Sep. 30—"Under the twinkling lights of Starbrook Elementary School, happy laughter bubbled up from room 241. This was Mrs. Pickleberry's 4th-grade classroom, " begins South Preston teacher Danielle Albright's recently self-published children's book, "Marigold Worries."

The book tells the story of Marigold, a fourth-grade student who struggles with anxiety surrounding classroom activities like timed tests or presentations. Marigold and her teacher, Mrs. Pickleberry, work together to establish resources and strategies to help manage this anxiety, helping Marigold feel more comfortable and confident.

The story is based on one of Albright's past students, fifth grader Lylah Nestor.

"Lylah was a fourth grader last year in my classroom, and I noticed that she was having some issues with worrying. So we decided together to create a plan that would help her in the classroom, " said Albright. "With that plan, I realized how much it had worked for her. So, I thought that I shouldn't keep this a secret ; it should be something that is shared with anyone who has an issue such as worrying in the classroom."

Albright has been teaching for 14 years and has taught fourth grade for nine of those years. Albright always knew she wanted to teach, and writing a children's book has been another goal of hers. When she noticed Nestor's struggles last year, she felt inspired to help other children cope with their anxieties and realize that anything can be overcome with a helping hand and confidence in yourself.

"Another reason I wrote this book is so that kids could see that anyone can write a book. You don't have to be rich ; you don't have to be famous, " said Albright. "Sometimes they don't see themselves as capable of doing these things, and I wanted to show my students that it's possible. If you dream it, you can do it."

This is only the beginning of Albright's authorship. She has two more books in the works. One is based on her son Austin, with a story that encourages children to understand their peers with autism.

"Sometimes kids, especially new kids that don't really know him, they don't understand why he flaps or why he is making noise, " said Albright. "So, the book is all about why Austin does what Austin does, and it's really for his peers."

Albright's third book is inspired by a student who struggles with perfectionism. It aims to help children feel secure and sure of themselves when trying new things.