I WILL
A story of self-affirmation and patience
Every child grows at their own pace and that timing deserves to be honored. At Mending Beautiful Minds, we believe emotional growth should feel safe, gentle, and deeply human. Founded by Mari, this space was created to nurture confidence, patience, and self-worth in children through meaningful storytelling and intentional creativity.
Mari’s debut children’s book, Avo: I Will, reflects this mission beautifully. Through a tender story and heartfelt illustrations, children are reminded that they don’t need to rush to become who they are. Welcome to a place where growth is never hurried, and becoming is always celebrated.
About The Author
Mari Maldonado
Mind behind Avo: I WILL
A writer and the founder of Mending Beautiful Minds, a platform rooted in emotional awareness, patience, and compassionate parenting. As a mother, Mari has witnessed firsthand how often children feel pressure to “keep up”, to grow, adapt, and succeed faster than they’re ready to. Her writing is shaped by those moments: the quiet doubts children carry, the unspoken comparisons, and the need for reassurance that growth doesn’t follow a single timeline. Mari writes with intention, not to rush children forward, but to remind them they are already worthy.
Avo: I Will
Story about patience and self-belief
Avo is an avocado who knows there’s something special inside him, even when others don’t see it. As he faces doubt, rejection, and comparison, Avo begins to question his worth and readiness. But instead of forcing change, his journey teaches a powerful lesson: growth happens naturally, quietly, and exactly when it’s meant to.
Written for young children and the adults who guide them, Avo: I Will offers reassurance to kids who feel “behind,” different, or unsure of themselves. Each page pairs thoughtful storytelling with gentle illustrations that invite calm, reflection, and conversation.
testimonials
Here is what parents think about I WILL
Read the reviews of early readers, Parents who loved I WILL
This is a thoughtfully written book that communicates patience, emotional safety, and self-acceptance in a way children truly understand. The message feels both comforting and empowering, creating space for reflection and reassurance without ever rushing the lesson. It gently reminds children that growth takes time and that they are enough as they are.
The language and illustrations work together beautifully, making the experience feel warm and inviting from start to finish. It’s a meaningful resource for parents, therapists, and educators supporting children through emotional milestones.
Laura K.
Child Therapist & Parent
Avo: I Will is one of those rare books that speaks just as much to parents as it does to children. My child felt comforted by Avo’s journey, and it opened up gentle conversations about patience and self-worth. It’s now part of our nightly routine, and we return to it often.
Sarah L.
Parent
Reading Avo: I Will with my child was a powerful reminder that not everything needs to be rushed. The story helped my child understand that feeling ‘not ready’ is okay. It’s gentle, reassuring, and something we both connected with on a deeper level than expected.
Daniel M.
Father
This book beautifully supports social-emotional learning in a way that feels natural for children. Avo’s story allows kids to see that growth happens differently for everyone. I’ve used it in my classroom, and the conversations it sparked were thoughtful and meaningful.
Emily R.
Early Childhood Educator
READY TO BEGIN THE JOURNEY?
Every child deserves to grow without pressure, comparison, or doubt.
Avo: I Will is more than a book, it’s a gentle reminder that becoming yourself takes time, and that timing is something to be trusted. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver, this story offers comfort, reassurance, and meaningful moments of connection.
Join a growing community that believes emotional growth should feel safe, patient, and kind. Start conversations that matter, create bedtime moments that linger, and give children the confidence to trust their own journey.
Because being ready isn’t about speed, it’s about believing in yourself.
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