Book Spotlight: "Mommy Is Here! After a Long Day at the Hospital" by Nathalie P. Suarez Moscoso + Author Interview
- Kim Bartosch
- 29 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Today, I’m so excited to feature a truly heartwarming children’s picture book that celebrates love, resilience, and the special bond between working parents and their little ones. Mommy Is Here! After a Long Day at the Hospital, written by Nathalie P. Suarez Moscoso and beautifully illustrated by Edison Cano Cevallos, is a gentle and touching bedtime story that will resonate with families everywhere — especially those with parents in the medical field.
Published by Stat Parenting and perfect for ages 3–7, this 26-page story follows Mommy Otter as she returns home after a long hospital shift, ready to snuggle, share stories, and reconnect with her curious little one. It’s a celebration of presence, love, and the comfort of nightly rituals, even when the days feel long and full.
As part of this book tour (Nov 24 to Dec 12), I had the pleasure of interviewing the author, and she shared some beautiful insights into her inspiration, her experience as a parent, and the importance of stories that reflect the lives of children with hardworking caregivers.
So get cozy and keep reading — you won’t want to miss this spotlight and special Q&A! Also, the author is hosting a giveaway for their book tour with iRead Book Tours. Check it out below! 💕
Thank you, Nathalie, for joining us today and sharing your writing and publishing journey with us!
1. Tell us about yourself and how you became a writer.
I have been a physician since 2013 and became a mother in 2018 while still in training. I soon realized that many physician mothers were in the same situation, balancing demanding medical careers while raising children. I turned to writing to share my experiences and to help families navigate the highs and lows of parenting while working in healthcare.
2. Where did you get the idea for MOMMY IS HERE! AFTER A LONG DAY AT THE HOSPITAL?
My son was the inspiration for the book. When he started daycare, he began noticing when I left for work and asked questions like, “Why do you have to go?” and “What do you do there?” These moments sparked conversations that made me reflect on my roles as both a physician and a mother.
Your Writing Process
3. How long did it take you to write and illustrate MOMMY IS HERE! AFTER A LONG DAY AT THE HOSPITAL?
The idea first came to me around 2020 after the pandemic, but I decided to make it happen in early 2025. I started drafting the rhyming text, and my husband began creating the characters. By May 2025 we had a complete sketch draft, and by July 2025 we held our first printed copy in our hands.
4. Why did you choose to write a children’s book? Do you have any tips or advice to give someone who decides to write a children’s book?
Children’s books are a wonderful way to spark curiosity, imagination, and conversation with our kids. They are also one of the most meaningful ways to connect emotionally. My advice to aspiring children’s authors is to start as soon as inspiration strikes. Even a few lines or quick sketches on a napkin can take you far. Do not let your idea fade before you begin.
5. What were the challenges you faced in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
Finding time to write has been my biggest challenge as a full-time physician and mother of two toddlers. We actually took vacation time to work on our book and learned that even small steps made during short breaks eventually add up to big progress.
Your Road to Publication
7. So are you Self-Published, Hybrid Published or Traditionally Published? Why did you choose this route of publication?
I am self-published. After researching various options, I decided this route offered the most flexibility. It allows us to work at our own pace without being tied to someone else’s schedule or deadlines.
8. What tips, tricks, or secrets can you give a person about the type of publishing (self, hybrid, traditional) you did?
High-quality printing is a priority for children’s books, but it is important to balance that with cost. We explored several platforms to develop a distribution strategy and found that some offer author copies at lower prices with the same quality. We use those copies for book signing events so we can offer families a discount.
9. If you're self-published, how did you find your illustrator? Do you share the royalties with the illustrator or did you agree to a flat fee?
My husband illustrated the book. As a physician with a busy schedule, he used digital design tools to help speed up the creative process while keeping our vision consistent.
Marketing
9. How do you market your book? Did you have a marketing plan? If so, what is it?
Did you have a publicist? Tell us the route you took in marketing your book and series.
Yes, we are working with a publicist who specializes in children’s books. We started locally with small reading sessions and author events, and our next focus is visiting hospitals to connect directly with healthcare families. Next year, we plan to expand through collaborations with medical organizations and hospital events.
Just Wanting to Know…
11. I have several picture book writers who follow my blog and are looking for inspiration and publication. What advice or inspiration could you give these writers?
The best inspiration often comes at bedtime after a long day. Think about what you would like to tell your child or what you would have loved to read as a child yourself. Those are usually the stories that connect the deepest.
Thank you for sharing today! We wish you much success with the book and appreciate your time. Learn more about Nathalie's book below and enter the giveaway!
About the Book:
Publisher: Stat Parenting
Pub. Date: September 2025
Genre: Picture Book, Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7)
Synopsis:
"Mommy Is Here! After a Long Day at the Hospital" is a heartwarming bedtime story that captures the magical reunion between Mommy Otter and her baby after a long day apart.
Mommy Otter has been busy caring for patients at the hospital, but now she's home, ready for hugs, stories, and one very curious little otter.
Mommy's shift may be over, but her most important job has just begun!
Enjoy this paperback version of the book. This book honors the resilience and special bond between parents working in the medical field and their children. It offers a space for comfort, laughter, and connection for little ones learning that love doesn't sign off.
Add to Goodreads
Meet the Author and Illustrator:
Nathalie P. Suarez Moscoso is a physician and mother who understands the challenges and joys of raising a child while caring for patients. Her experiences as both a doctor and a parent inspired her to create stories that honor the resilience of medical families and the deep bonds between parents and children.
Edison J. Cano Cevallos is a physician and father whose greatest joy comes from the moments of connection he shares with his family after long days at the hospital. Inspired by those tender reunions, he writes stories that reflect the resilience of medical families and the unbreakable bond between parent and child.
Giveaway:
An autographed copy of Mommy Is Here! after a Long Day at the Hospital by Nathalie P Suarez Moscoso (Author), Edison Cano Cevallos (Illustrator), PLUS $25 Amazon Gift Card (one winner) (USA only) (ends Dec 13)
