Every year, more than a million children in the United States must deal with a divided home when their parents divorce or separate.
B.B. the Bear and his book, “You and Me Make Three,” help children faced with that situation.
Clarkston resident Edna Cucksey Stephens was approached to publish the book, written by Wendy Lokken and Gwendy Mangiamele of Naples, Fla.
‘It was a wonderful topic,? said Stephens, founder and president of EDCO Publishing, Inc. in Auburn Hills.
Along with illustrator Heather Drescher, the four created Caring Creations, LLC.
Each has experienced divorce in their lives and know the impact it has on young lives.
Stephens? parents divorced when she was 16, she went through her own divorce, and when she was a teacher, she saw her students go through it.
‘You would read a story about a family on a picnic and they would burst into tears because they’re thinking, maybe my family won’t be able to do that anymore,? said Stephens.
‘I believe in literacy and learning and the best way is promoting them in the classroom. We all had the experience and desire to help children and it’s all come together.?
B.B. and the book are a support system for children. The bear narrates the story and provides examples of family activities children can do with mom and dad, and reminds children they have a support system in relatives and teachers.
During the story, B.B. also tackles emotions, being worried, afraid, and angry, and how to get through them.
‘He’s the spokesperson, but is really a character that helps kids find the hero within them,? said Stephens.
The book also includes SMILE, Start Making It Livable for Everyone, tips for parents. The tips were written by Richard S. Victor, co-author of the SMILE Program.
Also, Build-A-Bear makes the plush version of B.B.
‘This isn’t just for kids going through divorce, but for kids being tolerate of it, and just a broader understanding of what goes on in families,? said Stephens.
Since the book came out in January, the writers have received a lot of feedback from children, parents, and teachers.
Cedar Crest Academy in Clarkston has books in their library and in their classrooms.
‘You can see the shiny, worried look turned to lightness and acceptance of where they are and what they’ve been through,? said Principal Bette Moen, about how Cedar Crest students have reacted to “You and Me Make Three.”
‘It’s a wonderful piece. What I love is it gives a voice to divorce. It doesn’t hide it.?
Stephens’ goal is to have a book and bear in every school in America.
On Friday, Sept. 19, the authors host a fundraiser to provide at least one book and bear to elementary schools in Oakland County and anyplace else people want.
The event will be at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, from 6:30-10 p.m.
For more information about tickets for the event, book signings, and how to donate a B.B. book and bear to a teacher or school, visit www.bbseries.com or call 248-475-4688.