Skip to main content
The Grass is Greener Where You Water It book cover
New Book

The Grass Is Greener
Where You Water It

A children's book about nurturing your gifts and believing in yourself
Author
Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II, DBH
Illustrator
Roni Robins
Release Date
April 22, 2026
Order on Amazon Order via Square

About the Book

A powerful story about nurturing your gifts, believing in yourself, and understanding that success grows where you invest your energy. Written from the lived experience of someone who started college at 10 and earned her doctorate at 17, this book speaks to every young person who has been told they can't, and every adult who needs to remember that they can.

"The Grass is Greener Where You Water It" is a beautifully illustrated book that teaches children the value of dedication, self-belief, and putting in the work to grow their dreams. Through vibrant illustrations by Roni Robins and words rooted in Dr. Tillman's own extraordinary journey, young readers will learn that the key to success is not where you start, but how you nurture what you have been given.

This book is for every child who has a dream, every parent who wants to empower their young person, and every educator looking for a story that inspires real confidence and resilience.

Order on Amazon Bulk Orders

Also by Dr. Tillman

Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II is also the author of "Unlock the Jeanius Within," her debut book published during her Master's degree program. Drawing from her experience as one of the youngest college students in America, this book offers practical wisdom and encouragement for young people who want to reach their full potential. It is a testament to the power of faith, family, and relentless self-belief.

Browse on Amazon
Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II

About the Author

Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II, DBH, is the youngest person to earn a doctoral degree from Arizona State University. She enrolled in college at age 10, earned her bachelor's at 12, her master's at 14, and defended her doctoral dissertation at 17.

She is the founder of the DorothyJeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, which has distributed over 3,500 at-home STEAM kits and engaged more than 5,000 participants in workshops and camps across Chicago and Cape Town, South Africa. 97% of her program participants go on to pursue STEAM-related degrees.

Dr. Tillman is the recipient of the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Center Beloved Community Youth Influencer Award, a historic inductee of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and holds the Ghanaian royal title of Ankobea Amma Akuffo. She has been featured in The New York Times, CNN, Good Morning America, People, and dozens of other national outlets.

Book Dr. Dorothy Jean to Speak