Reviews

Here's What Other Readers Are Saying About Buddy Booby's Birthmark...

"This book grew out of the authors' experiences of reactions to Evan's birthmark. Their book for children tells the story of a unique booby bird born with an unusual mark; it tells of how he deals with it and the big decision he has to make. It's told with a simple rhyme scheme that young children will quickly latch on to, but the main point about the book is that it's not just for children with distinguishing marks - its message of the uniqueness of each child and the enriching value of tolerance is for all children. Illustrated in a lively style, I heartily recommend it." Gordon Lamont, actor, author, director & trainer www.theconfidencesite.co.uk

"This book is incredible and I can't wait to buy some copies for my office. It will be a wonderful resource for children and their parents. For children, it emphasizes the importance of gaining acceptance. For parents, it's a great aid in explaining and demonstrating how to help their child to know that their personality is their most important gift to others. A book like this is long overdue. Every parent of a child with a birthmark should consider buying this book."--Dr. Milton Waner, Vascular and Birthmarks Institute of New York

"...Buddy Booby's Birthmark is a brilliant, creative, and smart solution to a problem that all of us involved in the care of hemangiomas have to deal with. The illustrations are fantastic, the text superb, and the effect is fantastic...The lessons that you convey in the story are ones that every person should learn regardless of their circumstance." --Dr. David Leffell, Deputy Dean for Clinical Affairs; Professor of Dermatology and Surgery; Yale University School of Medicine.

"Parents will enjoy the book as much as children...Rich illustrations by Mike Motz give an almost 3-D effect to the animated cast of characters. In addition to the story itself, the book offers little-known animal facts, a description of real-life endangered species unique to Galapagos and an animal search--one of which is quite a challenge...Entertainment for children, easily read by adults, education for all, the work (Buddy Booby's Birthmark) will be a stand-out in any children's book collection." --Richard Walker/Times and Democrat

"...to have this book in Spanish would be great! We have an ever growing Spanish population and see kids from central and South America. The story regarding acceptance of differences is what's key."-- Tracy D., Shriner's Hospital

"...just read your book and LOVE it....absolutely wonderful!!...We have so many patients and families who would benefit from reading this...Thank you so much for writing such a wonderful book!"-- Dr. Denise Metry, M.D., Texas Children's Hospital

"Buddy Booby's Birthmark is the most wonderful children's story I have ever read that explains an initial response, not only to a birthmark, but to any birth defect. While this book raises awareness about vascular birthmarks, it also raises a consciousness about accepting each other for our uniqueness. This book should be in every school in the country and should be in every doctor's office as well. Through Evan's imagination and Donna's perspiration, this book was born..."--Linda Rozell-Shannon, President/Founder of Vascular Birthmarks Foundation www.birthmark.org

"...I am exceedingly proud of you for taking the lead and getting this book published. It is long overdue, indeed!...I am interested in purchasing several copies for our dermatology office...and we certainly must have some for the office waiting room and lending library...This book may be instrumental in getting birthmark acceptance into the curricula at schools and teach us all a little about acceptance of our bodies and acceptance of individuals who have different appearances."--Dr. Richard Antaya; Associate Professor, Dermatology & Pediatrics; Director, Pediatric Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine.

"...a colorful, thought-provoking story about self-acceptance and sensitivity to others' appearances...heartwarming...Concisely and honestly written...This book will open up many valuable discussions between adults and children in houses where a birthmark-or any physical difference-is an issue."--Stephanie Cale, June/July Newsletter, Birthmarks.com

"My daughter just loves your book...every evening she wants to read this book before she falls asleep. I strongly believe many children and parents in Germany should know your book."--Diana K, Germany

"Buddy Booby's Birthmark is a beautifully written and illustrated tale..."--Lizabeth Sorensen; The Daily Stroll www.thedailystroll.com

"...A remarkable children's book...offers an important life lesson for kids and adults alike." -- Meal Makeover Moms.com mealmakeovermoms.com

"This is a really lovely story, with beautiful illustrations, and with a geography and nature lesson slipped in!! Nice for a child with a birthmark (or anything 'different') to read, and for their friends. I especially liked the idea of the 'Angels Kiss'." --Angela C., Waterford City, Ireland

"I have to say, reading the book the first time (by myself of course) I cried the whole time. My mother and my mother-in-law did the same...It really hits home! Thank you again for such an inspiring book. I am going to make sure (my son's) pre-school reads it as part of their program to the children, as well as any school he attends at this early age...(My son) LOVES IT!! "--Rene B., Albany, NY

"...the book is absolutely inspirational to people with all manner of differences and all ages from all walks of life. I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to anybody, as apart from the important message, it is also a brilliant read!!" --Neil; London, England

"Here is a fable that children everywhere will love to read. Finally, someone has written a story children with birthmarks can relate to. Parents will cry and children will feel empowered after reading it."--Jeannette M. Konior M. Ed., Teacher and Author

"...Tears came to my eyes when I began reading this special book because it was like you knew exactly what we (my family) have experienced...People can be so rude in the comments that they make to others...I hope that these people will have the privilege to read such an inspiring book. This book should be in every school, doctor's office and libraries across the world!!Thanks again for creating this awesome book!!"--Betsy S.; Knoxville, TN

"...an ideal children's story, richly illustrated...The 'message' is there but it's not heavily signposted; the authors allow the story to speak for itself and children will enjoy it on many levels."--Gordon Lamont; Author; Kent, England www.theconfidencesite.co.uk

"...addresses such an important topic. The story's ending should serve as an inspiration to children (as well as adults)."--Lorraine R., Lafayette, LA

"We love it! I had to read it a couple of times and it made me tear up."--Stacey S., Arlington WA

" I really enjoyed it...As I was reading it, I was thinking about myself and all the things I went through because of my birthmark....It's awesome!!! " --Mark N.

"...a wonderful and powerful book for everyone to learn from." --Bob O., Corning, NY

"I am emailing you to let you know how much the Grade Three class at St. Olivier enjoyed listening to your book...When I asked them to rate the book, half the students gave it ten out of ten. The other half gave it nine and a half...They are learning about endangered animals and were also curious about the animals from the Galapagos Islands...A copy was ordered for the school library today so the message will be shared every year."--Jocelyn O., Student Services Teacher/Librarian, St. Olivier School, Radville, Saskatchewan Canada.

"Thank you so much...I read your book to my daughter immediately, and let me tell you, it has fast become her new favorite book. She LOVES this book."--Andrea F., Cameron, SC

"...such a special book for children of all ages. I am going to donate copies to (my daughter's) school! Thank you for teaching the world to be a lot kinder and understanding each other better."--Laurie A, California

"The book conveys a valuable lesson about self-acceptance and compassion. As an individual with a facial Port Wine Stain, I routinely encountered people ignorant of facial birthmarks. They would often ask me, 'What is wrong with your face?' This one of a kind book is an excellent addition to everyone's personal library - with or without facial birthmarks. By educating children and adults about facial birthmarks, individuals with them don't have to feel embarrassed or self-conscious!"--Hilary V., Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY

"Everybody in my family from grandparents to grandkids enjoyed Buddy Booby’s story. Congratulations...on a great story and a welcome addition to our reading list at Birthmarks.com".
--Michael Steffano, Executive Director, Birthmarks.com www.birthmarks.com

"...an excellent book...It truly brought tears to my eyes...I was very touched by the story as well as the foreword....-"-Terri H., Quebec, Canada

"...so very greatful that you and your son wrote a book for all children...with or without birthmarks...that will educate them on loving themselves for who they are."-- Alicia, Venice, CA

"What a great book! This is our favorite book! My family loves this story, and the lesson it teaches children as well as adults...Buddy is the cutest character! Move over Rainbow Fish--This book teaches a lesson similar to the Rainbow Fish book-but on a higher level. If you like that book-you'll love this one. This book is one that all schools should have in their library and classrooms...This is not just for children with a birthmark. Its great to be different! All children should be made aware of that more often-and this book is a great way to do that."--Danielle, Pediatric Registered Nurse (as posted on Barnes and Noble's review site)

"My 6-year-old son has asked me to read it to him every day...He enjoys the rhymes and the dynamic pictures. I enjoy the book's message. Its up-front manner of dealing with "difference", people's reactions to it, and how to create a positive outcome can be universally applied to all children who have a difference. I would recommend this book not only to families dealing with birthmarks, but to any family struggling with the issues around having a child who has a difference."--Alisa, Saugerties, NY (as posted on Amazon.com)

"One of the best lessons taught to a child...This book is a great resource...Although this story is intended for children with birthmarks, it certainly covers the ground about generally being nice and compassionate to one another. The moral of the story can be applied to any situation concerning a child with any ailment. The authors' message is clear and heartfelt. This book has a unique purpose, a unique mission but a very general message needed in today's society. You've heard the famous saying, "Kids can be cruel," well this book addresses that and much more. The illustrations were captive and bright! It should be in every classroom and home. Once you read this, you will want to share."--T. Lebofsky, "Community Core Books", Lansdowne, PA (as posted on Amazon.com)

"I read it to my grade one class. They absolutely loved the book! They empathized with Buddy and relayed that we are all the same even though we are all different...it is definitely being added to our school library!"--Nancy S., Teacher, Assiniboia Park Elementary, Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada

"This is an awesome book! I highly recommend it for children and adults."--C.A.Brown

"...the book goes beyond just the birthmark issue and touches upon more important things in life...like love, honesty and tolerance for differences." William R, Tarrytown, NY

"...it is absolutely wonderful! Thanks to you...lots of children will have help understanding the differences in people and how to be more sensitive."--Tracey H. Grand Prairie, TX

"We read your book all the time...as our nighttime ritual....I look forward to helping educate others with your precious gift."--Randi D. , Phoenix, AZ

"What a wonderful addition to the reading list! Great Job!! Great Art!! Great Story!! I will be pleased to include this book in our newsletter that goes out to thousands across Canada and USA!!" --Anna P. Executive Director; About Face International www.aboutfaceinternational.org

All other images and text retain the copyright of their original owners. Buddy Booby is a "TM" (trademark) of Donna Ducker.