Vanessa Newman, Author

Chris Mouse has been a friend since Christmas Day. He lives in a glass box inside a house where he can watch the nice people who take care of him. He dreams of grass, sunshine, flowers and other mice friends, so he comes up with a plan to get outside. But he does not know that it is still Winter, and there is a creature who is a threat! What will Chris do?

​ This is the second book in a series about the adventures of a curious deer mouse who was discovered inside a car's glove box.


​On a cold and wintry New England night, a small creature arrives on the eve of the Christmas holiday. This critter has a message and lesson to share with those who find him.  Why is he here and what happens when he is discovered? 

Chris Mouse is the first book in the series about the true adventures of this tiny Maine deer mouse who becomes a beloved family pet. It is an uplifting and rhyming tale with lots of heart. 

​Reedsy online review 


​Alex goes to show and tell at school with a toy that he thinks is awesome, but the other children like his friend Ben's toy better! Alex feels like he has bugs fighting and running around inside him.  He discovers that his feelings and behaviors are creating a monster that he will meet and try to defeat. But will he?

​The Jealousy Monster is tricky and Alex must tame it before he gets all tangled up in feelings and monster parts!

Vanessa Newman, Author
​

Vanessa Newman began her writing career at the age of eight when she penciled her first 26-page novel. Unfortunately, it received neither parental nor peer approval. While completing an internship at Bradford College, she bravely wrote marketing copy "Lady Finelle" Cosmetics. Since then, she has been a successful freelance writer publishing articles in The Syndrome Mag, Next Avenue, Rogue Valley Magazine, Rogue Valley Messenger, IDEA Fitness, The Teaching Professor, Rocky Mountain Fitness, Livestrong, Women’s Edition, Activities Guide of Maine and more. 

​Vanessa has designed and written curriculum for colleges, Husson University, non-profits, and corporations like Chevron and Anheuser-Busch. She received a bachelor’s degree in human studies from Bradford College, and a master’s degree in sports medicine from Chapman University.  

After becoming a mother, Vanessa decided to write down the stories she told her son, Alex, and focus on creative writing. In 2015, Vanessa received a Runner’s Up prize in a Flash Fiction contest for her creative writing entry, “Walkabout.” In 2020, she received a “Communications Award” for an adult novel entitled, “Croissants, Caramel Clusters & Catastrophes.” Most recently in November 2025, she received an Ella’s Way children’s literature award for promoting acceptance, kindness, and inclusion for her children’s book, “Chris Mouse.”

​To date, Vanessa has independently published children’s books, adult comedy novellas, a poetry collection, and designed, edited and contributed to a community collaboration book with Buck Memorial Library. Her experience also includes teaching, public health consulting, and health/wellness coaching. She is a currently a newspaper reporter for the “River Observer” and an adjunct faculty member at Husson University teaching nutrition.  ​

Author's Website Literal Nirvana

"I am a writer, designer, and creative who loves to
tell stories with positive messages of hope
and compassion."  -Vanessa Newman

"Making kids and adults happy by telling, sharing,
​and writing stories is our top priority."
​ -Mission of Literal Nirvana
Ella's Way, where kindness starts early.