Rebecca Dauer is a self-published children’s author. Her work is focused on understanding anger and helping siblings of children with emotional and physical challenges. She is a member of the Independent Book Publishing Association and currently lives in Forrest Hills, New York. I caught up with her to discuss her first children’s book…
What inspired you to write My Big Brother Bobby?
I wrote My Big Brother Bobby because there was a need for a book solely dedicated to young siblings of children who struggle with their tempers and have strong emotions. My goal is to reach as many children as possible. My hope is for children to relate to the characters, know that they are not alone and there are many resources available to them. I hope this book provides an outlet for conversation and understanding for all parties involved.
Siblings of children who require special care especially those that struggle with anger often times don’t get the help they need until they are older. By then, it is harder to help. This book lets parents teach their children about their family dynamic at an early age in an easy to understand way.
Can you give us an overview of the story?
My Big Brother Bobby is story about a little girl with a big imagination and an even bigger heart. She loves to play with her brother Bobby but sometimes when he gets angry, something larger than life appears.
My Big Brother Bobby is a fun, imaginative story that educates children on the importance of understanding and coping with anger in others in a warm and easy to understand way. It isn’t your typical children’s book. It is a communication bridge between parents, social workers, OTs, psychologists and children who are dealing with emotional issues, specifically those living with siblings with angry outbursts.
What lessons do readers learn from reading your book?
That it is okay to be scared and there are easy ways to feel safe in a scary situation. Most kids feel like they are alone and to have a story that depicts what they are going through will help them learn to be more comfortable in their surroundings.
Who’s your illustrator and why was she perfect for capturing the spirit of your book?
Anne Zimanski is an illustrator living in Michigan. She has a bachelor’s degree in illustration and a background in both graphic design and fine arts.
Who are your ideal readers?
The ideal readers are children ages 5 and up. It is also a great resource for health professionals and educators working with children.
How do you see your book being used?
Ideally, I would like the book to be used for professionals and educators working families with a child who is physically or mentally disabled. This book helps the siblings of those children bring to light their experience and give another perspective on how the other sibling feels.
Can you share one of your favorite moments or comments you received from a reader or a parent?
A few months back, I heard from a Mom where the book has made a lasting impression not only on their kids, but also the parents. A mother wrote in and expressed her gratitude for the book. She explained that her older son had some anger issues and her younger son was bearing a burden because of his outbursts. She went through the book with her younger son and was in tears after hearing him respond to the questions in the back of the book. He explained how hurt and scared he had been by his brother’s outburst. When the other son read it (the one with anger issues) was able to get a better understanding to how his actions affect his loved ones and the ones around him. Since reading the book, they talk more openly about their feelings and take time to do special actives with each child.
Leave us with some final words of inspiration.
Stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
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I feel for my granddaughter when she has a monster inside she doesn’t know what to do and I rub her and sooth her to calm her down or sing nursery rhymes. Sometimes it helps sometimes not. Especially when she is having a melt down and nothing is right. I would love to win the book for her, she loves to read.
We would love for your granddaughter to have her very own copy! I have emailed you privately to get your mailing address.
This looks like a great book! Thanks for sharing.
We think it’s great and it’s written by a sibling FOR siblings. We’ll send you a copy! I have privately emailed you for your mailing address.
Siblings of Autistic brothers and/sisters are who I call “the looking glass children.” I have a “looking glass” child. He is amazing! As a single mother of two, one who is on the spectrum, life is not ever typical for any of us. At any moment our world can be turned upside down. As a parent, I get to see the painful reality of the varying needs of my two boys. Devin, my “looking glass child” has become so good at putting a “mask” on. His “mask” is to look at me and smile and say he is “okay” when in reality he is not okay at all. The pain in his eyes, the tears he hides, the frown he turns upside down… all for the sake of his brother. He knows that I get to focus solely on his brother during meltdowns, that public outings can be embarrassing as his brother struggles with his sensory issues and often “fun” things we start end almost immediately. He doesn’t know how to help his brother. It’s confusing to him to be brave when really he is sad and torn by feelings of jealousy of mom’s time and attention taken away from him. Devin has hidden his feelings so well from me, that now they are coming out in ways that I feel guilty and sorrowful for. Schooling, social, healthy eating and activity levels, and lacking in how to cope and/or discuss with me his sorrow and pains. His has just begun seeing my therapist, after a long battle to find just the right one for him. She has an autistic child herself. He is slowly opening up and realizing his voice, needs, wants, and desires are just as important to me as his brothers’. This is going to continue to be a step by step progress for Devin and I, and his brother as well. My two boys are my life, my pride and joy, with hearts of gold and manners to beat all… I would love to win a copy of your book please. I would love to sit down and read it with my two boys. I would love to make it special for out family by having us each sign our names in it and the date when we first read it. It would be a great way to observe our personal growth on our thoughts and feelings towards each other and to see each and every time when we read it if we feel that we are making head way on baby steps to love and understand each other. A “looking glass child” is my child whose needs and emotions need to be addressed. I feel your book can help our family. Thank you so very much for all that you do. have a beautiful day. 🙂
Melanie, what a great caring mom! We would be happy to send you the book and hope it does help your family. I have emailed you directly for your mailing address.
Would love to share this with the siblings of my students.
Great! We’ll make sure you get a copy! I’ve just emailed you!