Lonely by KF Wheatie and KM Wheatie
Welcome to S’moresville, where siblings Strawberryhead and Gingerbread live in a charming little treehouse above the sparkling lake. In an enchanted place like this, why would you ever want to leave?
That’s exactly Gingerbread’s problem. He doesn’t want to leave! He wants to stay in the treehouse and play with his sister, Strawberryhead, or take walks with their black lab, Solomon. But unfortunately, Gingerbread has to go to school.
It’s this conundrum that KF Wheatie and KM Wheatie tackle in their newest book, Lonely (Strawberryhead & Gingerbread Press). With the same characteristic whimsy as the rest of the series, this latest release delves into a common childhood struggle with gentle compassion and reassurance. Young readers will see that with a little courage and kindness, school doesn’t have to be as fearsome as we make it out to be.
Take the Next Step
When she hears of Gingerbread’s desire to not attend school, Strawberryhead is confused. To her, school sounds great! Lots of fun books and toys, not to mention other classmates to play with. But as it turns out, it’s exactly this aspect of school that Gingerbread struggles with. “Everyone seems to have a friend,” he tells her. “Nobody plays with me in the end. I feel so lonely and upset. I miss you Strawberryhead, and my pet!”
Now that Strawberryhead understands, she’s eager to help. She proposes a “magic trick” to Gingerbread that will help her and Solomon be with him while he’s at school — a piece of paper with a heart and a pawprint. “This way, we’ll never be apart.”
Bolstered by his sister’s gift, Gingerbread heads off to school feeling braver than before. There, he carries out the other step in Strawberryhead’s plan — that with the added courage of his sister’s note, Gingerbread should try and approach some of his classmates in order to break the ice and make friends. And as it turns out, Gingerbread’s classmates are happy to play with him! Sometimes, all it takes is a little bravery to take the step that turns everything around.
What It Takes to Be Brave
Pushing past loneliness, discomfort and fear is a common theme throughout the Strawberryhead and Gingerbread series, and one that the authors feel is important to focus on. Inspired by their own experience as autistic children who had a hard time fitting in, the Wheatie siblings encourage all readers to accept themselves, reach out for new friendships and to embrace their true, authentic selves. The co-authors recognize the struggles that children, and neurodivergent children in particular, can experience with early friendship and acceptance as a result of being judged by their peers.
Now their audience is expanding with the new Spanish translation of Strawberryhead and Gingerbread’s adventures, ensuring that more readers will be able to learn from the siblings’ examples and make positive lasting connections with the people around them.
Throughout their writing, KF and KM Wheatie always validate readers’ feelings while still encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and onto the next step of their journey. Their story is always one of positivity and encouragement, reminding children that no matter our differences, there will be those whose minds and hearts are open to making new friends.
Find the Spanish translations of Strawberryhead and Gingerbread’s adventures here.
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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.
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