Shani T. Night Inspires Young Readers and Transforms Lives Through the Power of Storytelling

PHOTO: Shani T. Night, award-winning children’s author and life coach, empowering young minds through the magic of storytelling and self-expression.

Empowering Children Through Words and Wisdom

Award-winning author Shani T. Night shares her passion for storytelling, the inspiration behind her books, and how positivity, self-expression, and personal growth shape both her writing and coaching.

Shani T. Night is a name synonymous with inspiration, empowerment, and heartfelt storytelling. As an award-winning children’s author and Certified Happiness, Life, and Wellness Coach, she has dedicated her life to fostering joy, self-expression, and personal growth—both on the page and beyond. Her books are more than just stories; they are a guiding light for young readers, offering them the reassurance that they are seen, valued, and capable of overcoming life’s challenges.

With a literary career spanning over four decades, Shani has woven magic into her words, crafting narratives that encourage self-discovery and resilience. Her beloved Shani and Friends series captures the wonder of childhood, celebrating friendship, curiosity, and the joy of learning. Meanwhile, her guided journals, including Intentionally Positive, provide tools for self-reflection and emotional growth, reflecting her deep understanding of the power of positivity. And with her upcoming release, The Whispers of Destiny: Guided by the Spirit Within, she once again proves that storytelling is not just about entertainment—it’s about transformation.

In this exclusive interview with Reader’s House, Shani shares her journey, the inspiration behind her works, and the profound impact of positive self-talk. Her words remind us that literature has the power to shape lives, and that through stories, we can teach the next generation to embrace their inner strength and shine their brightest.

Shani T. Night is a gifted storyteller whose heartfelt books inspire confidence, joy, and self-discovery in young readers worldwide.

What inspired you to begin writing children’s books, and how has your journey evolved over the past 40 years?

My biggest inspiration for writing children’s books is to bring comfort and joy to kids, especially those with invisible disabilities, by creating stories where they feel seen. I want my books to uplift, inspire, and encourage all children, offering them a sense of belonging and empowerment, no matter the challenges they face.

Though I’ve always dreamed of writing children’s books, that dream was put on hold—until everything aligned at the right time. My husband, an author and illustrator, became my illustrator, helping bring my vision to life. My daughter, with her Digital Media degree, further shaped my books visually and conceptually. With the support of my family, my journey has evolved from a long-held dream to a meaningful reality, allowing me to create stories that inspire, uplift, and resonate with children everywhere.

Could you share the central themes and messages in your ‘Shani and Friends’ series?

Shani and Friends is a heartwarming series inspired by my childhood adventures, following six-year-old Shani as she discovers the joy of learning at school with friends and the wonder of exploring her home and garden. Each story is filled with excitement, curiosity, and everyday magic, celebrating the beauty of friendship, discovery, and the simple joys of childhood.

The heart of the series revolves around learning, imagination, and the special moments of childhood. The series was inspired by my childhood experiences that sparked my curiosity and contributed to my educational growth. Themes of friendship, family, self-discovery, kindness, and a passion for learning are all the themes I wanted to express in this series. Shani’s adventures are designed to motivate children to maintain their sense of wonder and cherish their friends while experiencing happiness in everyday moments.

“The heart of Shani and Friends revolves around learning, imagination, and the special moments of childhood.” – Shani T. Night

How do you balance your roles as an author and a Certified Happiness, Life, and Wellness Coach in your storytelling?

Believe it or not, one wouldn’t exist without the other. They are deeply connected. My love of writing directly shaped my storytelling, while my passion for helping through writing deeply influenced my coaching and helped me create books that inspire personal growth, positivity, and self-discovery. At the same time, through my books I communicate with people worldwide extending past individual coaching sessions, providing tools and messages that uplift readers looking for encouragement at their own pace. It’s an infinite loop, each fueling the other. Whether coaching or storytelling, my mission remains the same: to inspire, uplift, and help others live their happiest, most fulfilling lives.

What motivated you to create the ‘Intentionally Positive’ guided journals, and how do they complement your books?

I was motivated by change. Guided journaling reshaped my life at a time when I needed it most. It softened how I respond to struggles, deepened how I see the world, and strengthened how I hold space for others. Through introspection, I gained clarity. With each reflection, I learned to stand in the fullness of my truth. And when you come to understand the true gift of journaling, there is only one thing left to do—share it.

Because I believe in the power of foundational work and my publisher embraces the Happy In, Happy Out philosophy, Intentionally Positive has become the heart of everything I create. It’s not just the foundation for my self-help books but also for my children’s books—because when positivity is nurtured early, it shapes how we grow, learn, and thrive.

“Guided journaling reshaped my life at a time when I needed it most.” – Shani T. Night

How do you envision your upcoming book, ‘The Whispers of Destiny: Guided by the Spirit Within,’ impacting young readers?

I want The Whispers of Destiny to reach deep, to stir something inside young readers that does not fade. I want its impact to be more than words on a page—I want it to be a turning point, a light that lingers long after the final chapter. The lessons within are placed with care, because I have come to know a great truth: we are far more alike than we imagine.

If children are given the gift of introspection, if they learn early the power of looking within, then what greater offering is there? What better way to extend a hand, to ease the weight for the ones who come after us? It is like smoothing the path just enough, so they do not stumble where we once did. If they walk away knowing, truly knowing, that they are enough, then the work, the words, the journey, will have been worth it. Emma’s journey and the lessons she learns are designed to reflect these very truths, guiding young readers toward self-discovery and resilience.

Can you discuss the significance of positive self-talk in your work, particularly in ‘Positive Self-Talk: Transforming Your Silent Thoughts’?

Life-changing. There are books that entertain, books that inform, and then there are books that change you. Positive Self-Talk is one of those books. You don’t always know what you need until you find it and this book changes your mindset. The beauty of this book is that it provides real-life examples and exercises that help readers reshape their inner dialogue.

I know the power of self-talk because I have lived it. I have seen how words—whether lifted in love or weighed down in doubt—shape the world around me. Each time I spoke negativity into existence, it answered. But when I chose a different language, a kinder, truer one, life answered in kind. Because words are not just words. They are the seeds of who we become.

How do you incorporate your personal experiences and values into your stories to inspire young readers?

Every book I’ve written begins with truth—a real story and a spark of inspiration. I’ve found that I can only write from a place of authenticity. While imagination plays a role, it’s the truth woven into the story that gives it depth and meaning. Without that, the words wouldn’t carry the same impact or joy.     

What advice would you offer to aspiring authors aiming to write children’s books that inspire and empower young minds?

Just go for it! Start with a message that truly speaks to your heart, and let that be your foundation. The passion and inspiration will follow—I know this from experience.