectic mornings into calm and connected beginnings. Do mornings feel overwhelming in your home? Cereal spilled across the table, shoes hiding in impossible places, children melting down before the day has even begun. Little Gator's Morning Dash was created to bring calm and confidence back into those moments. With charm and playful energy, Little Gator shows children five simple steps that make mornings feel smoother, lighter, and filled with smiles. Children will discover independence, confidence, and pride in their daily routine. Parents will discover calmer mornings, happier children, and a little more joy to begin the day. "Just the ticket for teaching and encouraging the very young." D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review Written by Sheri Morris, licensed marriage and family therapist and lifelong educator, this uplifting story helps families turn everyday struggles into meaningful moments of connection. Sheri Morris is a licensed family therapist, lifelong educator, and storyteller who bel