Building on her theme of collaboration, acceptance, and the endless possibilities that come from supporting one another, Mountain Top children’s author Mia McGlynn recently released her latest book, “Lou Can Too.”
The enchanting sequel to last year’s “Bigger Diggers” continues the adventures of Lou the Mini Excavator, introducing surprising new friends in the equipment world, as they navigate the challenges and joys of working together on the job site.
Set in a new location, “Lou Can Too” reinforces the powerful messages that began with its predecessor, about teamwork, diversity and the unique strengths that each individual brings to the table. Tailored for children ages 2 to 8, the book aims to engage young readers with its captivating illustrations, memorable characters and inspiring storyline.
This time, fan favorite, Lou the Mini Excavator, sets off on a new adventure, rolling into uncharted territory with a heart full of hope and tracks ready for action. As he arrives at his new job site, Lou meets Sloane, a machine whose charm matches her sharp skills, and Duncan, a bold skid steer with a laugh as loud as his engine.
Together, this trio embarks on a mission to clear the land, facing challenges that test their abilities and allow their differences to shine. Through teamwork, laughter and a few surprises along the way, Lou, Sloane and Duncan show that success isn’t just about what you can do — it’s about what you can do together.
McGlynn, who is also the owner of McGlynn Media LLC, described her latest book as “perfect for young readers eager to explore the value of diversity and the beauty of working together to achieve great things.”
It is a story, she says, of discovering strength and purpose amidst differences and learning to work as a team.
“We can accomplish more when we work together,” McGlynn said in an interview about her book. “That’s the common thread of everything I do. I believe that’s one of the most important foundations for little kids to get, and it needs to be emphasized through adulthood.”
McGlynn’s stories are inspired by real life people, events and experiences and are told in a way that entertains and relates to children. Having worked with children for most of her life, she brings her experience as a sister to many foster children, as an aide to many tots during years of working in child care and as a mom.
“I was my parents only biological child,” she explained. “I had a lot of siblings who were foster children so there was a great deal of diversity in my home.”
She also said she learned as a child the importance of working together.
“It’s always important to me to encourage kindness, while also teaching children personal empowerment,” McGlynn shared. “So much can be accomplished when we realize our own value, as well as the value of those around us, embracing the many ways in which we differ and contribute.”
The author of five children’s books, her latest, “Lou Can Too” and “Bigger Diggers” center on the world of construction. That theme did not come about by accident. McGlynn explained that she has worked around trades most of her career. For a number of years, she was the office manager for a steel fabrication company. It was in that job she learned about welding, fabrication and large construction projects.
“I learned about the different roles in the construction industry – managing a project, managing a plant, safety. I came to realize that so many people have to work together to make things happen.”
Thus, the theme for her children’s books.
Later, she worked in the marketing department for Highway Equipment Company in Drums. In that job, she had the opportunity to work around and photograph heavy equipment used in construction projects.
“I guess I have a childlike perception of life,” McGlynn said of her inspiration to writing children’s books. “I started taking photos which became part of the illustrations for my books.”
Besides “Little Lou Too” and “Bigger Diggers,” other books she has published are “When You Give a Mom a Minute,” “When You Give a Girl a Hammer,” and “Alpha and Whiskey Gotcha Days.”
McGlynn is an ambassador for the nonprofit Crew Collaborative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which works to strengthen the blue-collar workforce and change the stigma surrounding careers in construction through education, conversation, events and advocacy. She hopes that her characters will cultivate a curiosity about the important machines and roles that build the world around us.
“Lou Can Too” and her other children’s books are available for purchase in both paperback and digital formats through Amazon.com and the author’s official website, www.mcglynnmedia.com/mcglynnmediabooks. The author’s site also offers coordinating activities and exclusive content for subscribing owners of the book.
