Meet Gabby!
Gabby is a sweet and energetic girl who wears red high-top gym shoes in every book. She cares for those around her. Gabby plays, climbs trees, and protects nature. She helps us explore the world through the eyes of a child who experiences contemporary issues, many of struggle. This series brings us back to a kind and simple message. These stories model how to be a friend, address loneliness, speak up for oneself, be thoughtful, problem solve, and persevere.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOUT THE GABBY SERIES
What an honor to be interviewed by Susan Hoekstra on her PODCAST: THE NOTICE. We had a great conversation about The Gabby Series and the illustration contest. ENJOY!
STEP OUT OF THE BLUES GOES LIVE
Step Out of the Blues With Gabby’s Red Shoes is now for sale! Click here to learn more.
Gabby's Friend Chad Is Sad, Children dealing with divorce
Spunky and kind Gabby pauses from her usual play with best friend Chad to address his sad feelings. Gabby discovers Chad’s parents are getting a divorce. This is Gabby’s first time learning about divorce, and she asks simple questions and sits quietly with her friend who is unwilling to play. This book equips adults with clear language to address the explanation of divorce and equips young readers with authentic tools to support their family or friends who may be sad.
In teaching first grade, I identified a need for literature that directly names and addresses potential difficulties that may arise with divorce. When My Friend Chad is Sad was read to students in my first grade classroom, many students felt safe to share their own difficult family situations.
Gabby Gets Teased, Bullying often begins with teasing
Willy is Gabby's schoolmate and friend. We learn Gabby is hurt when her friend Willy teases her red shoes. Gabby confronts Willy and explains how he made her feel. In Gabby Gets Teased, young readers learn you can hurt someone's feelings even if you don't mean to do it. The book also provides a model for restoration through apology, forgiveness, and a change in future behavior. It also distinguishes between teasing and bullying.
Gabby's Friends Are Different, A celebration of cultural diversity
Gabby shares the similarities and differences between she and her friends. Each page offers children the opportunity to predict how the friends are the same. The use of prediction and a repeated pattern make this book fun to read. The author was inspired to write a book wherein the topic matter of race, culture, and heritage is directly addressed and celebrated.
Gabby Keeps Trying, Persevere in all that you do
There is a need in classrooms for children to learn that there are often feelings of discomfort when trying to learn something new. In Gabby Keeps Trying, Gabby serves as a role model to young readers in how to face those difficult feelings without giving up!