Morgan McKenzie isn’t just writing a picture book — she’s forging a movement of purpose and empowerment for the next generation. She is deeply committed to connecting childhood wonder with emotional strength. Morgan has transformed her personal meditation journey into a mission that resonates. Her book, Zion’s Happy Place, invites young readers to explore their feelings and tap into the power of mindfulness, sparking an inner drive to create a meaningful future.
At the heart of Morgan’s work is a deep conviction: nurturing a child’s emotional world lays the groundwork for a life filled with purpose. Drawing on her rich background as a voiceover artist, radio personality, and former professor, she uses her experiences to guide children on a transformative path of self-discovery and resilience. Her vision is bold — empower every young mind to see their emotions as the building blocks of a fulfilling, dynamic life.
What inspired you to focus on creating a picture book for children?
Morgan: My meditation journey began in 2017, and it has profoundly improved my quality of life. I realized that mindfulness techniques, like meditation, would have been invaluable during my childhood. This realization sparked the idea to create a fun picture book that helps children learn about mindfulness, engage with their emotions, and explore their imagination through meditation.
Who do you envision as the ideal reader for your book, and what age group are you targeting?
Morgan: I envision the ideal reader for “Zion’s Happy Place” to be early readers, ages 3–8. The book features bright illustrations and tells a story that teaches life lessons while helping children learn to read and write independently. I also see parents, guardians, and teachers as ideal readers, eager to help children navigate big emotions in a healthy way. The book provides practical steps for adults to connect with children through meditation.
What does success mean to you?
Morgan: As cliché as it may sound, I believe success is more of a journey than a destination. It’s about a series of incremental, intentional wins in life — whether they are small or large, personal or public. These wins are rooted in personal validation and self-fulfillment along the way.
Can you share the inspiration behind writing your book?
Morgan: While teaching movement classes at Millwood Elementary, I often meditated to ground myself after the chaos of dancing with kids. One day, I didn’t have the chance to meditate before class, and the children were particularly wired. Out of desperation, I turned off the lights and said, “We are going to go to our Happy Place.” I created the Happy Place meditation exercise on the spot, and to my surprise, the kids loved it! This experience highlighted the importance of soothing big emotions, both for children and adults.
What does your writing process look like? Do you have any specific routines or rituals that help you stay creative?
Morgan: My writing process is very fluid. I don’t stick to a strict routine; I write when I feel inspired. I carry sticky notes and notepads in my purse to jot down ideas whenever they come to me. I’m currently working on two other books with different concepts, and I approach them when my spirit moves me. I respect my unorthodox writing process, as it allows for creativity to flow naturally.
Do you believe in work-life balance? If so, how do you maintain it?
Morgan: Absolutely! Work-life balance is essential for me. Without it, I can’t be my best self for others. I value rest just as much as productivity. I enjoy moving my body through boxing, dance, and yoga. Silence and meditation are rituals I practice at the beginning and end of my day. Ensuring I rest properly gives me the energy to enthusiastically tackle whatever comes next.
What message do you hope readers take away from “Zion’s Happy Place”?
Morgan: I hope readers understand the power of breathing and mindfulness. My aim is to inspire children to harness their own power by accessing and feeling their emotions through meditation. Equipping them with these tools early on gives them a significant advantage in navigating life’s ups and downs.
Connect on Instagram @morganmckenziemedia
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