HERE’S HOW TO JOIN THE FUN:

1) Simply go to www.buddyboobysbirthmark.com and register your school/group. (Email any questions to info@buddyboobysbirthmark.com).

2) Then, on May 15, 2008--in recognition of the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF) International Day of Awareness--read the children’s book, Buddy Booby’s Birthmark together, and discuss its themes of tolerance, respect, compassion, friendship & self-esteem. (Check out additional activity ideas surrounding the VBF International Day of Awareness campaign at www.birthmark.org). That’s it!

3) In appreciation of your efforts, your group will receive an Official Commemorative Certificate of Participation.

* Buddy Booby’s Birthmark, (ISBN 978-0-9794413-1-8 soft - ISBN 978-0-9794413-0-1 hard), is available world-wide through www.buddyboobysbirthmark.com & most on-line retailers including amazon.com. Ask for it at your local library. A portion of the profits from the sale of this book will benefit the VBF.

**TBA - Check www.buddyboobysbirthmark.com for further announcements as the date gets closer.

 

 

BUDDY BOOBY’S BIRTHMARK
THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY

Inspirational Foreword by Hannah Storm, Award-Winning Television Journalist and Author

My son, Evan, was born July 4th, 1994, with a port wine stain on his face.

When he was just four years old, he innocently asked me why none of his books had characters with birthmarks. I’d never really given it much thought, but obviously-- since none of his family or friends had birthmarks-- Evan was looking for something, somewhere, he could relate to on his own level.

Surprisingly, when we hit the library---there were NONE! There were medical and clinical manuals, and guidebooks to help children deal with the negative aspects of having a birthmark, (like teasing and self-confidence issues), but not one, single, age-appropriate story book featuring a positive, cute, cool, well-adjusted champion with a birthmark.

Evan was disappointed by our fruitless search. So, without even really thinking, I said, “We’ll just have to write our own book.“ And, Buddy Booby’s Birthmark was born.

Evan created the entire story. The Galapagos Island setting, the mysterious native animal characters, and even the half fact/half fiction plot all came from his imagination and obsession with animals. I asked him questions. He fed me answers.

For his story’s ending, Evan decided a magical sea hawk should grant a wish to the main character, Buddy.

In my mature, worldly, well-educated mind, I was sure my son would have Buddy wish for his birthmark to go away. After all, that would certainly make his life easier (and would most definitely be my wish if given the opportunity).

But Evan‘s answer shocked me.

“Why would Buddy waste his wish on something dumb like that?“ he
asked.

In that instant, I realized, my son was right! What a trite, foolish thing to waste a wish on.

So what did Evan decide Buddy should wish for? You’ll have to read it to find out. But, here’s a hint…It’s a wise, innocent, simple, unselfish wish.

We accomplished exactly what we set out to do with Buddy Booby‘s Birthmark. We made Buddy a cute, cool, well-adjusted champion who exemplifies a positive inner strength and character. He shows everyone, (by example) that if they spend so much time focusing on insignificant things--like birthmarks….they’ll lose sight of the big ones --like the miracle of birth, consideration and friendship.

In the end, Buddy stays true to himself and leaves an indelible imprint on everyone’s lives that’s far more pronounced than his birthmark!

We hope you’ll enjoy the book and share your opinions with us on our web site www.buddyboobysbirthmark.com

Re: Buddy Booby's Birthmark

The printer of this book has broken a contractual obligation to provide the book's availability through Barnes and Noble and Barnes and Noble.com. Everyone, please send the Duckers an email stating that you were unable to find the book at Barnes and Noble.com and/or, that your local Barnes and Noble was unable to order it because the book is listed as unavailable/out of print.

Thank you so much!

Email the Duckers at evan7494@msn.com