The Adventures of Strawberryhead and Gingerbread: To the Lake We Go! by KF and KM Wheatie
It’s a story about a talking strawberry, a gingerbread boy and magical powers — and yet, even with its fantastical elements, The Adventures of Strawberryhead and Gingerbread: To the Lake We Go! (Strawberryhead and Gingerbread Press) is all too relatable to young readers. Making new friends is easier said than done, especially neurodivergent children, in particular can have a hard time forming friendships. The authors recognize this hardship in their dedication: “[t]o all children who have ever felt lonely.”
In this interview, authors KF and KM Wheatie share how their own childhood experiences pushed them to pen a series for the kids of today’s generation. They hope that by following in Strawberryhead and Gingerbread’s footsteps, children of all abilities will feel confident in forming new connections with their peers.
Q: What first inspired you to write this story?
A: Life experiences. Growing up and going through the school system, we felt isolated due to our autism. We felt kids, sometimes teachers, were not friendly if you were different. We were unable to articulate the loneliness we felt. We did our best to fit in, but unfortunately, other kids noticed something different about us. It was not until high school did we start to understand that they did not understand. In college, we are better with our communication, and can educate. Empathy does exist. Experiences improved. So, we want kids at a younger level to understand sooner; hence, our books.
Q: Are there real-life inspirations behind Strawberry and Gingerbread?
A: Yes. The nicknames, given by our mother, still stick. She pushed. She set the bar high. She focused on our strengths, advocated when we were unable and guided us in the direction of our purposeful adventures.
KF is musical and creative. She studies Fine Arts in college. She plays in the flute choir and is a professional harpist. KM is scientific and loves cartography. He studies Environmental Science/ Geographical Information Systems in college. The Adventures of Strawberry and Gingerbread is pretty much a “fictional autobiography.”
Q: While more people have come to learn about neurodiversity in recent years, society still has a long way to go when it comes to understanding and acceptance. How did you approach portraying the characters’ autism in a positive light, rather than as a problem to be solved?
A: We did not make autism a focus in the book, but instead, focused on the acceptance and inclusivity adventure. Exposure and education will lead to kids and adults having acceptance for those with disabilities (superabilities). Imagine if the opinions of employers could be changed — opportunities would be limitless. Making our communities more inclusive, instills change in how we support our neurodiverse individuals at home, school, and the community. In our book(s), Strawberryhead thinks “pink treats,” and Gingerbread thinks “toasty-colored foods,” so we want people to entertain thinking about our capabilities and putting a focus on our strengths, instead of deficits.
Q: What advice would you give to children looking to foster new connections with their peers?
A: Well, this is a tricky question because the onus is going to come back to those who are parenting/teaching the children. Although making new connections can be challenging for some kids, there are ways parents/teachers can help: Teach your child what friendship means, help your child practice social skills, create opportunities for your child to meet other kids, encourage your child to be friendly and kind and most important, support your child’s self-esteem and confidence. Please understand, this will take time and practice. But along the adventure continuum, it will be rewarding and fun.
Q: What do you hope readers, both young and old, take away from your book?
A: God created all of us uniquely significant. Inclusivity means unquestionable acceptance.
Q: Bonus question: if you had a superability like Gingerbread’s power to teleport food, what would your ability be?
KM: That is easy. I love to travel, so I would say, “teleportation.” If I use my science background, then, I will say “quantum teleportation.”
KF: “I do not like loneliness. I want an ability to make everyone have at least one friend.”
KF Wheatie, nicknamed Strawberryhead, was diagnosed with autism as a child. KF has a strong faith and works hard in school. She is currently a senior in college studying fine arts and music. KF makes it her mission to make new friends as often as possible. She plays the flute in a church band and is also a classically trained professional harpist. Her hobbies include art, Broadway and travel.
KM Wheatie is nicknamed Gingerbread. Because he looked like a cookie to his mother when he was little, she always pretended to take a bite out of him. His sister KF was sure that her brother would grow back after their mother took a bite out of him. Diagnosed with autism at a very young age, KM preferred to play alone as a child. It was not that he did not want to interact with other kids; he did not have the social skills necessary to play with them. He turned his love of map reading into a serious hobby. He is now a senior in college studying environmental science/geographic information science. His hobbies include riding rollercoasters, travel and hiking.
KF and KM Wheatie were raised by their mother, who is a staunch advocate for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She instilled in them their faith and belief that all their struggles, loneliness and hardships were adventures leading to a path of success. They believe in accessibility and inclusivity for all people. They also enjoy spending time with their English black Labrador, Solomon.
