She is a Barrington Middle School counselor … and an author. 

Stephanie Ann Nary recently wrote the children’s book “The Friendship Garden” which shares the story of a young girl facing the challenges of navigating new friendships. 

Nary, who grew up in Portsmouth, said she pulled from her own experiences while creating the book. 

“As a middle school counselor, I’ve witnessed firsthand how children often struggle with maintaining friendships, especially as they switch between friend groups,” Nary wrote in a message to the Barrington Times. “I wanted to create a resource that would help guide students through these challenges by presenting friendships as something that requires nurturing, much like a garden. 

“The book offers practical insights that children and preteens can relate to, making it an excellent resource for both parents and educators. I have even had many adults reach out to tell me how much they appreciated the lessons from the story in relation to their own friendships.”

“The Friendship Garden” follows the story of Poppy, a young girl starting middle school who faces the challenges of navigating new friendships. With the guidance of her wise “Vovo” and a trip to a secret garden in Portugal, Poppy learns valuable lessons about patience, growth and understanding in her friendships. 

“This heartwarming story is aimed at helping children understand the complexities of friendship, especially as they transition into middle school, an age when social dynamics can be particularly challenging,” stated a recent media release. 

Nary said she is also planning to write additional children’s books in the future. She said the books will address some of the needs she sees surfacing with students every day. 

“My next book will be published by July/August titled, ‘Don't Expect a Zebra,’” Nary wrote. “This story will address the increasing number of children and teenagers who experience overwhelming worry thoughts throughout the day.”

“The Friendship Garden” has already garnered positive feedback online and risen to number seven on the Amazon New Release list for books under the “Communications and Social Skills” category.