Press Release
Fairhaven native, Joanne E. (Pinard) McAfee, currently of Acushnet, has proudly released a four-book set of children’s picture books, as well as an accompanying coloring book and gift sets, in honor of National Adoption Month.
Publishing under the pen name Joanne Elaine, the author is the biological mother, adoptive mother, and step-mother of nine, as well as the grandmother of 10 with the same demographics. She is currently a Special Needs Teacher at NBHS, and has been working in the field for 30+ years. Witnessing the trauma that the foster care system has on many children while going through the adoption process herself 20 years ago, the author was motivated to write the original story, “A New Home for Floppy Bunny.”
In the first book, a young bunny finds himself in need of a new home. During his journey, he meets three other families (robins, ducks and turtles), who gently and lovingly explain to him why they would not be a good match for him. Although saddened, Floppy Bunny stays hopeful, and eventually meets a family of bunnies who happily adopt him, even though he is a little different from them.
The intended message to young children who hear this story is that their situation is never due to any fault of their own, and that while waiting for their “forever family,” they may meet families who cannot adopt them. There are many reasons for this (most of which a young child will not understand), but it is not because they are “unlovable” or “unwanted,” which, unfortunately, is often part of the trauma many children experience while in the system.
The following three books, “Floppy Bunny’s New Friends,” are whimsical tales about Floppy Bunny introducing his new family to the Duck, Robin, and Turtle families.
During each of his visits, he begins to envy some of his friends’ abilities that he does not possess. The two mothers in the story get together and create situations that allow Floppy Bunny to experience each ability in some way. In the end of each book, Floppy Bunny realizes that although it was fun to try something new, he is happy being who he is.
Although the first book was originally written with foster care and adopted children in mind, its message is an important one for every child to hear. As there are currently hundreds of thousands of children in the foster care system in the U.S., the chances are great that most children will meet another child either living in foster care, or who has been adopted.
Educating young children about the needs of their peers at this primary level increases empathy, and thereby lessens the stigma and bullying associated with being in foster care or being adopted.
The messages in the last three books are also powerful ones for every child to hear. Learning to love oneself for who you are is a lesson that will serve every child well throughout their life, helping them to navigate social pressures to conform instead of being true to themselves.
Early reviews of these books have been excellent. Children love the stories and the images, and adults love the messages.
“This book is extremely well written and very appropriate for young children. It comes from the heart of someone who has a good understanding of needed care and nurturing. Beautifully illustrated. I highly recommend it.” (Amazon reviewer)
The author has created gift sets for different occasions. Each gift set includes all four books, signed by the author, stickers, and a bookmark, wrapped in tulle with ribbon and a charm appropriate for the occasion. A 20-page coloring book appropriate for 3-5 year-olds is also available.
Check out the following locations for products (FREE SHIPPING!): Amazon: Search “Joanne Elaine” (individual books only); Facebook: Search “Joanne Elaine” (private message for individual books or gift sets); Etsy: Search “JoanneElaine Books” (gift sets and individual books available); Email joannelaine01@ yahoo.com
Follow her Facebook page for updates on craft fair appearances in the area, as well as Indie book stores carrying her books!
•••
Click here to download the entire 11/10/22 issue: 11-10-22 40RTour
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPa