I wrote a book! What?!?!?! I know, so crazy. But like they say, if you don’t see what you’re looking for on the shelf, write it yourself!
When we entered into this special needs world, I searched high and low for picture books that might be helpful to explain what goes on in Jack’s mind and body to his siblings and classmates. Something cute that could keep their attention, and that would explain the special needs world in a way that they could understand. I found a number of wonderful books, but they were never quite right. Most of the books I found were not available in the children’s section of the book store. How would kids learn about these topic if they didn’t have access to them?
So… I decided to write something myself. How hard could it be, right? I knew that I wanted the book(s) to highlight the incredible super power that kiddos with sensory issues have, but I couldn’t quite figure out how to relay that message. And so there the idea sat…inside my head…for five years.
Fast forward a few years to kindergarten…sweet Jack had his first “bully” encounter. Another little boy in his kindergarten class seemed to not like some things about Jack. Things there were completely out of his control. Like the sound of his voice. So naturally (I say with extreme sarcasm) the little boy hit him. Now, most parents would probably be appalled and lash out at the school or the kid’s parents. Don’t get me wrong, I was completely devastated for Jack. BUT…because of Jack and the world that he has opened us up to, I was able to try and see the situation from that child’s perspective. A happy-go-lucky, anxiety free, sensory issue-free kid does not hit other kids because of the sound of their voice. Something had to be going on with this other 6 year old. The school was immediately on top of the situation and to be honest I’m not sure what happened to the little boy because they decided to move schools. I hope he and his family are well and that what ever was making him feel uncomfortable is being managed so he is able to have better days. I also thank him for helping the lightbulb go off in my head.
I knew, then that I had to write a book, or maybe even a series of books that follow kids, particularly kids with special needs and address the issues that they confront everyday. some including, bullying, bravery, empathy, anxiety, and the importance of having a positive attitude. And so, The Belle Books were born. The books take us on a tour of the special needs world and teach us about compassion, empathy, inclusion and love. The main characters are based on my 7 year old twins, Neva and Jack, which of course I have been studying for years! :0
The first book, Belle and the 100 Mile Smile is in production and will be released later this year.