Maresha Johnson turns motherhood into meaningful children’s stories
Published:Sunday | May 11, 2025 | 12:07 AMKrysta Anderson - Staff Reporter
Maresha Johnson beams with pride as a mother, teacher, and now published author. At the heart of her debut children’s book, NaiJah’s World, is her daughter NaiJah, who inspired her to nurture young minds and discover a new passion for storytelling.
“NaiJah, the heart and soul behind my children’s book, NaiJah’s World, is not only the inspiration but also the main character. In the book, NaiJah travels through the stories, teaching children about emotional intelligence. Being so close to her and walking through those lessons in real time gave me the idea to use our real experiences at home, in the store, or even abroad,” Johnson told The Sunday Gleaner.
Johnson didn’t have to imagine how another child might take or use those lessons. She had her daughter and saw life through her lens. It was there that she was able to bring important elements to life in a way that was practical, realistic, and accessible.
For as long as she can remember, this mother and teacher has been an avid reader. “Interestingly enough, I always saw myself more as a writer than a reader. I would constantly be scribbling poems, stories, and little thoughts,” she shares, adding, “Over time, as I wrote more, I naturally sought out books to inspire and guide me.”
Despite this interest, her parents knew from the get-go that she would become a teacher one day. “I didn’t quite believe them because my heart was set on becoming a counselling psychologist. I grew up surrounded by people who were hurting, and that shaped me. I developed a deep sense of compassion and empathy, and I always felt a strong desire to help others heal,” she revealed.
Johnson was even accepted to pursue psychology as a degree at university, but her student loan fell through. Teaching became the more affordable option, and looking back, signs of being in the classroom were there all along. “I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Teaching has given me a strong foundation in human behaviour, and one day, I still hope to merge it with psychology. But for now, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”
FINDING HER FOOTING
Starting out, this educator was focused on finding her footing while getting a clearer understanding of herself, teaching style, and how best to teach her students and effect change. Since teaching for a decade, Johnson is happy to guide, mentor, and assist her students’ intellectual and emotional growth.
“It has truly been a journey of growth both professionally and personally. Every year brings new lessons, and I embrace each one as an opportunity to become a better educator and a better person. Teaching was my calling, and I answered the call. I genuinely love what I do. I have a deep love for children, and there’s something so fulfilling about helping them build a strong foundation, shaping their minds, and nurturing their confidence,” she highlighted.
When the idea sparked to write her first children’s book, Johnson was pregnant at the time. She began writing letters to her daughter, ones that were filled with things she wished she had known growing up.
“As an educator, I started researching ways to correct behavioural issues in the classroom, and I discovered the power of teaching emotional intelligence. My principal actually encouraged me to turn that research into something meaningful for children. That’s how NaiJah’s World was born: a series of stories based on the five components of emotional intelligence. So while I didn’t set out to be a children’s author, it feels like a natural extension of my roles as a mother and teacher,” she affirmed.
The book was officially released in 2023 and is being sold globally. The reception, she says, has been encouraging. Since then, the author has written another children’s book called Caterpillar Today, Butterfly Tomorrow. “The message I want readers to take away from my books is that emotional intelligence is key to personal growth and healthy relationships. It teaches children to understand their emotions, manage them, and interact positively with others. It’s about learning to be grounded, dealing with conflict constructively, and becoming more self-aware.”
Her advice to someone who has the desire to write is to start by figuring out exactly what they want to write about. Write down the main topic, she recommends, then break it down into subtopics or key points you wish to cover. “This will serve as your outline, which can later be turned into a table of contents. Dedicate at least two hours a day to writing; stick to a schedule. Once you start, the ideas will begin to flow. The key is to just write. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or for everything to be perfect. Just start.”