Authored by Conor Dubin and illustrated by Brandon Olterman, Kate's First Mate centers on Kate, a young woman aboard a ship vessel called "The Happy Marriage" with her grandfather Roy. It's not the typical trope of a princess marrying a prince, and living 'happily-ever-after' as they sail off into the seas. On the contrary, the experiences aboard "the Happy Marriage" shows that a marriage of differing skillsets helps to sustain healthy relationships.

Kate is not a young woman who relies on her beauty or family name for security, but rather she takes the skillsets that were passed down by her grandfather along to her, and continues sailing the globe as a sailor and tackling adventures along the way. She finds a solid partnership with Nate, a young man who is equally as capable of enduring hardship, while being willing to put in the work that it takes to have a positive journey with Kate. He reads books, is a counterpart and he doesn't feel the need to overpower Kate.

Is 'Adventures Of Kate And Nate' Any Good?

Kate's First Mate centers a narrative that lends itself towards encouraging social-emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal relationship skills. I found the book to be quite unique in its deliberateness in highlighting self-sufficiency for younger readers and tweens. Kate's First Mate is a part of a three-book series which includes two other books entitled The Adventures of Kate & Nate: Journey Through Jelly Fish Island and The Adventures of Kate & Nate: Princess Arainee and the Search For Pet Hamy, both illustrated by Natalia Becerra.

This three-book series is unique, because it includes narratives that tackle loneliness, mental health and highlights emotional intelligence. The scenarios within all three books, showcase the importance of character development and inner strength. Dubin counters princess story narratives, and instead focuses on themes for kids such as: building healthy relationships, empathy, courage, patience, and meaningful ways to deal with fear and loneliness, and more.

This book has very positive gender representation. Kate has skills that help her to navigate life and the seas. She's been taught how "To plot courses while at sea by reading the stars...swab the deck with a mop and sea water...oil the rudder...patching the hull of a ship" and practice patience. When a compatible counterpart comes along, she doses not have to rely on him to do all the physical labor, because she too can do her own part.

Positive catchphrases are embedded throughout the book as well as the entire series such as statements like, "Finding joy in your life is your own work to do. A first mate's first job is to share that with you, to help with the work that needs to be done, to shoulder the burden and make the trip fun."

The books are written in an appropriate kid-friendly way that really hit home the more weightier topics and themes that include the power of choice, making sound decisions, not being afraid to change your mind, pressing on through tough storms, and even choosing a compatible partner that is worthy of joining you on your life's journey.

Research shows that emotional intelligence starts to develop early on. Subtle emotional exchanges can make a lasting impression on a child’s emotional outlook, and stick with them well into their adult years. Empowering kids at a young age and honing their social-emotional intelligence is equally as importance as academic intelligence and this type of book series is not just entertaining- it's very educational and valuable to helping to establish positive emotional-intelligence as well.

Author's Statement on 'Adventures Of Kate And Nate'

According to his website, Conor Dubin believes that "The world has changed so much since I grew up but children's books, specifically those with a relationship narrative, have not caught up. I wrote this book series to give parents a tool to begin the conversation with their children about choosing healthy partnerships. These books are designed to show children that with each new challenge and accomplishment any relationship experiences, first mates grow together.

One of the most rewarding moments in a relationship is not the forward looking promise of '…and they lived happily ever after' as the princess stories would have children believe, but the glance to our past when we realize we have been supported through our best and worst by someone all along.

These books examine the notions of what it means to commit to your dreams in the face of fear, to find empathy within self and for each other and ultimately live in a place of gratitude."

Learn more about the book series in the video below.

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Sources: Positive Psychology