In My Mind Awareness Tour is presented in partnership* with Carmen Hernández and The Children’s Book Review.
Join us as we kick off the virtual tour for In My Mind by Carmen Hernández, a thoughtful story that explores the challenges and joys of a child’s first day at school.
Starting school is both exciting and overwhelming for Camilo. As his first day unfolds, the classroom feels busy and distracting, making it hard for him to focus, speak up, or feel like he belongs. Lost in daydreams and big feelings, Camilo struggles to find his place—until small, unexpected joys begin to shine through. In My Mind is a heartwarming story that thoughtfully captures the experience of a child navigating his first day of school with ADHD.
In My Mind is a charming picture book … that fully captures the challenges of a child with ADHD who is having to navigate his way through the first day of school.
Exceptional, original, a fun and supportive read from cover to cover, In My Mind from Mascot Kids is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick…
—The Midwest Book Review
Readers who join us on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of three hardcover copies of In My Mind by Carmen Hernández, a thoughtful story that captures the ups and downs of a child’s first day of school. Don’t miss your chance to add this compassionate read to your bookshelf—enter below!
In My Mind
Virtual Tour Dates
| Monday, February 2, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of In My Mind |
| Tuesday, February 3, 2026 The Starlit Path Book Review of In My Mind |
| Wednesday, February 4, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about In My Mind |
| Thursday, February 5, 2026 Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers Book Review of In My Mind |
| Friday, February 6, 2026 @avainbookland Instagram Post about In My Mind |
| Monday, February 9, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of In My Mind |
| Tuesday, February 10, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of In My Mind |
| Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of In My Mind |
| Thursday, February 12, 2026 Un Viaje en Libro Book Activity for In My Mind |
| Friday, February 13, 2026 The Little Free Library Mystery Network Instagram Post about In My Mind |
| Monday, February 16, 2026 Froggy Read Teach Instagram Post about In My Mind |
| Tuesday, February 17, 2026 @bored_military_wife Instagram Post about In My Mind |
| Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Lisa’s Reading Book Review of In My Mind |
| Thursday, February 19, 2026 Confessions of a Book Addict Book Spotlight on In My Mind |
| Friday, February 20, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of In My Mind |
| Monday, February 23, 2026 A Blue Box Full of Books Instagram Post about In My Mind |
| Tuesday, February 24, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Instagram Post about In My Mind |
| Wednesday, February 25, 2026 @tinks_books_and_fosters Instagram Post about In My Mind |
In My Mind Book Giveaway
In My Mind: Book GiveawayAbout the Book
In My Mind
Written by Carmen Hernández
Illustrated by HV Helmut
Ages: 3-8 | 38 Pages
Publisher: Mascot Kids! (2026) | ISBN: 979-8891382909
Publisher’s Book Summary: Starting school is both terrifying and exciting for Camilo. He wonders what his new teacher and classmates will think of him. But, as the day unfolds, Camilo has a hard time fitting in. The classroom feels overwhelming, and he battles nerves that make it hard to focus or speak up. He gets distracted, daydreaming about far-away places, and sometimes he forgets that he is in school altogether. But as the day goes on, Camilo discovers unexpected joys.
This heartwarming story captures the challenges of a child with ADHD who has to navigate a busy first day at school.
Buy the Book
About the Author
Carmen Y. Hernández was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and moved to the United States at the age of five. Carmen is the first in her family of five to earn a master’s degree in general education. With fifteen years of experience as an educator, she has witnessed a growing number of students with undiagnosed cases of dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and intermittent explosive disorder (IED).
Through this book, Carmen hopes to raise awareness among a new generation of parents about the increasing prevalence of these disorders and the importance of understanding and supporting children with these challenges.
About the Illustrator
Helmut Hernández V, also known as “HV Helmut,” is a professional graphic designer specializing in children’s book illustration. Based in Colombia, he has collaborated with authors and publishing houses around the world. He loves details, animals, plants, and nature—elements that frequently appear in his illustrations.
With each project, he strives to grow and explore his personal style—experimenting with characters, colors, forms, and contrasting elements. He believes that staying connected to his inner soul and thoughts is the best way to artistic progress. Creative freedom is essential to him, and he enjoys reading stories from different perspectives, seeing it as a way to grow as an artist.
Thanks for following along with us on Carmen Hernández’s In My Mind awareness tour!
23 Comments
I think this would be a great book to read to my youngest granddaughter. She will be starting school in the fall.
School was my happy place…show you want to learn and doors will open for you.
Fabulous book, thanks!
Do you have any advice for new writers?
cute cover
The system shorted me 1 point entry. Instead of “10 bonus” it only gave me 9.
What is in the works for 2026?
What was the scariest moment in your main character’s life?
You will face hardships through your pathway to adulthood, but you will learn to cherish the lessons you learned.
What is the craziest myth you’ve ever heard of?
can i buy this on audible?
What is your favourite topic to research for your books?
How old were you when you decided you wanted to be an author?
Did you watch the Superbowl or use that time to write?
What’s the best advice you’ve given a friend?
Do you have a daily writing schuedule?
What improvements would you like to make to your writing?
Tell me your best technique for world building.
How do you avoid burnout?
What is the most important grammar tip you know?
Who do you look up to as a writer?
What was your best story you’ve told?
I would love to give this book to my grandson.