“Shouldn’t you stay in your lane and write another business book?”

This was stated to me a few weeks ago from a fellow business owner, curious as to why I am writing a children’s book. He is a friend of mine, and asked me with the most helpful and curious intentions.

Writing a Children’s Book with Purpose

After the release of Painted Baby I felt a pulling on my heart to make my next book and message one that would impact children who may be going through what I went through as a child. Writing children’s books allows authors to connect with young readers in a meaningful way, shaping their perspectives and giving them a sense of hope. These books are more than just words on a page; they carry powerful lessons that help kids navigate challenges.

How My Story Inspired Writing Children’s Books

The more and more I share my story about my early years as a young entrepreneur, the more I realize how much bullying and abuse played a big part in my early and formative years. As a young child, I was relentlessly bullied and felt alone. I was scared, lacked confidence and certainty, and was always looking over my shoulder for the next bullying episode to occur.

Children’s books often serve as a bridge between real-life challenges and solutions that can guide kids through difficult situations. Through literature, young readers can connect with characters who experience similar struggles, offering them comfort and the knowledge that they are not alone. Reading these stories can empower children to find their own voice and develop the confidence to stand up for themselves.

Because of these experiences as a child, I searched for validation, certainty, love, and acceptance in many things. I found some of this in business, but I also found these things in many unhealthy habits, lifestyle choices, and addictions. Writing a children’s book has given me the opportunity to share why these struggles shaped me and how I overcame them.

Books That Empower Kids Through Storytelling

At the age of 26, I walked into a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy and began a journey that will be a part of my life forever. Learning the art and sport of jiu-jitsu, and then beginning to teach it to children, brought me back to my childhood. Every time I teach a child jiu-jitsu, I find myself wishing I knew these things when I was young.

Children’s books that center around empowerment can change lives. Good stories provide kids with guidance, helping them understand difficult concepts like boundaries, respect, and self-defense in a way they can relate to. These books are more than entertainment; they serve a real purpose in helping young readers develop strong values.

I wish I knew about boundaries and how to set them, both verbally and physically. I wish I knew how to take a stand in front of people who were trying to do harm to me and others. I wish I knew that standing up for yourself and others is a balance of firmness and strength mixed with gentleness and kindness.

Writing a Children’s Book to Help Kids Overcome Challenges

Looking back over my life and all the lessons I would go back to teach 7-year-old Matt, I decided to write JJ Learns Jiu Jitsu. The book shares the story of JJ, a brilliant young boy who finds himself feeling alone, scared, and invisible to the world due to being severely bullied. JJ discovers the art of jiu-jitsu and all the lessons and beauty it holds.

Writing children’s books requires understanding what kids need and how to convey lessons in a way they can absorb. Every author who writes for children carries a responsibility to provide not just engaging fiction but also meaningful and impactful stories that will leave a lasting impression.

The Purpose Behind Writing Children’s Books

I wrote the book for the following reasons:

• I want to introduce children and parents to the art and sport of jiu jitsu.
• I want children to learn about boundaries and how to stand up for themselves and others.
• I want children (and parents) to understand the balance of strength and kindness when standing up for yourself.
• I want to create a conversation about the reality of bullying between parents and their children, including appropriate advice on how to handle these issues from someone who has been there.
• I want to share more of JJ’s story and journey while highlighting some of my life’s heroes.

The best children’s books serve as more than just entertainment—they act as tools for change, offering kids an outlet to read, learn, and grow. Many people underestimate the power of reading at a young age, but stories have the ability to shape the way children see the world.

My hopes are that this book brings a light of hope to children who are going through bullying and provides them with the tools to stand up for themselves.

Keep an eye out on the JJ Learns Jiu Jitsu page here for more updates as the book progresses. Thank you so much for taking the time to learn more about JJ and his story!

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