What Is Your Step Stool? is a gentle, empowering children’s book that helps kids understand that everyone uses tools and that needing support is not a weakness. Through simple language and relatable moments, young readers are introduced to the idea that tools can look different for everyone. A step stool helps one child reach. Glasses help another see. Headphones help some children focus. Other tools help with moving, hearing, learning, or calming big feelings. This story centers independence, belonging, and confidence, reminding children that using tools helps them do things on their own—and that they are worthy just as they are. Perfect for families, classrooms, and caregivers, What Is Your Step Stool? encourages empathy, inclusion, and meaningful conversations about differences, accessibility, and standing tall anyway.
What Is Your Step Stool? A story about the tools that help us stand tall
New Release from Kathy D. Champion Woods
About the Author
Kathy D. Champion Woods is an inspiring children’s book author, advocate, and entrepreneur dedicated to empowering children to embrace their unique identities and walk confidently in who they are. Guided by her faith and a deep passion for youth advocacy, she creates uplifting literature designed to teach children that what makes them different is exactly what qualifies them to succeed.
Her book, What Is Your Step Stool?, published by her own imprint, Stand Tall Anyway™ Publishing, celebrates individual journeys. It encourages young readers (primarily ages 4–8) to honor the tools that help them move forward and overcome life's obstacles, reminding them that they can "Stand Tall Anyway™" no matter the challenges they face.
Book Dedication
In loving memory of my wonderful parents, Willie Champion and Fannie Mae Champion Danner. You did an amazing job raising me and my two brothers. You understood, even then, that my journey in this world would be different, and often challenging. Mama, our bond was like no other. Your love, strength, and wisdom shaped every part of who I am. I am who I am because of you with the help of God. You taught me how to be a woman, a wife, and a mother. You taught me how to be strong, resourceful, and full of fire. You showed me how to be a doer and not a complainer, a giver and not a taker.
A Note to Parents and Educators
This book was written to help children understand that their tools are a gift, and everyone uses tools in different ways.
Some tools help us reach. Some help us see, hear, move, or focus. All tools help children grow in confidence and independence. As you read together, we encourage you to pause, ask questions, and invite children to share what helps them stand tall.
What Is Your Step Stool?
Every child's journey looks different, and that's something to be celebrated. This inspiring book honors the tools that help us move forward, showing that what makes us different is also what makes us qualified. No matter the challenge... no matter the tool...you can still Stand Tall
Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire confidence, resilience, and self-worth through stories that help children embrace who they are, overcome obstacles, shine with courage, and purpose, regardless of their differences or challenges.