Good Habits, Great Laughs: A Q&A with Children’s Author Mama B. Nice

Amanda Bice, known affectionately under her author name Mama B. Nice, is a warm-hearted storyteller whose cheerful personality and love for family shine through everything she does. Based in Seattle with her husband, two dogs, and a love for tennis and travel, Amanda’s background in communications and education laid the foundation for a life centred on creativity, connection and care.

Her stories, written with gentle humour and purpose, are inspired by real family moments that have shaped her as a mother, teacher and writer. Whether encouraging kindness, healthy choices or responsibility, Amanda’s words reflect her passion for making others feel seen, appreciated and uplifted.

Her five-book series includes:

·         If You Don’t Want Dirt from the Tooth Fairy

·         If You Don’t Want Vegetables from the Easter Bunny

·         If You Don’t Want Coal for Christmas

·         If You Don’t Want to Be a Couch Potato

·         If You Don’t Want Your Pet to See the Vet

We caught up with Amanda to find out more about the woman behind the rhymes, the values behind Mama B. Nice, and what brings her joy both on and off the page.

What inspired you to start writing children’s books?

When my kids were young, bedtime stories were a special part of our nightly routine. We’d read their favorites—like Goodnight Moon or the many whimsical tales of Dr. Seuss. Over time, I began creating my own stories, especially to help with those everyday tasks—like brushing their teeth. One of those stories, about the tooth fairy, worked so well that I found myself repeating it night after night. Eventually, I wrote it down so we’d always have something to remember that phase of life.

That one story sparked more. I started inventing playful, imaginative reasons for why they needed to do certain things, turning daily responsibilities into little adventures. These stories were originally just for my own kids, but as we talked about them—and as my children shared them with their friends—I began to wonder if they could help other families too.

If it weren’t for the constant encouragement of my family and friends, these stories might have remained simple notes tucked into baby books. Their support is what brought these stories to life and gave me the confidence to share them with the world.

Where did the idea for the “If You Don’t Want…” series come from?

I feel pretty confident in saying that most parents and caregivers eventually have to get creative to keep kids engaged in daily routines. It’s easy enough to get a child to brush their teeth once or eat their vegetables on occasion—but keeping those habits going every day? That’s a whole different challenge. I quickly realized that if I wanted my boys to stick with these everyday tasks, I had to keep things fun, lighthearted, and imaginative.

The first spark of what would become the “If You Don’t Want…” series actually came from a moment of frustration. One night, after yet another refusal to brush teeth, I threw my arms up and said, “Well, if you want to leave dirty teeth for the tooth fairy, that’s fine by me. It is your choice after all. I just can’t imagine what she’ll do though… Probably just take the tooth and leave the dirt behind.” That got their attention! From that moment on, they ran with the idea—suddenly brushing twice a day just to make the tooth fairy proud. We even made up stories about what she did with the clean teeth.

That little moment of reverse psychology turned into a routine and eventually into a story. I realized that if this idea worked so well in our home, maybe it could help other families too. I’ve always loved rhyming stories—especially Dr. Seuss—and decided to write it all down. The rhymes gave it a fun, playful rhythm, and once I started, more ideas kept coming.

Opportunities for stories seemed to pop up everywhere—especially around the holidays. One example that stuck was during summertime visits to our cousin’s property, where we’d often see deer. I’d use that moment to remind the boys to be kind: “Santa’s spies are watching!” That stuck for years. Even now that they’re older, if they see a deer, they’ll still say, “Look, there’s one of Santa’s spies.”

These weren’t just bedtime stories we read and forgot—they became part of our everyday language. We referenced them all year round, sometimes daily. That’s the magic of these books, at least from my perspective: you read them once, but you carry the stories—and their messages—with you forever.

Why was it important for you to include messages about good habits and values in your books?

Reading bedtime stories was a special part of our nightly routine when our kids were little. We went through so many books over the years. Most of them were wonderful—but every now and then, to quote Shania Twain, some “didn’t impress me much.” I’ve always had a deep respect for literature, especially children’s books. The best ones spark imagination, teach kindness, help kids navigate challenges, and show them how to grow into thoughtful, responsible people.

The stories I created for my own children were inspired by those ideals. I wanted them to dream, to laugh, to feel loved—and also to learn. I saw an opportunity to blend all of that into something that felt natural and fun for young minds. My goal was to deliver messages about good habits and strong values in a way my kids could understand, appreciate, and, most importantly—enjoy.

If a story can make a child giggle and brush their teeth without a fuss, that’s a win in my book!

What are some of the family traditions or everyday moments that inspire your creativity?

Honestly, this might be the toughest question for me to answer—because, as much as I admire families with strong traditions, I can’t really say we’ve had any of our own, even during the holidays. I’ve always envied that sense of ritual and routine, and I can imagine how special it must be to have those moments to look forward to year after year.

In our home, no two days were ever quite the same. Life with young kids often felt a little chaotic and unpredictable—and maybe that’s exactly where my creativity came from. Some of my stories were born out of pure joy and silliness, like If You Don’t Want Coal for Christmas. Others came from moments of desperation and frustration, like trying to get my kids to understand why their pet might end up at the vet. And some were just my way of trying to get a point across in a way they could understand—like If You Don’t Want To Be a Couch Potato.

I suppose you could say the inspiration was always there, even if it didn’t come from a picture-perfect tradition. It came from real-life parenting moments—messy, funny, sometimes exhausting—and the desire to turn those into something meaningful. Maybe that’s the real tradition we had: making the everyday moments count.

How important is humour in the way you connect with children, both in life and in your stories?

Richard G. Scott once said, “A good sense of humor is an escape valve for the pressures of life.” I think that quote captures the essence of my books perfectly. Many of my stories were born out of those all-too-familiar parenting moments—when I was frustrated, trying to get my kids to do something as simple as brush their teeth or clean up their toys. I quickly learned that the best way to break through that resistance wasn’t by pushing harder, but by bringing in humor.

A sense of humor became the secret ingredient—the catalyst that turned everyday struggles into lighthearted stories. These books are meant to be fun and funny and—if I may add—paired with some truly amazing and creative illustrations that help kids see ordinary tasks in a joyful, imaginative way.

In both life and storytelling, humor helps us connect. It softens the hard moments, makes the lessons more memorable, and reminds us not to take everything too seriously. I think we can all agree—life really is a whole lot easier (and more fun) with a good laugh.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

Most people are surprised to learn that I interned at the White House—and was even offered a full-time position there after graduation! I often captained a fall tennis team, and at the start of each season, I’d host what I called an “Amandatory Meeting”—a fun excuse to get the ladies together off the court. We’d sometimes play “Two Truths and a Lie,” and I’d always throw in, “I interned at the White House.” Almost everyone assumed it was the lie.

But it was true! I had the privilege of doing my internship in 1994 while finishing my undergraduate degree at George Mason University. President Bill Clinton was in office, and I worked in the travel office—a unique and exciting experience, especially since this was pre-9/11, when places like the West Wing were still accessible. I was able to take friends and family on private tours, and it felt like stepping into a world very few people get to see up close.

To be honest, I never had dreams of going into politics. The opportunity came to me thanks to my cousin, Chad, who was working on Capitol Hill. I took a leap, and even though I felt like a fish out of water at times, I found my footing. I think what helped me stand out was my ability to connect with people—and yes, even bring a little humor into a very serious environment.

When I was offered a position to stay on after graduation, I was honored—but ultimately, I chose to follow my husband and his career to another state. I’ve never regretted that decision. Politics wasn’t my passion, but the experience gave me something invaluable: the confidence to know that I could do remarkable things. That belief is part of what gave me the courage to start writing children’s books.

If you had to describe your personal motto or the message you live by, what would it be?

I’d have to say it’s the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Or, if I can put a little “Mamma B. Nice” spin on it: “Don’t treat others how you wouldn’t want to be treated.” 😊

It’s simple, but it holds so much weight. Whether it’s how we speak to each other, how we show up for our friends, or how we teach our kids, kindness and empathy really do go a long way. It’s a message I try to live by—and one I hope shines through in my stories.

What does the name “Mama B. Nice” mean to you?

“Mama B. Nice” is a fun play on my real name—Amanda Bice. Whenever someone asked how to spell or pronounce my last name, I’d always say, “Bice, rhymes with nice. You’ll remember it!” 😊

When I started writing children’s books, I knew I wanted a name that reflected both who I am and the tone of my stories—something warm, playful, and memorable. I’ve always had a deep respect for authors like Dr. Seuss and Mother Goose, whose names alone instantly bring to mind a certain style and feeling. “Mama B. Nice” felt like the perfect fit.

My hope is that one day, both kids and grown-ups will say, “Oh, I remember those Mama B. Nice books—I loved them when I was little." That, to me, would be the greatest honor.

What advice would you give to parents trying to encourage healthy habits in a fun way?

Advice? Oh boy—I’m not sure I’m qualified to give advice, but I can certainly share what worked (and didn’t work) for me.

With my kids, I found that it wasn’t just about making the hard stuff fun for them—it had to be fun for me too. If I wasn’t enjoying the process of encouraging or helping them, it became harder for them to connect with it and even harder for them to feel motivated. Kids pick up on our energy.

So if I had to offer anything, it would be this: try to enjoy the process. Embrace the silliness. Celebrate the small wins. Lead by example. Turning everyday tasks into joyful moments—whether through humor, stories, or shared routines—not only helps build good habits but also creates memories you’ll both hold onto for years to come.

How can readers connect with you or follow your journey as Mama B. Nice?

Honestly, I’m still learning the ropes when it comes to social media! I’ve mostly stayed behind the scenes, focusing on writing and creating stories, but I’m realizing it’s a great way to connect with readers and share my journey.

I am starting to explore social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, so hopefully you’ll see me there soon!

I’d love to hear from readers and families—whether it’s about the books, your own stories, or just to say hello. So stay tuned, and thank you for being part of this adventure!