( ENSPIRE She Did That ) “Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl” Teaches Children Teamwork, Perseverance, And Friendship
In a world that often emphasizes conformity, Chelsea Chong Kim, a veteran elementary school teacher, is championing the beauty of individuality. With over a decade of experience nurturing young minds, Kim has extended her passion for education beyond the classroom walls and into the pages of her first children’s book, “Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl.” More than just a charming story, “Carol the Carrot” is a vibrant metaphor, using a salad bowl filled with diverse fruits and vegetables to represent each child’s unique flavors and contributions to the world. This book is a testament to Kim’s dedication to fostering leadership, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for differences, particularly among young girls. Join us as we delve into Kim’s inspiring journey and explore how “Carol the Carrot” cultivates a brighter future, one child at a time.
Kim is a teacher with over a decade of experience in elementary education. She strives to teach children important life lessons, which has been possible since releasing her book “Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl,” which embraces uniqueness in everyone regarding their culture and how they learn and express themselves. She wrote this book about a salad bowl using fruits and vegetables as a metaphor for celebrating children’s individuality and leadership. Her goal is to touch children’s hearts and preserve and embrace differences. In addition, Kim has a podcast called “Chelsea Story Nook,” where she interviews authors from around the globe, bringing their stories directly to families. Chelsea’s guests share their insights and passion firsthand, helping you discover the perfect stories for your children.
We spoke with Kim about the challenges and successes of writing a children’s book, her writing strategies, and how the themes of leadership and inclusivity were put into her book. In addition, she shared her publishing knowledge from her podcast “Chelsea Story Nook” and how she came up with the metaphor of fruits and vegetables for her book from her classroom. Lastly, Kim discusses her aspirations for her book in other schools and much more.
What were the challenges and successes of writing your first children’s book, and what were some writing strategies that helped you translate your themes of teamwork, inclusivity, and leadership into a story children could easily grasp?
Writing “Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl” was an adventure—equal parts exciting, emotional, and (if I’m being honest) a little nerve-wracking! The biggest challenge was ensuring that these big ideas—teamwork, inclusivity, and leadership—felt natural and fun for kids to absorb. I didn’t want to just tell children about these values; I wanted them to experience them through Carol’s journey.
One of the strategies that really helped was storytelling through action. Instead of saying, “Teamwork is important,” I showed Carol experiencing the ups and downs of being a leader, sometimes getting it right, sometimes not, and learning along the way. Friendship and making friends played a significant role, too—especially when Mandy tells Carol, “I’m not an Orange, I’m a Mandarin! And my name is not Orange.” That scene holds a special place in my heart because it highlights something so real—how names and identities matter. It’s a moment that encourages kids to see and respect others for who they truly are.
The biggest success? Seeing kids light up when they realize they have leadership qualities within them, just like Carol. That’s the magic of books—helping kids see themselves in the stories they read!
Share with us when you created the podcast “Chelsea Story Nook”? What have you learned about the publishing industry, writing children’s books, and other inspirational stories from authors you have talked to?
Chelsea’s Story Nook was born out of my love for stories and my curiosity about the incredible minds behind them. When I started writing, I quickly realized that the publishing world is a maze—filled with twists, turns, and unexpected surprises. The podcast became a space to learn from authors on this journey and share that wisdom with others.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned? There’s no one-size-fits-all path to publishing. Some authors self-publish and thrive, while others find their perfect fit with traditional publishers. What matters most is believing in your story and finding the right people who believe in it, too. Another incredible takeaway has been discovering the deep why behind every book. Every author I’ve spoken to has a personal connection to their story, and that is what makes their books resonate. Authors’ resilience has also inspired me—how they push through rejection, stay true to their voice, and keep writing because they know their stories matter. It’s a reminder that every book on a shelf was once just an idea in someone’s heart—and that’s pretty amazing!
I’ve also learned so much about the behind-the-scenes aspects of growing as an author from the ground up—not just as a writer but a business owner. It’s been incredible to see how authors evolve, from teachers to entrepreneurs, from first-time writers to full-fledged influencers, all using their stories to make an impact. Meeting so many of them in one setting on my podcast has been an incredible honor—it’s like stepping into a room filled with dreamers who are turning their visions into reality.
Can you elaborate on the specific moment or experience with your students that sparked the creative metaphor of fruits and vegetables being students and how you translated that classroom observation into Carol’s journey?
Oh, this one makes me smile every time I think about it! One day, I was watching my students work on a group project in my classroom. One student was a natural leader, another was quiet but deeply thoughtful, one was incredibly creative, and another loved to make everyone laugh. They were all so different, yet somehow, when they worked together, it just worked.
That’s when it hit me: they were like a salad bowl! Each brings their own flavor and strengths, but they are still part of something bigger. I started thinking about how we often use the phrase “melting pot,” where differences blend into one. But kids aren’t meant to blend in—they should stand out while still being part of a team.
But the inspiration for “Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl” wasn’t just from my classroom—it was personal. Growing up as a Korean American, I always felt like I was balancing two worlds. I was born in America, but I ate Korean food, followed Korean traditions, and navigated a mix of cultural expectations at home. I had to figure out what to do, what not to do, and who I was at a young age. Learning to embrace both cultures while finding my own identity was a challenge.
That’s why creating a leadership role for myself became so important as I got older—it gave me confidence, a sense of belonging, and the realization that being different is a strength. That’s the message I wanted to weave into Carol’s journey. She starts off thinking that leadership means doing everything alone. Still, through her experiences, she learns that real leadership is about bringing people together, celebrating differences, and making space for everyone at the table. Just like my students showed me that day, I had to learn for myself.
If you could choose one key takeaway that you hope young readers will glean from “Carol the Carrot,” what would it be, and how does the story specifically address that theme?
If I had to pick just one takeaway, it would be this: Leadership isn’t about being the loudest or the best—it’s about lifting others up.
So many kids think that being a leader means being in charge, making all the decisions, or being the “star” of the show. But Carol learns (sometimes the hard way!) that the best leaders are the ones who listen, who bring others together, and who recognize the strengths in everyone.
Carol also experiences something so many kids can relate to—she gets judged just by how she looks. Some other veggies in the bowl initially dismiss her, assuming she doesn’t belong on the elite team just because she’s a carrot. They don’t see her potential, her hard work, or her heart. But instead of letting their doubts define her, she makes a choice—she trains, practices, and proves that anyone, no matter who they are, can achieve their goals if they put in the effort.
Through her journey, Carol makes mistakes, gets frustrated, and even feels like giving up. But instead of quitting, she learns that great leaders don’t have to do everything alone. By encouraging her friends and valuing their unique talents, she finds true success—not just for herself but for everyone in the salad bowl.
I hope every child takes this message to heart: Your voice matters, your kindness matters, and the best teams are made up of different people who shine in their own ways.
Do you envision “Carol the Carrot” being used in classrooms as a teaching tool or perhaps inspiring further projects related to inclusivity and leadership development for children?
I envision reaching children through multiple platforms—author visits, my book series, and even a dedicated YouTube channel—where I’ll provide practical tips, advice, and inspiring interviews with guests who’ve faced similar challenges growing up. Through Carol’s journey, I want children to know they’re never alone. Mrs. Chelsea and “Carol the Carrot” are here for them!
Carol isn’t just a character; she’s a friend, a role model, and a source of empowerment, encouraging kids to step beyond their fears, embrace their leadership qualities, and protect their own creativity. To provide comfort for my shy ones! I want every child to feel seen and supported. By aligning Carol’s message with inclusive leadership frameworks, I hope to reinforce social-emotional learning in an engaging and deeply relevant way.
Ultimately, I want to be there for all the quiet dreamers—reminding them of their worth and showing them the beauty of sharing their gifts with the world.
And now, here I am—writing children’s books, interviewing inspiring guests on iHeart Radio, and hosting the “Chelsea Story Nook Podcast,” where I give authors, educators, and leaders a platform to share their voices. And the journey is just beginning! My second book in the Carol the Carrot series is launching this spring, and I can’t wait to share it with you all.
Let’s keep inspiring young leaders together! Follow me for more updates on Instagram @chelseastory_nook, listen to the Chelsea Story Nook Podcast, and subscribe to my YouTube channel: @chelseastorynookpodcast. Grow Strong, and Stay Rooted. Let’s Carrot On!
Chelsea Chong Kim’s “Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl” is a powerful book that fosters essential life skills. Through the narrative of Carol and other fruits and veggies, Kim imparts valuable lessons of individuality, inclusivity, and teamwork that are important for childhood development. Her dedication to touching children’s hearts and inspiring friendship is shown on every page. This children’s book is a reminder that every child, like a unique ingredient in a vibrant salad, brings something special to the table. By nurturing these qualities, we can empower the next generation to create a more inclusive and harmonious world. For more information about Kim and where you can purchase “Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl,” visit https://chelseastorynook.com/. Check out her Podcast “Chelsea Story Nook” by subscribing on YouTube. To shop for any “Carol the Carrot” merch, click here.
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