What began as a New Year’s resolution has grown into a creative and community-centered passion project for Sarah McKinnon, chair of the Occupational Therapy Department at the MGH Institute.

“It’s been a little dream come true,” McKinnon said. “Two years ago, my son asked me where books came from. In an IHP leadership meeting the next week, I said my New Year’s resolution was going to be to write a children’s book. And here we are — literally two years later.”

That dream took shape through The Cheerful Chip, the first children’s book in a series called the Small Tots Books series, inspired by conversations with her son about where books come from — and a shared love of potatoes. Launching with a potato chip at center stage, the playful stories center on beloved foods while quietly weaving in lessons about friendship, confidence, and social-emotional growth.

“The OT in me has a story about social-emotional development,” McKinnon explained. “The Cheerful Chip, as well as future books, will have a life lesson about engaging with friends and overcoming challenges kids might experience socially.”

The project reflects McKinnon’s broader commitment to supporting children and families beyond the classroom. In January 2024, she launched Southie OT LLC, a small community-based consulting effort designed to meet unmet needs in South Boston, where families face long waitlists and limited access to pediatric occupational therapy.

“There’s no brick-and-mortar pediatric therapy location in South Boston, yet there are thousands of children,” she said. “Southie OT started as a way to help families — mostly through education and consulting — when they have developmental questions or need support about navigating pediatric services in the Boston area.”

The goal behind the book is the same: reaching families in accessible, engaging ways.

“I want my community to know more about OT, and I want to be a resource people think of or ask questions to in South Boston,” McKinnon said. “The book is another way of supporting kids through a fun lens.”

Even the book series title reflects that intention —"Small Tots” includes a playful nod to her profession. “Tots means kids, potatoes — and the acronym ‘OT’ is right there,” she noted.

The book’s late-November release has already led to classroom invitations and community events, including bookstore readings and partnerships with local businesses. In 2026, you will see The Cheerful Chip in local Barnes and Noble locations and see McKinnon sit down with CBS Boston news anchor Anna Meiler to discuss the book. A larger celebration is planned for late January at More Than Words, a nonprofit bookstore that supports young adults involved in the foster care and justice systems.

Some of the most meaningful moments, however, have been at home. “It was the coolest moment seeing my son open the book,” McKinnon shared. “The dedication is to him, and he’d never read it before we got the hard copy. Now he’s excited to be a ‘mystery reader’ at his school and read it to other children.”

For McKinnon, the journey from idea to finished book is a reflection of occupational therapy’s core values — connection, creativity, and meeting people where they are.

For learn more about The Cheerful Chip, visit www.smalltotsbooks.com.