You Matter, Luma – A Children’s Book About Self-Worth
You Matter Luma is a heartwarming picture book that helps children ages 3–8 discover they are worthy exactly as they are. Through Luma the Bunny’s gentle journey, kids learn that their value isn’t earned — it’s already inside them. A perfect bedtime story and classroom read-aloud that builds confidence, courage, and kindness.
Why John R. Miles Wrote You Matter, Luma
When I was five, a traumatic brain injury left me with a severe speech impediment and an eye patch. I felt invisible. I was convinced no one wanted to hear what I had to say.
A speech therapist changed everything. Her kindness showed me that my voice mattered. That moment became the heart of this book.
You Matter, Luma was written to break the cycle — to tell every child what I wish someone had told me:
“You matter simply because you exist.”
The Bigger Story: The You Matter Series
Children’s Books About Self-Worth and Belonging
The You Matter Series is a growing collection of children’s books that nurture self-worth, kindness, and emotional intelligence. Starting with You Matter, Luma, each story gently helps kids feel seen, valued, and brave — creating a beautiful world called the Matteringverse.
You matter luma
About the Book
In a magical forest lives a small bunny named Luma who sometimes wonders, “Do I matter?”
This heartfelt picture book follows Luma’s journey as she discovers that her worth isn’t tied to what she does — it’s part of who she is. A cozy, reassuring story for ages 3–8 that helps children feel safe, seen, and loved exactly as they are.
Feel safe, seen, and loved exactly as they are
Know their worth isn’t something they have to earn
Find courage when everything feels new or scary
Feel brave enough to share their true feelings
Notice the quiet ways they already make the world brighter
John R. Miles is an award-winning author and the host of the popular Passion Struck podcast, where he explores how people can live with more intention and emotional well-being. He has spent years helping others rediscover the deep power of mattering, a theme at the heart of his children’s stories.
His own two adult children grew up loving picture books and cozy story time, and those early reading moments inspired his belief that every child deserves to feel valued and loved in the stories they hold close. You Matter, Luma is the first book in that mission.
John lives in Clearwater, Florida with his wife and their two delightfully chaotic dogs, Bentley and Luma. Luma is the newest addition to the family and proudly serves as the unofficial Chief Happiness Officer, because she believes cuddles solve just about everything. When a tiny rescue puppy with a gentle, big-hearted spirit came home, John’s wife took one look and said, “Her name has to be Luma,” inspired by the bunny in this book. And just like that, Luma became part of their story.
When John isn’t writing about belonging and bravery, he is usually drinking too much coffee, losing negotiations with his dogs, or wandering outside pretending to “think deeply” while actually procrastinating. He is also known to read towering stacks of books, experiment with new recipes, and plan the next adventure.
John is a lifelong advocate for emotional connection and believes stories are one of the most powerful ways to remind children—and grown-ups—that they matter.
About the Illustrator, Nejla Shojaie
For Press & Partners
We are building partnerships for publication, distribution, education, and community initiatives around gentle children’s books about self-worth and belonging. If you’re interested in bringing "You Matter, Luma" and the growing Matteringverse series to your readers, schools, classrooms, or platform, I would love to connect.
You matter luma
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is You Matter, Luma for?
The book is designed for children ages 3–8. It works beautifully as a read-aloud for younger kids and as a self-read book for ages 6–8.
What is the main message of the book?
You matter simply because you exist. Your worth is not earned by achievements — it is already inside you.
Is this part of a series?
Yes. You Matter, Luma is the first book in the You Matter Series — a growing collection of gentle children’s books about self-worth, kindness, and belonging.
Can this book be used in schools or therapy?
Absolutely. It’s an excellent SEL (social-emotional learning) resource for classrooms, counselors, and therapists.
Who is the author?
John R. Miles, award-winning author and host of the Passion Struck podcast.