Finding Hope in The Nature of Change
René Marsh has told powerful stories as a journalist for more than two decades, but her work as a children’s author reflects an even deeper, more personal calling.
An Emmy-nominated CNN national correspondent, René has translated her skill for storytelling into heartfelt books that help young readers and their families navigate life’s most difficult moments with courage and compassion.
Her latest book, The Nature of Change: Lessons of Determination, Resilience, and Hope from the Outside World, released in March through HarperCollins/Zonderkidz, beautifully encapsulates this mission. Written for children ages 4-8, the book centers on siblings Kit and Amal as they cope with a major life change after moving to a new home. Everything feels unfamiliar, and while their parents gently remind them that change is a natural part of life, the siblings aren’t exactly convinced—it’s hard to feel brave when everything feels different.
Her latest book, The Nature of Change: Lessons of Determination, Resilience, and Hope from the Outside World, released in March through HarperCollins/Zonderkidz, beautifully encapsulates this mission. Written for children ages 4-8, the book centers on siblings Kit and Amal as they cope with a major life change after moving to a new home. Everything feels unfamiliar, and while their parents gently remind them that change is a natural part of life, the siblings aren’t exactly convinced—it’s hard to feel brave when everything feels different.
Luckily, a little outdoor exploration goes a long way.
As the siblings explore the woods behind their new house, they notice something remarkable: nature itself is constantly adapting. Towering trees weather storms, delicate spiders rebuild their webs, and climbing morning glories reach toward the sun. Through these vivid observations, René gently illustrates that change, while often uncomfortable, can also be a source of strength and renewal.
The story becomes a poetic guide, showing young readers that resilience and hope are all around us if we know where to look.
A Story Inspired by Personal Loss and Resilience
What makes this book especially meaningful is the deeply personal experience behind it. René wrote The Nature of Change after losing her first child, Blake, to brain cancer. In her grief, she found solace in the natural world, drawing inspiration from its quiet lessons of perseverance and growth. That emotional truth shines through every page, offering comfort not only to children but also to the adults who read alongside them.
Her passion for storytelling and advocacy doesn’t stop there. Her first book, The Miracle Workers: Boy vs. Beast, gained national attention with features on The Today Show, ABC, and CNN. Notably, all proceeds from that book were donated to pediatric brain cancer research, a testament to her commitment to making a real-world impact.
Today, René continues to inspire both through her journalism and her children’s literature. She lives in the Washington, D.C. metro area with her husband and daughter, balancing her professional achievements with her role as a mother and advocate.
Meet René Marsh at the Hoopla Booth
Fans and readers will have an opportunity to meet René in person at this year’s ALA Conference in Chicago. She will host a live Q&A and book signing in the Hoopla booth on Saturday, June 27, from 2-2:45 p.m.
