C.M. Harris is a passionate children's author who uses the power of storytelling to inspire young readers to embrace kindness, diversity, and empathy. As the creator of the What If We Were series, Harris has become known for her ability to craft meaningful and uplifting stories that teach important life lessons while still being fun and engaging for children. With a deep commitment to fostering social-emotional learning, Harris's books have earned recognition from educators, parents, and organizations like the San Francisco 49ers and BBC. Her stories have become a staple in classrooms and homes alike, where children are encouraged to celebrate differences and practice kindness.
Through her independent publishing company, Purple Diamond Press, C.M. Harris has not only published her own successful works but also provided opportunities for other authors to bring their stories to life. Focused on creating positive and inclusive children's literature, Purple Diamond Press specializes in stories that promote diversity, emotional learning, and acceptance. Harris's mission extends beyond just writing books—they are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on children’s lives by offering educational resources, classroom activities, and inspiring author visits to schools. Their work continues to leave a lasting impression on readers and educators around the world.
The What If We Were series, written by the acclaimed children's author C.M. Harris, has become a beloved collection of children's picture books that focus on fostering empathy, kindness, and acceptance. This series, which includes "What If We Were All The Same!", "What If We Were All Friends!", "What If We Were All Kind!" and the forthcoming "What If We Were All Honest!" provide a powerful platform to teach children the values of understanding and respect for one another, regardless of differences.
The Importance of the "What If We Were" Series
At the heart of the What If We Were series is a simple but profound message: our differences make us unique, and those differences should be celebrated. The first book in the series, "What If We Were All The Same!" teaches children the beauty of diversity and the importance of accepting others as they are. The book's rhythmic storytelling and vibrant illustrations have captured the hearts of children and educators, providing a perfect tool for lessons on inclusivity and understanding.
Subsequent books in the series—"What If We Were All Friends!" and "What If We Were All Kind!"—build upon this foundation by exploring themes of friendship, kindness, and the impact of our actions on others. Whether learning to be a good friend or recognizing the power of kindness, these books guide young readers in their social-emotional development, helping them grow into empathetic, caring individuals.
The upcoming book What If We Were All Honest! will complete this inspiring series. It will focus on integrity and the value of telling the truth, showing that honesty is one of the most important values we can cultivate. You can find the series on Amazon.
Classroom Posters to Inspire Learning
To extend the messages of these books beyond storytime, C.M. Harris has developed a line of inspired classroom posters perfect for decorating learning spaces and keeping the books' lessons alive. These 11x17 posters, featuring vibrant designs and uplifting quotes, remind students daily to practice kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. The posters highlight key messages such as “What If We Were All Kind!” and “Friendship Is Magic,” reinforcing the series’ themes and encouraging children to embody these principles in their interactions with peers.
These visually engaging posters serve as tools for teachers to start discussions, create activities, and help children build a more inclusive classroom environment. The vibrant and inclusive posters are available in a set of 5 on Amazon
Teacher and Student Activities for What If We Were All The Same!
To further engage with the themes of the first book in the series, What If We Were All The Same!, Harris has created a set of activities for teachers and students. These resources include printable handouts and an interactive digital PDF that teachers can use in the classroom. The activities focus on topics like diversity, self-acceptance, and kindness, providing thoughtful ways for students to reflect on what makes them unique and how they can appreciate the uniqueness of others.
One activity that stands out is the “Celebrate Our Differences” worksheet, which encourages students to write or draw about what makes them special, fostering a sense of pride in who they are. Another interactive lesson allows children to partner with a classmate and interview each other about their favorite hobbies, foods, and family traditions, creating connections and building friendships through shared experiences.
These activities align perfectly with social-emotional learning (SEL) standards and are an excellent tool for teachers who want to incorporate empathy and acceptance into their curriculum. More information can be found on the author's website.
Author School Visits: Bringing the Books to Life
C.M. Harris has always been passionate about sharing the power of literature with young minds, and one of the most fulfilling aspects of their work is participating in school author visits. During these visits, Harris reads their What If We Were books aloud, captivating students with engaging storytelling and opening the floor for discussions on diversity, kindness, and what it means to be a good friend.
Harris's school visits are interactive and immersive, allowing students to ask questions, share their thoughts, and reflect on how they can practice the lessons from the books in their daily lives. The visits often conclude with a fun and creative activity where students can write or draw their own “What If We Were” story, sparking their imaginations and reinforcing the book's message in a personalized way.
These visits have had a profound impact, with teachers praising how Harris connects with children and makes the stories' themes tangible. It's not just about reading the book—it's about igniting a passion for kindness, acceptance, and making a difference in the world.
Final Thoughts
The What If We Were series is much more than just a collection of children's books. It’s a movement that encourages children to embrace diversity, practice kindness, and build lasting friendships. With inspiring classroom posters, thoughtful teacher-student activities, and impactful school visits, C.M. Harris ensures that the books' messages resonate deeply with students long after the stories are read.
In a world where inclusivity and empathy are more important than ever, the What If We Were series stands as a beacon of hope, helping to shape a generation of children who will understand the importance of acceptance and live it in their everyday lives.
For more information about author school visits, posters, and teacher resources, visit [C.M. Harris's website](https://cmharrisbooks.com).
How did you become an author and get published? Share your experience.
I became an author after facing the challenge of not being able to find employment for many years due to disability bias. Rather than giving up, I decided to create my own opportunities by starting my own publishing company, Purple Diamond Press. This allowed me to write and publish the stories I felt passionate about, particularly those that promote inclusivity, kindness, and important life lessons for children. By taking control of the process, I was able to bring my books to life and reach readers directly, turning a difficult situation into a fulfilling career as a children’s author.
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