Kimberly Mathis Will Release Children Book October 24

Author M.A. Thist will debut a new story designed to help children aged 7 to 12 navigate the experience of grief.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Pre-Teens

Kimberly Mathis Will Release Children Book October 24

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Author Kimberly Mathis, writing under the pseudonym M.A. Thist, will release her new book, Kimmie Pooh & Suga Bugga: The Empathy Machine of Yamtasticville, on October 24, 2026. The debut work aims to provide children with a way to process grief through its narrative and family resources.

Why it matters

The book serves as a tool for families to discuss loss, incorporating discussion questions and grief support resources alongside the narrative. It seeks to offer comfort and guidance to young readers encountering difficult emotions.

The book features 12 chapters and 61 full-color illustrations created for children aged 7 to 12. It will be available in paperback and Kindle formats via Amazon.

The players

Kimberly Mathis

The author, also known by the pseudonym M.A. Thist, is a resident of Gilmer, Texas.

Elnora Finch Marshall

She was the late grandmother of the author and served as the inspiration for characters in the book.

The details

The story features characters based on the author and her late grandmother, Elnora Finch Marshall, to help ground the themes of the book. In addition to the narrative, the text includes a dedicated section for families containing discussion questions and ideas for honoring a loved one.

October 24, 2026: The book will be officially released.

Culture Shift

The rise of grief-focused youth literature marks a departure from traditional children stories by prioritizing emotional support alongside entertainment. This shift reflects a growing societal focus on providing accessible psychological tools directly to young readers.

Residents in Rowlett and beyond can access the book through Amazon for personal or educational use starting on the release date. The inclusion of discussion questions allows families to integrate the support materials into their own reading routines.

The takeaway

Using literature to facilitate difficult conversations about grief can provide children with a sense of understanding and connection. Families are encouraged to utilize the included discussion resources to foster open dialogue after reading the story.