My Stories
Love Is All Around
A lyrical exploration of the "cycle of kindness." From a kiss for a boo-boo to sharing yummy crackers, this story follows how love is shown by the people in your community — and how any child can show love in return.
Cloud Time
Some days feel too loud. Too busy. Too much. That's when you climb to your cloud — soft as a pillow, wide as a bed that stretches forever. A picture book about finding your quiet place, breathing deep, and coming back to the world feeling light again.
👋About Mary
Mary R. Kiang is a children's book author and Design Engineering educator. She has spent over thirty years guiding students to problem solve through empathy, creativity, and collaboration. She has co-authored curriculum for Microsoft, presented at national conferences, and been published in Cricket Magazine's Babybug. She is a member of SCBWI and the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge and received an Honorable Mention in the 2023 50 Precious Words competition. She grew up on Cape Cod, raised her family in Hawaii, and now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she can be found in the forest, at the beach, or lying in the grass gazing at clouds — research, she insists, for her next book.
Devoted plant keeper (most survive)
Handcrafted & digital maker
Puzzle creator & solver
🍎For Teachers & Librarians
Love Is All Around was written with a child's whole community in mind. It supports CASEL's five SEL competencies and aligns with Common Core ELA and NCSS Social Studies standards for Pre-K through Early Elementary. A full Teacher Activity Guide is available — complete with sensory-based discussion prompts, a "Kindness Chain" community project, a heart-mapping extension, and a family send-home to help bridge the gap between school and heart.
Cloud Time was written with classrooms in mind. It supports CASEL's five SEL competencies and aligns with Common Core ELA standards for Pre-K through Early Elementary. A full Teacher Activity Guide is available — complete with discussion prompts, art projects, a science extension, and a family send-home.
- 📋 Teacher Activity Guide
- 💬 Discussion Questions
- 🎨 Classroom Activities
- 🌤️ Home Activites
- 📝 Writing Prompt & Template
- 🏠 Family Connection Note
✉️Say Hello
Interested in a school visit? Have a question about Love Is All Around or Cloud Time? Want to request educator resources? Send Mary a note — she'd love to hear from you.
For publishing inquiries, please contact contact.