Photo: Tracy Watland, renowned author and Kindness Advocate, promoting positivity and self-belief through children’s literature.
Empowering Young Minds: Celebrating Kindness And Self-Belief One Story At A Time
Tracy Watland shares her journey as an author, crafting heartfelt stories inspired by her childhood, encouraging kindness, self-belief, and resilience in children to help them navigate life’s challenges.
Tracy Watland is more than just an author; she’s a speaker, a Kindness Advocate, and a firm believer in the power of positivity. Her passion lies in helping both children and adults believe in themselves and follow their dreams, urging them to embrace kindness along the way. When she’s not busy writing or globetrotting, she can be found enjoying her happy places—relaxing at the beach, attending concerts, or spending time in her suburban Chicago home.
Tracy’s books are rooted in one overarching mission: to nurture children’s self-belief and empathy, starting at the earliest age. “A child’s mind is most open and receptive during the first seven years,” says Tracy. Recognising that fundamental beliefs and behaviours are formed during this period, she felt called to create stories that plant seeds of kindness and self-confidence in young readers.
Her own childhood experiences played a significant role in shaping her voice as an author. Tracy recounts how Louise Hay from Hay House Publishing advised her to write the books she needed as a child. This led her to incorporate themes and ideas she would have loved growing up—music, animals, giving to others, and creating a world brimming with positivity.
Tracy Watland is a remarkable author whose work inspires kindness, self-confidence, and creativity in both children and adults alike.
Among her works, The Witch’s New Britches stands out as a fun and whimsical poem that sprang to life during a car journey home from a creative writing class. Initially dedicated to her godchildren, the story conveys the subtle yet important message that who we are on the inside matters far more than how the world perceives us. Tracy’s stories strike a delicate balance between humour and emotional depth, making them both engaging and meaningful for her young audience.
One of her most cherished works, The Kindness Can, exemplifies her dedication to promoting compassion and courage. Tracy devised the concept by reflecting on the wonder of Random Acts of Kindness (or as she lovingly calls it, being a “RAKer”). She noticed conflicting ideas in various narratives about kindness and set about simplifying the message into a single philosophy: “Be Compassionate. Be Courageous. Decide and do it.” Although the book is currently out of print, it will soon return to shelves in 2026 to mark its 10th anniversary.
Music, another great love of Tracy’s, plays a starring role in Abby’s Magic Music: Billy’s Story. The central theme of music not only enriches the narrative but also reflects Tracy’s real-life experiences with her musician friends. She even credits an enchanting music instrument shop owned by a friend as the inspiration for the vibrant, character-driven world in the book.
Tracy approaches lessons on self-expression and resilience with a heartfelt touch, as seen in Bluebird of Happy. In this book, the protagonist Mac learns the importance of finding his own voice amidst criticism. For Tracy, this is a deeply personal message: “I was one of those kids whose voice was often overpowered by more forceful opinions. Life eventually taught me that everyone’s voice counts, and it’s essential that children know their voices matter too.”
Humour plays an integral role in her storytelling, acting as a bridge to help children engage with deeper emotional messages. Tracy believes laughter creates a safe space for young readers to feel seen and empowered while navigating tricky or uncomfortable emotions. “Humour keeps things light enough to carry some of the heavier emotions,” she explains.
It’s moments of connection that Tracy cherishes most, whether it’s a parent thanking her for a message that resonated with their child or a school building a giant Kindness Can inspired by her book to collect donations for a local food pantry.
When it comes to the writing process, Tracy’s approach is joyfully intuitive. She doesn’t rely on strict routines or rituals. Instead, she lets inspiration flow naturally. “Sometimes, ideas come to me while driving, in the shower, or even at 3am,” she shares. For aspiring authors, her advice is simple but profound: “Write the stories your younger self would have cherished. Don’t stress about the rules—trust that your story will find its way to the right hands.”
Through her heartfelt stories and unwavering dedication, Tracy Watland continues to inspire a younger generation to see the beauty within themselves and the world. For her, kindness and self-belief aren’t just themes in books—they’re a way of life.
