Lumi the Lion and the Jungleball Giants

Lauren Gilbert was an educator, wife, mother, and author who believed in the power of stories to help children feel understood, supported, and never alone. Her career began in education, where she taught children and mentored fellow educators, before moving into the corporate world. Her greatest inspiration, however, came from her experiences as a mother.

Lauren’s first book, Ella and Her Neurosparkly Brain, was inspired by raising her neurodivergent daughter, Ella, and became a creative way to process that journey while offering comfort and encouragement to other families. After discovering her passion for storytelling, Lauren went on to write Lumi the Lion and the Jungleball Giants for her son, Austin, celebrating teamwork, kindness, and the importance of supporting one another.

In early 2025, Lauren was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of stage 4 colon cancer. As she navigated her own cancer journey, she also wanted to help her children understand what was happening. She wrote Be Still Time to give children and families the gentle language, comfort, and knowledge they need when a parent or loved one is facing cancer.

Lauren passed away before seeing Be Still Time published. Her family is honored to share her words and continue her legacy of acceptance, inclusion, and unwavering love.