“A Story about Big Feelings, Foster Care, and Finding Hope”

“…an extremely useful and needed tool. Perfect for caregivers, educators, therapists, teachers, or anyone supporting a child through difficult transitions.” -Readers’ Favorite Review

One Day at a Time is a heartfelt story about a young girl in foster care, navigating changing seasons and big emotions. Along the way, she discovers comfort, courage, and hope for each new day.

With whimsical illustrations and gentle rhymes, children are invited to embrace their feelings and learn calming strategies. Inspired by Matthew 6:25–34, this story reminds every child they are deeply loved, cared for, and wonderfully made.

FREE 35-page social emotional learning activity book!

Here’s what readers are saying: 

  • “One Day At A Time is a powerful tool for children and adults alike to slow down, connect, and process all of the big feelings and big moments that happen in the lives of foster children.

    The intentionally beautiful pages bring to life the reality of what foster children face, both internally and externally. Readers, young and old, are left with immense hope that peace and safety are possible for them!

    The practical skills and holistic view of the child make this book a must-have for foster parents, foster children, and clinicians!”

    - Maggie Dunn, MA, LLPC, Co-Founder & Clinical Director, House of Providence, foster & adoptive parent

    ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

  • “As foster/adoptive parents, we found One Day At A Time to be a deeply moving and valuable resource. It gently captures the overwhelming mix of big emotions foster/adoptive children experience—sadness, anger, confusion, and hope—and offers them reassurance that their feelings are valid. The relatable storytelling and tender illustrations make it easy for children to see themselves in the pages.  We especially appreciate the book’s message of God’s unwavering care and love on every page and with every big emotion. It offers security and hope, reminding children that they are never alone, even in uncertain times.  We highly recommend it to fellow foster/adoptive parents, caregivers, and anyone supporting children in care.  It’s a beautiful, compassionate story that offers comfort and encouragement to both kids and the adults who love them.”

    - Curt & Christy Demoff, foster & adoptive parents, Lead Pastors of Bridgewood Church

    ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

  • “One Day At A Time is an incredible book and principle that we all need, but specifically children riding the emotional foster care roller coaster.

    It is a beautifully illustrated and sweetly written story that fills a gap, offers hope, and reminds the reader that we are loved and cherished just as the lilies and sparrows.”

    - Emily Arredondo, foster & adoptive parent, Leader of The Village (which provides support for foster families)

    ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

  • “As a foster, adoptive and biological mother, this beautiful book touched my heart in a profound way. It places words, as well as small actions, to the big feelings, emotions and experiences that families, together with their kids, deal with while fostering. I cannot recommend this book enough! From the precious, colorful illustrations to the practical advice, tips and tools to help healing take place in the hearts and homes of every child and adult alike, touched by foster care. The words and scripture references bring healing like a balm to the soul and I look forward to reading this over and over with my 6 kids. Thank you Maria, for following God's lead in writing this exemplary book and leading by example in love.”

    - Lisa Rottiers, Foster and Adoptive Mom

    ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

  • “One Day at a Time by Maria Roy isn’t just a story; it is an extremely useful and needed tool. Perfect for caregivers, educators, therapists, teachers, or anyone supporting a child through difficult transitions, One Day at a Time allows kids to have meaningful conversations about fear, hope, and belonging with caring adults. Roy’s personal experience as a foster and adoptive mother shines through. It makes this a particularly empathetic and reassuring read. I really enjoyed that the text was rhyming. That and the lovely illustrations made the author’s message stronger and easier to absorb. It is a much-needed addition to children’s literature. This book reminds us that even amidst uncertainty, love and hope can be found, one day at a time. I warmly recommend this gorgeous and deep children’s book as a mom and as a teacher.” -Readers’ Favorite Book Review

    ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

  • “One Day at a Time is more than just a children’s book; it is a heartfelt tool for healing and understanding. It invites readers to embrace their emotions, find hope in difficult situations, and recognize the beauty in their unique stories. I highly recommend this book to parents, educators, and anyone who works with children, as it provides a safe space for meaningful discussions about feelings and foster care. Maria Roy has created a treasure that will undoubtedly touch the hearts of many, one child at a time.” -Stephanie, Survivor and Kinship/Foster/Adoptive Parent

    ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I didn’t write this story to speak for children facing hard times, but to help give them a voice and to invite the grown-ups in their lives to truly listen. I will never fully understand every emotion they feel, but I want to point them to the One who does: God, who is always with them.

As a biological, foster, and adoptive mom, and a registered nurse working with youth in foster care, this book is shaped by what these precious children have taught me. After years of listening to their stories and big feelings, I wrote this to meet them where they are, help them feel seen, and remind them there is hope—one day at a time.

I’m Maria!

Author of One Day at a Time, and a passionate advocate for faith, family, and foster care.

Hello!

Together, we can make a difference in the life of a vulnerable child.

A child enters foster care every 2 minutes in the U.S.

Over 400,000 children are in foster care across the country.

Nearly 11,000 children are in foster care in Michigan.

Over 20,000 youth age out of foster care each year, and 1 in 4 will experience homelessness.

Every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and valued.

Sparrow & Co. Cares is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and restoring hope—one child at a time. Our mission is to deliver One Day at a Time books and Comfort Care Bags to children facing the difficult transition into foster care, starting right here in Michigan. Through your partnerships, we strive to help each child feel seen and valued by providing a new bag filled with comfort. Together, we can bring hope, one day at a time.