Welcome to Bette’s Book Nook!
Snuggle in, turn the page, and let the stories begin.
Hi! I’m Bette Saffran, and I believe every child deserves stories that light up their imagination and leave a sprinkle of joy in their hearts. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or a curious little reader, I’m so glad you’ve found your way here.
Explore my growing collection of heartfelt children’s books, meet my characters, and discover resources for reading, learning, and family fun. There’s always a new adventure waiting — and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Bette Saffran is a passionate children’s author and illustrator who believes big lessons often come in small packages. With a background rooted in storytelling and family values, Bette brings warmth, wisdom, and heart to every page she creates. Her Tiny Steam Tug series teaches young readers about kindness, courage, responsibility, and the power of believing in yourself—no matter your size. A lifelong advocate for early childhood development, Bette writes to inspire both children and parents to grow stronger together through relatable stories and imaginative adventures. She lives in St. Augustine, Florida, where she continues to craft tales that uplift, educate, and empower.
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Tiny Steam Tug
A heartwarming tale about courage, kindness, and discovering your inner strength.
When the town faces a coal shortage in the middle of winter, only one tugboat is available to help—but he’s small and unsure of himself. Tiny Steam Tug must find the confidence to take on a big job and prove that even the smallest among us can do mighty things. With encouragement from Grandpa Tug and a heart full of love, Tiny learns that it’s not your size that matters, but the strength of your heart.
Big Lessons From a Tiny Steam Tug
Sometimes, the most important lessons are learned at bedtime.
Drake doesn’t want to nap—but when his mom reads him a story about a little tugboat who saves the day, Drake discovers that rest is essential to being strong and smart. As he drifts off to sleep, Drake imagines himself as the Tiny Steam Tug, realizing that just like the boat, he needs sleep to grow, help others, and be his very best.
Our Latest Blog
The 28 family routines that can boost your child’s development
Parent(s) have some time each day for just talking with the children.
Parent(s) have certain things they do every morning while getting ready to start the day
Working parent has a regular play time with the children after coming home from work
Working parent takes care of the children sometime almost every day
Moral values play a crucial role in the development of children.
In child development, moral values are paramount. They act as guiding principles, shaping attitudes and behaviors crucial for navigating society. Thus, instilling these values early through stories, like “Adventures of Ellie and Nip,” is vital for holistic growth and building a just, compassionate society.
Regular reading exposes children to language, vocabulary, and concepts
Reading to your child daily can contribute significantly to their development and help them become well-rounded individuals.
Reading helps develop their cognitive skills, including language acquisition, comprehension, and critical thinking.