Jean Nishimura
Inspiring Children to See Their Brilliance and Embrace Their Uniqueness
Meet Jean!
Jean Miki Nishimura is an Intervention Teacher. She holds an MA in Education and a Specialist Instruction in Reading and Language Arts Credential. She works as a Retirement Planning Advisor in the financial industry, and was recognized as an Influential Woman in 2026. Jean is an alumna of UCLA and CSUN.
Although Jean looks forward to her travels and experiencing new places she appreciates living in sunny Southern California. She enjoys spending her leisure time with Jeff and their Maltipoo Rocket, as well as visiting their friends, grown children, and extended family.
As an author, Jean’s goal is to help children recognize and celebrate their special gifts. She hopes to inspire children to embrace a positive mindset and to apply their own special qualities with confidence.
Jean believes every child has a story worth celebrating—and she’s here to help them see how special they are.
Little Shelf, Big Imagination
The Head in the Clouds Duckling
It’s time for Mother Duck to take her ducklings on an adventure! But one little duckling, Hank, just can’t keep his head out of the clouds.
This heartwarming story celebrates unconditional love, family acceptance, and the beauty of being different. Through Hank’s eyes, children learn to embrace who they are, explore with curiosity, and recognize their amazing potential.
A delightful story that uplifts, teaches, and inspires — perfect for parents, educators, and young readers alike.
Look Up and Hear the Music
Miki waits excitedly for the arrival of Mrs. Stone, her piano teacher. Mrs. Stone’s enthusiastic sharing of songs filled Miki with the joy of playing the piano. When Miki hears and plays the songs she senses the comforting sights and sounds around her. Despite having a much loved and well-practiced song for a piano performance, the unexpected happens.
This story is based on Miki’s memories of her childhood piano performances. It is a tribute to her special teachers, Mrs. Stone and Ozawa Sensei, who inspired and encouraged her love of music. The story
Look Up and Hear the Music conveys the magic of visualizing a positive outcome, while sensing the beauty around us, to overcome challenges. This will allow us to persist at what we are meant to do.
Sweet Notes from Readers
As someone who writes for children and deeply cares about helping shy kids grow into confident leaders, this story touched my heart. Hank reminded me of so many little ones I’ve met—full of wonder, easily distracted, yet brimming with potential. The Head in the Clouds Duckling is an imaginative adventure that celebrates curiosity, resilience, and finding your own place in the world. Jean Nishimura has created a gem that families and classrooms will cherish.
~ Chelsea Chong Kim
Award-Winning Author of the Carol the Carrot Series, Podcast Host, Content Creator, Educator
A charming story with beautiful illustrations that stresses the importance of never giving up and keeping one’s cultural roots alive.
~ Sandra Martin-Denis
Author of Why the Turtle Walks So Slowly and Marisol Can’t Sleep
With gentle storytelling and a subtle message about the importance of being alert and listening to your instincts, The Head in the Clouds Duckling is perfect for ages 4-8. It is a beautiful story that reassures children it’s okay to be unique and that sometimes, being a little different can help save the day.
~ Liliana Tommasini
Award-Winning Children’s Book Author
This story is a love letter to music and shows the discipline and passion required to confidently share that love with others. Throughout the whole story, the music invokes specific imagery and memories for the young musician, Miki. It reveals how the musician’s own relationship to performing their art is just as magical as how it is received by the audience. Miki’s experiences of music transporting her elsewhere are deeply relatable to any fellow creatives. I adore how it’s a story that demonstrates what loving mentorship looks like, exemplified through encouraging adults, and how a child finds her inner confidence to share her love of music.
~ Allie Nerderman
MA, LPCC, Mental Health Counselor, Capybara Counseling, LLC
☁️ Flying High: The Head in the Clouds Duckling Features & Interviews
Catch up on Jean’s heartwarming conversations about celebrating differences, embracing our unique gifts, and the magic behind her Mom’s Choice Gold Award-winning story!
KGET-TV 17 Bakersfield’s Studio 17 Live
Our beloved author, Jean Nishimura, was recently featured on KGET-TV 17 Bakersfield’s Studio 17 Live with host Kait Hill in celebration of National Mental Health Awareness Month. In this uplifting interview, Jean shares how her new children’s book, The Head in the...
A Cozy Story Time at Captain’s Corner!
Imagine grabbing your softest blanket, snuggling up with your favorite little readers, and settling in for a beautiful story. We are bubbling with excitement to share that our Jean’s beloved book, The Head in the Clouds Duckling, was just featured on the charming...
PR From The Heart’s Children’s Books Spotlight Series
In this featured interview, educator and children’s author Jean Nishimura shares her inspiring journey of turning childhood challenges into creative purpose. She reflects on how art and writing became tools of healing and self-expression, shaping her lifelong passion...
🎹 Striking a Chord: Look Up and Hear the Music Features & Interviews
Listen in as Jean shares the personal childhood memories, the profound impact of her piano teachers, and the message of joyful resilience that inspired her newest release.
Celebrating the Release of Look Up and Hear the Music with Miriam Laundry!
Imagine sitting down for an inspiring chat about music, childhood memories, and the power of perseverance. You are invited to do just that by tuning into a very special interview featuring award-winning author Jean Miki Nishimura and the wonderful Miriam Laundry! As...
🏫 Out in the World: Events & Story Times
From making paper bag puppets to theatrical read-alouds, see where Jean has been sharing her stories, connecting with families, and celebrating literacy in the community!
A Joyful Story Time at Barnes & Noble, Ventura
Imagine stepping into a cozy bookstore, surrounded by the rustle of pages and the happy chatter of families. We are absolutely thrilled to share that our Jean recently experienced this exact magic! She received a wonderful invitation from Barnes & Noble Ventura's...
Safari Story Time Fun at Aspen Elementary School
Picture a wild, exciting evening packed with literary adventures! We were over the moon when our Jean was invited to Aspen Elementary School's Safari Story Time. If you had walked through the doors, you would have seen Jean reading The Head in the Clouds Duckling...
Bringing Characters to Life at Claremont Presbyterian Children’s Center
You know how fun it is to hear a story read out loud, but imagine the excitement of seeing the characters brought to life right in front of you! We were absolutely delighted when our Jean made a special guest appearance at the Claremont Presbyterian Children’s Center....
Invite Jean to Your Next Event!
Jean loves visiting schools, libraries, and community events to share her stories and inspire children to celebrate their individuality.
Her interactive presentations encourage kids to read, dream, and believe in their own unique gifts.
Stay Connected
Jean loves hearing from readers, teachers, and families! Share how her book inspired your little one, invite her to your school or library, or just drop by to say hello — she’d be thrilled to hear from you!
Stay in Touch!
Follow Jean for book updates, reading fun, and little glimpses behind the scenes of her creative world.
Copyright © 2026 Jean Nishimura | Website Design by Leng & Co.