“Daughters learn their place in the world by watching their mothers claim theirs.” — Deedee Cummings

As a therapist, attorney, CEO of Make A Way Media, and author of fifteen children’s books, Deedee Cummings has a passion for ensuring equality, inclusion, and social justice for the next generation. Since her first book published in 2014, Cummings has been on a mission to help young dreamers and doers “see themselves” in the pages of the books they read.

This #OWNVOICES author has fifteen diverse children’s books to her credit, including the Rapid Release of her Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess five-book series. All fifteen of Cummings’ diverse picture, poetry, and workbooks for kids reflect her professional knowledge and love of life.

Cummings is also the founder and creator of the Louisville Book Festival, a literacy-based celebration in Louisville, KY, celebrated in October.

Cummings has spent more than two decades working within the family therapy and support field, and much of her writing shares her experiences of working with kids in therapeutic foster care.  Using therapeutic techniques in her stories to teach coping skills, Cummings also strives to lessen the stigma that some people feel when it comes to receiving mental health assistance.

Deedee's Featured Titles

How to Dream: A motivational guide to a life of hope, success, and freedom

Cummings Consulting, LLC |
Motivational Self-Help

How do you dream in a world that actively crushes dreams?

Everything you’ve been told about dreams is wrong. Our dreams have been hijacked. Dreams aren’t just fanciful thoughts; dreams are the very reason we’re here. Yet, we’re constantly told they’re impractical, a waste of time. How to Dream, by best-selling author, therapist, and entrepreneur Deedee Cummings, is your guide to reclaiming the power of your dreams.

In this inspiring and practical book, Deedee uses her expertise and the art of storytelling to help you turn your dreams into reality. Whether you’re just getting started or are well on your way, How to Dream offers doable steps and momentous mindset shifts that will make you unstoppable.

Drawing from her own journey and years of experience helping others achieve their goals, you will learn:

Practical strategies to overcome self-doubt in a world filled with rampant negativityPowerful affirmations to fuel your successActionable steps to put your dreams in motionTechniques to develop a growth mindset and become unstoppable

Packed with affirmations, strategies, and practical advice, How to Dream is the essential toolkit for anyone ready to take their life to the next level. If you’re struggling to find direction, seeking to reignite your ambition, or need encouragement to stay the course, this book will inspire you to dream bigger, push harder, find freedom, and create the life you’ve always imagined.

Don’t let another day pass without pursuing your true potential. It’s time to make your dreams a reality-starting now.

Love Is

Cummings Consulting, LLC |
Children’s

This book has a simple message, but it is one that bears repeating; love is precious and is something we must nurture, protect, and never take for granted.

Love Is… is a charming children’s book that shares a valuable message: love is a gift that is meant to be shared. Filled with beautiful illustrations and a stunning palette, this diverse picture book demonstrates the many different ways love is expressed – many of which are easily forgotten or taken for granted.

Love is… is a masterpiece of word and color poetry that draws in readers of all ages. {ages 2 and up}

“My 6- year old son saw ‘Love is…’ and couldn’t wait for me to read it to him. It filled his bucket. We discussed the beautiful illustrations and talked about love. We love the positivity of the book and that it reminds us to shine our light and to not close off our hearts.”

Eat Pure Love

Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess (Books 1-5)

Make a Way Media |
Children’s

Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess is a heartwarming story about family, role models, dreams, and discovering a determination for growth. This five-part diverse picture book series shines the spotlight on a little Brown girl who loves musical theatre and never lets anything get in the way of her dreams. It seems that everyone else has an idea for who she should be, but in the end, she discovers that she is the one who gets to decide.

The story also reveals the very special family dynamic that Kayla shares with her mom- a hard-working woman who struggles with the guilt of not being as available for her young daughter as she would like. But as the story progresses, Kayla and her mom realize the impact of valuing the time they have together as well as the importance of seeing each other acknowledge (and pursue) their individual dreams. {ages 4 to 8}

Written by veteran author, Deedee Cummings, the Kayla: Modern-Day Princess series is inspired by her own real-life princess and Broadway actress, Kayla Pecchioni.

If a Caterpillar Can Fly, Why Can’t I?

Make a Way Media |
Children’s

If A Caterpillar Can Fly, Why Can’t I  is a fun and thought-provoking journal that encourages readers to turn their thoughts, ideas, and dreams into things that will enhance their lives while also making the world a better place. It is never too early for kids to declare and begin working towards their dreams. This journal and coloring book is not only a roadmap, but a time capsule of hopes and dreams for tomorrow’s future leaders!

Schools across the country are using this diverse workbook in special groups as a fun and therapeutic way to offer creative outlets for stress and anxiety relief, while also promoting powerful discussions on the sensitive topics that are facing our children today.

In the Nick of Time

Make a Way Media |
Children’s

Nick Saint never really put a lot of thought into his name until one snowy day in December when he accidentally receives a letter meant for Saint Nick. Realizing there is not much time left until Christmas, Nick opens the letter. The unexpected message inside ultimately leads him on a journey of understanding poverty, gratitude, and service to others while discovering the real meaning of the holiday spirit.

Nick’s actions and kindness are filled with heartwarming results that even please Santa Claus himself! An endearing story of a little brown boy who helps Santa save Christmas.

Children of all ages and backgrounds who read In the Nick of Time will understand that sometimes the smallest act of kindness can take up the biggest space in someone else’s heart.

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Writing & Language Arts

  • Writing and Drawing Your Worries Away
  • Using Poetry to Appreciate Our Differences
  • Researching Your Why: Discovering Your Passion
  • Compare & Contrast with Stories & Venn Diagrams
  • Reflecting on the Heart of the Story
  • Creating a Book from Beginning to End
  • Writing With Purpose; Crafting a letter to a loved one
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Social & Emotional Learning

  • Big Goals are Met With Small Steps
  • Hopes and Dreams: What I want to be and do
  • My Gift to the World
  • Problems & Solutions
  • It’s Great to be Different
  • What is a Growth Mindset & Why it is Important
  • Anchors and Memory Boxes as Lasting Coping Skills
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STEAM Activities

  • The Parts of a Play
  • Hope: Finding Beauty in the World Around You
  • Developing a Talent
  • You Are A Mosaic
  • The Life of an Author
*Courses can be tailored to the needs of a school or program 
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For Parents, Educators & Caregivers

  • Banned Books: What’s all the fuss about?
  • What does good mental health look like in kids and families?
  • How to talk with elementary school-age children about suicide
  • How do I talk about suicide to my children
  • How do I know when my child needs to see a therapist?
  • Books as community care
  • Books are self-care
  • Why I started a book festival
  • What is a book desert and how you can water them
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The Impact of Diversity in Media and Literacy on Empathy at a Young Age

Deedee’s Books

Deedee’s Blog

Deedee’s Resources

Join the K Club

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Six time Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner
Appointed to serve on the Governor’s Advisory Council for Early Childhood Education
Board of Multicultural Children’s Book Day Advisor

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

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