By Jake Gaines Photography courtesy of Jennifer Lynch
There’s a new book for children about inclusivity and celebrating our differences, that the author, Jennifer Lynch, wrote after spending nearly 20 years volunteering to help abused children as a court appointed advocate for foster kids through CASA in Austin. Titled Livi & Grace, the book teaches children to love their individuality and promotes the acceptance of others in a fun, short story about two sisters who are as different as can be.
According to Jennifer Lynch, these sisters know a secret that they’d like to share with you; Differences are interesting—and life enriching too. Appreciate what’s special about everyone you know, And love what makes you special, from head to tippy toe…. You’re perfect, good, and lovable—yes, just the way you are, And everyone is special: everyone’s a star.
But it doesn’t stop with the book. Parents and teachers can access free resources, such as coloring books, note cards, sample letters of kindness, and other interactive activities to supplement the book at www.jenniferlynchbooks.com by request. These tools can also be used by caregivers and teachers to talk to children about the deeper message of self-acceptance and accepting others.
“I have had the joy of working with children of all ages and all backgrounds,” said Lynch. “Every child benefits from a positive, affirming message. The looks on kids’ faces when they realize they are perfect and lovable just as they are is pure magic, and every child deserves that feeling.” Additionally, Lynch owns the You Are Good children’s clothing line, a precious line of children’s shirts with angel wings printed on the back. Since its founding in 2008, she has donated nearly 1,000 shirts to children in foster care and continues to donate 20 percent of the proceeds of that business to children’s charities.
Livi & Grace is available through the above link, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. For every book purchased, one will be donated to children’s charities such as CASA, Literacy First, children’s hospitals, and beyond. The book was illustrated by Missi Jay. Her work has earned recognition from Print Magazine and the Addy Awards, and she won the Big Wig Award for best illustrator from the Austin Advertising Federation.
