When Love Becomes the Bravest Medicine

In this deeply moving story, Mistymoto, a caring, intuitive cocker spaniel, guides young readers through a journey of change, resilience, and healing. When her dad becomes suddenly ill, Mistymoto must navigate fear, uncertainty, and the long wait for his return. Through her eyes, children learn about empathy, courage, and the power of staying close when life feels scary. With gentle storytelling and emotional honesty, Mistymoto and the Heart of a Nurse offers comfort to children experiencing illness in the family, separation, or big life changes. It reminds readers that love is brave, hope is steady, and even the smallest hearts can carry great strength. A perfect read for classrooms, families, and anyone who believes in the healing power of a loyal friend.

Todd Reese is a passionate storyteller and illustrator whose children’s books celebrate kindness, courage, and the quiet power of caring. His creativity has always been shaped by curiosity, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to helping others. As a veteran social worker with decades of experience, Todd developed a deep belief in the healing power of stories—especially those that comfort, empower, and uplift young readers. Throughout his career, Todd also built an extensive background in grant writing and program development, skills that strengthened his ability to design supportive, community focused initiatives. These experiences now inform his writing, giving his stories a grounded emotional truth and a gentle understanding of resilience. Todd found his voice as a children’s author through the beloved character Mistymoto the Caring Cocker Spaniel, inspired by his own rescued spaniels. His writing blends emotional honesty with gentle adventure, reflecting themes of perseverance, community, and the beauty of adapting to life’s unexpected changes. His personal journey of adjusting to partial vision loss has further enriched his storytelling, infusing his books with empathy, hope, and a profound appreciation for everyday courage. He is the author of several heartwarming titles in the Mistymoto series, including Mistymoto Becomes a Nurse, Mistymoto and the Howling Wind, and Mistymoto’s Mystery. Todd’s illustrations often feature real scenes from his Jacksonville, Florida neighborhood, grounding Mistymoto’s adventures in familiar warmth and community spirit. Now retired and based in Jacksonville, Todd continues to write, foster senior cocker spaniels, and collect antiques and vintage dishes. Through every book he creates, he hopes to inspire children to see the world with compassion, curiosity, and wonder.