Today we’d like to introduce you to Ursula Taylor
Ursula, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
How I Came to Write I’ve Got My Bounce Back
Hi, my name is Ursula Taylor. I am a licensed school psychologist and the author of the children’s book I’ve Got My Bounce Back. Writing this book was inspired by my work with children and my passion for fostering emotional well-being.
At Mindscan Solutions, my goal has always been to provide children with the tools they need to overcome life’s challenges, build confidence, and thrive emotionally. Whether through psychoeducational evaluations or mental health workshops, I strive to make emotional wellness accessible and relatable for kids. Over the years, I noticed that while adults often have numerous resources to handle stress and anxiety, children lacked relatable tools to help them build resilience. That’s when the idea for I’ve Got My Bounce Back was born.
As a school psychologist, I’ve witnessed firsthand how anxiety and self-doubt can hinder a child’s ability to learn . One recurring question I faced was: How can we empower children to manage their emotions and regain their confidence when faced with adversity? I wanted to create something tangible—a resource that could help children understand and navigate their feelings in a fun, engaging way.
Enter Braxton Bunny. This lovable character embodies the struggles many children face, from feeling uncertain to dealing with the weight of anxiety. In the story, Braxton experiences setbacks but learns simple, practical strategies—like deep breathing and positive self-talk—to overcome them. The idea was to model resilience in a way that kids could see themselves in Braxton’s shoes, realizing, “If Braxton can do it, I can too!”
The process of writing the book was deeply personal. I reflected on the many children I’ve worked with and the resilience-building techniques I’ve taught in sessions and workshops. I wanted I’ve Got My Bounce Back to be more than just a story—it needed to be a tool for parents, teachers, and counselors to help kids develop emotional intelligence and practical coping skills.
Through Braxton’s journey, I hope to inspire children to embrace their feelings, become stronger after challenges, and know that it’s okay to stumble—as long as they find their “bounce” again.
But even more than that, this story was rooted in my own experiences. As a child, I often struggled with anxiety. Simple things—like speaking in front of the class, trying out for activities, or dealing with unexpected changes—would leave me feeling overwhelmed and unsure of myself. I didn’t always have the words to explain what I was feeling, or the tools to manage it.
What made a difference for me was the encouragement and guidance of those around me—family, teachers, and mentors—who helped me navigate those anxious moments. Over time, I learned how to breathe through my worries, reframe my thoughts, and remind myself that I was capable of handling challenges. These lessons stayed with me into adulthood and inspired my passion for helping children develop the same skills I had to learn along the way.
When I created Braxton Bunny, I drew from those childhood struggles. I wanted children to see a character who felt just like they do when things feel tough—nervous, scared, or unsure—but who learns to find their way through it. Braxton’s journey is a reflection of my own, as well as the journeys of so many kids I’ve worked with.
Through I’ve Got My Bounce Back, I hope to show children that anxiety is something they can face and overcome, one small step at a time. Just like Braxton—and just like I did—they are able to bounce back.
To all the parents, educators, and mental health professionals: I encourage you to help your child build resilience today. Whether through open communication, teaching problem-solving, or modeling positive behaviors, every small effort makes a difference.
Pick up a copy of I’ve Got My Bounce Back—available on Amazon or at ursulataylorauthor.net. Together, we can empower the next generation to become stronger and more resilient.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overcoming Obstacles to Write I’ve Got My Bounce Back
Writing I’ve Got My Bounce Back was a dream come true, but it wasn’t a journey without its challenges. From the time I was a young girl, I’ve always loved books. I was a quiet child who often got lost in the magical world of stories, and I dreamed of one day creating my own. I filled notebooks with ideas, snippets of characters, and storylines, but life had a way of taking over.
As I grew older, I found myself prioritizing other things—school, work, family, and the responsibilities of work. I told myself I would get around to writing a book one day. But one day kept slipping further into the future. Procrastination became my biggest obstacle as I focused on getting “everything else” done first.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. Like so many others, I experienced the devastating loss of people I cared about—friends, family, and colleagues who left us far too soon. Their sudden passing was a wake-up call. It made me reflect on how fleeting life is and how many of them had unfulfilled dreams. I realized that if I didn’t act, I might never bring my own dream of writing a book to life.
It was a turning point for me. I decided there was no time like the present. I sat down and created a plan to finally make my dream a reality. It wasn’t easy—it took careful planning, a lot of patience, and an enormous amount of perseverance. There were times I doubted myself, times when I was too busy or felt unsure. But I kept reminding myself why I started and who I was writing for—the children and adults who needed a story like Braxton Bunny’s.
Years later, that perseverance paid off. I’ve Got My Bounce Back is more than just a book to me; it’s the result of pushing past procrastination, self-doubt, and life’s challenges to achieve something I’d dreamed of since childhood.
If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that dreams don’t have an expiration date, but they do require action. The process reminded me of the very lessons Braxton Bunny teaches—resilience, determination, and the courage to bounce back no matter the obstacles.
We’ve been impressed with Mindscan Solutions , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Mindscan Solutions, we are dedicated to fostering emotional well-being and resilience in young minds. Led by Ursula Taylor, a licensed school psychologist and children’s book author, we provide comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations and mental health workshops. Our offerings extend beyond traditional services, with a focus on emotional intelligence and practical coping skills through engaging workshops and books that make mental health accessible to kids. With resources like teacher guides and mental health-focused children’s literature, we empower educators, parents, and children to thrive both emotionally and academically.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Bringing I’ve Got My Bounce Back to life has been a dream come true, but it takes a village to ensure its message of resilience and emotional well-being reaches as many children as possible. Your support can make all the difference in empowering kids, parents, and educators with the tools they need to thrive. Here are some ways you can support me and collaborate with my mission:
1. Schedule Workshops or Author Visits
Invite me to your school, library, or organization for engaging workshops or author visits. These events are interactive and inspiring, with activities like read-alouds, SEL lessons, and tools to incorporate the book’s themes into everyday life. I also offer professional development workshops for educators on how to integrate I’ve Got My Bounce Back into their curriculum.
2. Purchase My Book and Resources
Support my work by purchasing copies of I’ve Got My Bounce Back for your family, classroom, or library. The book is a wonderful resource for teaching resilience and emotional well-being. Don’t forget to look out for the I’ve Got My Bounce Back Teacher’s Guide—a valuable tool for educators with lesson plans and activities aligned with the book’s themes.
3. Spread the Word
Help me reach more people by sharing information about my book and workshops:
Post about I’ve Got My Bounce Back on your social media platforms, especially Instagram.
Share my website and book links with friends, family, and colleagues.
Recommend the book to local schools, libraries, and bookstores.
4. Host a Community Event
Organize a community book reading, resilience workshop, or mental health event featuring I’ve Got My Bounce Back. These events not only promote emotional wellness but also bring people together to discuss important topics like coping skills and self-awareness.
5. Leave Reviews
If you’ve read I’ve Got My Bounce Back, please leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or my website. Positive reviews help other readers discover the book and amplify its message.
6. Partner with Me
I’m always open to partnerships with schools, organizations, and mental health professionals. Whether it’s co-hosting events, creating resources, or building new programs, let’s collaborate to support children and families.
7. Donate Books to Schools or Libraries
Consider purchasing copies of I’ve Got My Bounce Back to donate to classrooms, school libraries, or community centers. This is a wonderful way to ensure that more children have access to the book’s empowering message.
8. Stay Connected
Follow me on Instagram and other social platforms, and subscribe to my newsletter for updates on new projects, upcoming events, and additional resources.
Every Effort Counts
Your support, no matter how big or small, helps spread the message of resilience and emotional wellness.
Together, we can make a lasting impact on children, families, and educators. Let’s collaborate to help kids everywhere find their “bounce” and grow stronger!
Visit ursulataylorauthor.net to learn more, schedule events, or get in touch. Thank you for believing in my mission!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ursulataylorauthor.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ursulataylor_author
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ursulataylor5075
