Books and Resources That Light the Way to
Connection, Resilience, and Empowerment
Keren Or Project Mission
I, Dr. Carol created The Keren Or Project with a simple but profound belief:
Words have the power to nurture growth, inspire change, and build connection.
One small light at a time, I am committed to helping children and families rise above their challenges
with compassion, creativity, and purpose.
I, Dr. Carol Don't Just Support, I Am Here to Transform lives.
One child, one family, one light at a time.
Meet the Heart Behind the Project - Dr. Carol
Carol Leibovich-Mankes, DrOT, OTR/L, PLCC, GC-C
• Author • Pediatric Occupational Therapist
• Speaker • Parent Coach • Life Coach
• Grief Counselor
Dr. Carol Leibovich-Mankes is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Grief Counselor, Parent Educator, and Author with over 25 years of experience helping children thrive emotionally, developmentally, and academically.
Through her books, workshops, and private work with families and schools, Dr. Carol offers practical tools and heartfelt guidance rooted in deep expertise and lived experience. Her work empowers both children and the adults who support them to build resilience, regulate emotions, and grow with confidence.
At the heart of her work is a passionate belief: EVERY child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported so they can shine in their own unique and brilliant way.
Welcome to Keren Or Project
“Keren Or” means Ray of Light in Hebrew, and that’s exactly what I strive to be.
Founded by me, Dr. Carol Leibovich-Mankes, the Keren Or Project is a heart-led initiative and boutique publishing imprint devoted to nurturing the whole child through meaningful resources, emotional wellness, and purposeful storytelling.
Each book I create is crafted with love and intention to uplift, educate, and inspire. Whether it’s shared in a classroom, a therapy room, or at home, every children’s title is thoughtfully tailored for specific populations. These stories offer young readers a safe space to explore emotions, discover strengths, and grow with confidence.
In addition to children’s literature, I offer supportive resources for parents and educators filled with practical strategies, empowering insights, and compassionate guidance. These tools are designed to meet the emotional and developmental needs of children and to uplift the caregivers who walk beside them.
Together, these stories and supports form a bridge of connection, compassion, and growth at every stage of the journey.
I’m here to light the way for children, families, and the educators who guide them.
Explore Books for Adults by Dr. Carol
A contributing writer to Shattered Silence: Stories of Loss and Healing, Dr. Carol Leibovich-Mankes shares her deeply personal journey from heartbreak to healing, offering readers a message of resilience, hope, and the power of boundless living after profound loss. Her chapter, Echoes of Love: Navigating Grief, Finding Resilience, Happiness, and Renewed Hope, serves as a poignant reminder that even in our darkest moments, light can still find its way in.
100% of the proceeds are donated to Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven Hospital.
On the Road to Handwriting Success is a practical and empowering guide for parents, educators, and therapists working with children who struggle with handwriting and learning. Drawing on over 25 years of experience, Dr. Carol Leibovich-Mankes breaks down the foundational skills needed not only for handwriting but for learning overall. She offers actionable steps when challenges arise and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and timely support. This book is a valuable resource for helping every child build confidence, skill, and success on their handwriting and learning journey.
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Explore Children's Books By Dr. Carol
Sophie’s Butterflies is a gentle, beautifully illustrated children’s book that tenderly explores the themes of love, loss, and healing through the eyes of a young girl. When Sophie experiences the heartbreaking loss of her dad, her grandma, and her beloved dog Sunny, she is gently guided by the quiet magic of butterflies and the loving presence of those who remain by her side. With each page, young readers are invited to explore big feelings in a safe and nurturing way.
Written by Dr. Carol Leibovich-Mankes and her daughter, Arielle Mankes, Sophie’s Butterflies was born from their own journey through grief and their shared hope of helping other families feel less alone. This heartfelt story provides children with the language and reassurance they often need during life’s most delicate moments. Whether read at home, in a therapy session, or a classroom, it opens the door to meaningful conversations about loss, memory, and hope.
A compassionate resource for parents, educators, and therapists, Sophie’s Butterflies is a powerful tool for supporting children through the ups and downs of grief and reminding them that healing doesn’t mean forgetting.
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My Brain, My Body, and Me: The Inside Story is a beautifully illustrated picture book that helps children make sense of their sensory world, big emotions, and the signals their bodies send.
Through the imaginative story of Alex and his inner Brain-Body Crew, kids learn to recognize what’s happening inside them and how to use calming tools like breathing, movement, and focus strategies when things start to feel too big, too loud, or too overwhelming.
Grounded in child development and written with compassion, this book is a valuable guide for fostering emotional regulation, self-awareness, and confidence.
A must-have for:
• Kids who feel “too much” or “too fast”
• Parents looking for simple, empowering self-regulation tools
• Educators and therapists supporting neurodiverse learners
• Anyone who wants to help a child feel seen, safe, and in control
Whether it’s used in classrooms, therapy sessions, or at home, this story opens the door to conversations that build resilience, trust and connection.
Because every child deserves to feel in control of their inner world and to know they are the proud captain of their own ship.
Parent & Educator Guides
Parenting To Go - Another Trusted Resource by Dr. Carol
Led by Dr. Carol Leibovich-Mankes, Parenting To Go is a companion platform designed to support both parents and educators. With downloadable guides, expert-led courses, and practical tools, this site empowers you to nurture emotional strength, resilience, and meaningful connection in children - whether at home or in the classroom.
Download Free Guides & Join My Uplifting Newsletter
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or therapist, you’ll receive expert tools, heartfelt insights, and practical strategies to help children thrive—delivered straight to your inbox.
Understanding a Child’s Unique Sensory Profile
Support Your Child by Meeting Their Sensory Needs
Every child experiences the world differently. Sensory challenges aren’t misbehavior - they’re rooted in how the brain processes information. The goal isn’t to “fix” them, but to help them feel more in sync with their environment.
5 Minutes to Peace
- The Ultimate Parenting Strategy!
When kids with anxiety, ADHD, sensory challenges, or learning differences feel overwhelmed, they often act out. Learn how to gently bring them back into sync - without the power struggles.
Connected Hearts & Minds eBook
Dr. Carol’s Empowerment Guide to a Stronger Mom-Child Bond
Discover the C.A.R.E.S. method - a heart-centered approach to building resilience, deepening connection, and empowering your family.
