Our Story
CamTay Corner began with a mother watching her son face one of those little moments that can feel very big to a child: the first day of school.
When Camille Taylor saw the nervousness and uncertainty that came with a new beginning, she wanted to create a story that would remind children that it's okay to feel nervous, it's okay to be different, and it's okay to take things one brave step at a time.
That story became Shy Kai's First Day of School, inspired by Camille's son and nephew and their own first day jitters.
But Camille soon realized the story was about much more than starting school.
It's about the child meeting a new friend.
The child walking into a new classroom.
The child trying something for the first time.
The child who feels a little different.
The child who needs a reminder that they are capable, they belong, and they can be brave.
That's the heart of CamTay Corner.
Find Me on Find an Author
Camille Taylor is also listed on Find an Author, connecting schools and librarians with children’s authors.
View My Find an Author Profile
Stories That Help Children Find Their Brave
Welcome to CamTay Corner, where stories inspire courage, confidence, imagination, and connection.
Meet Shy Kai’s First Day of School, a heartwarming story that reminds children that it is okay to feel nervous when facing something new. Through Kai’s journey, children learn that being brave doesn’t mean being fearless. Sometimes, courage begins with taking one small step, and then another.
Upcoming Appearances
Every Saturday
Fairfax Saturday Market
10500 Page Avenue
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
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October 15
London Towne Elementary School
9:05 AM to 9:35 AM
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October 24
Leesylvania State Park Festival
Leesylvania State Park
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
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November 7
Local Author Book Festival
Pohick Regional Library
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
November 14
Community On Purpose
Claude Moore Rec & Community Center
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
November 21
Virginia Gateway Holiday Market
Virginia Gateway Shopping Center, Gainesville Va
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
December 4
Bull Run Elementary PTA Winterfest
15301 Lee Hwy, Centreville, VA, Centreville Va.
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Author Visits & Events
Every child faces moments that feel big and new, whether it is starting school, meeting friends for the first time, or learning something unfamiliar. Through engaging author visits, I share Shy Kai’s First Day of School and other stories that inspire courage, kindness, and imagination. Visits include interactive read alouds, fun activities, and conversations that leave children inspired to face their own new experiences with confidence and joy.
Loved spending time with the 4th graders at London Towne Elementary! We read Shy Kai’s First Day of School and had a great discussion about courage, kindness and the writing process.
CamTay Corner in the Community
What would you do? A lesson in empathy and inclusion.
During a reading of Shy Kai’s First Day of School, second graders share their own first day of school experiences.
