A Very Special Me

BOOKS CAN BE ORDERED AT AMAZON.COM
OR
BARNES AND NOBLE

All methods to repair an omphalocele are unique and serious. ‘A Very Special Me’ was written to remind omphalocele children that they were born a little different, but they’re loved just the same. Please use this story as a tool to create dialogue when children start asking questions about their tummies.

By the end of the story your child will realize that they really are very special. It is written in a wonderful rhyme, and the watercolors are so full of life they will catch your child’s attention through the entire story.

Our Story
Prior to our daughter’s last omphalocele surgery, she asked a lot of questions.

A nurse suggested a kids book that could help her understand what was going to happen. Because I couldn’t find the right book for this situation or age, I decided to write one myself.

Through a support group, I met Emily, an artist who is also an omphalocele adult. Emily was able to take the words provided and easily put emotions and life experiences into her pictures, bringing them beautifully to life.

Inside the Book
All babies are special,
but if you must know,
I was born just a little
more special than most.

On the day I was born,
I was cute but quite little.
Ten fingers, ten toes,
but something different in my middle.

Note: one page uses the word ‘God,’ but does not go into any specific religion or details.

Book Details

Title: A Very Special Me
Created by: Kim Steffen
Written by: Kristin and Todd Wicks
Illustrated by: Emily Marino
Paperback: 24 pages
Designed for a 3 year old but adorable for all ages
Profits from this book will be donated to omphalocele causes

Sold 43 U.S. states and 14 countries.

Missing 1.Connecticut, 2. Delaware, 3. Hawaii, 4. Montana, 5. South Dakota, 6. Vermont, 7. Wyoming. Now that I ship through Amazon I am not provided with the addresses. If you live in one of these state and ordered a book please let us know on FaceBook!

We LOVE seeing your pictures!

Rena said: January 8th, 2013 10:48 pm

Thank you for this one of a kind book. Lorena (now almost 5) really likes to have this book read to her. Just like in the book she is a baby without belly button but a scar instead. She loves pointing that out in the story. Thanks for this wonderful book it is very special to our O girl!!!

Wendy Cabrera said: September 7th, 2012 9:02 pm

Thank you so much just received the book, and it made me feel like I belong. As a child I knew I was different and special too, but I would’ve loved this as an explanation for all those who were “confused”. But nonetheless I read it to my children and they LOVED knowing how, what, where, when, and why. thank you so very much it’s appreciated even after 35 years… 🙂

Lisa Santana said: March 1st, 2012 10:01 pm

Such a nice book for O kids! I wish I’d had it as a child. Growing up, I knew I was special, but I would have loved to know that other children were out there who had the same thing that I did.

Diana & Roxanne & Ciarra said: January 9th, 2012 1:29 pm

Kim, I was very excited to get the book “A Very Special Me”….you did a wonderful job of creating something so very insightful and helpful. It’s a book my 6 year old granddaughter, Ciarra, born with an omphalocel will very much enjoy reading over and over. You did a GREAT JOB and thanks again….

Michelle F said: December 23rd, 2011 3:24 am

Thank you for the wonderful book; lovely words and beautiful illustrations. Thank you too for sharing your personal stories. I know our family and friends will enjoy the book as much as we will. Michelle, Mum to a 2 year old ‘O’ bubba, Melbourne, Australia

Amy Nicholls said: December 22nd, 2011 2:10 pm

My son Aiden was born 18 months ago at The Children’s Hospital of Phila with a giant O and BWS and spent 112 days in the NICU. This book is such a blessing! Thank you very much for making it!

Michelle Storey said: December 20th, 2011 4:59 pm

Wonderful book! I can’t wait for Evan to be able to understand it. 🙂

Shauna Marques said: December 19th, 2011 9:47 pm

My husband read this book for the first time tonight. He thought it was just another children’s book and didn’t realize what it was about UNTIL the 2nd or 3rd page. When he got realized what it was, tears started streaming down his face. He agrees that it is so special, and he was so happy I ordered it! Thank you again.

Aleta Wells said: December 16th, 2011 11:11 pm

Loved the book! It is well-written and perfectly explains the omphalocele experience in a positive and informative way for little ones. It is also beautifully illustrated. Thank you for the labor of love so obviously wrapped up in this very special book!”

Sarah said: December 16th, 2011 7:42 pm

Absolutely love the book. We read it every day Calvin loves looking at the pictures. I think it is his new favorite book. Thank u so much for the book. Gave one to each of our nieces and nephews and they love it they now tell Calvin that he is so special. Thank u.

Sophia Helm said: December 16th, 2011 10:48 am

Thank you for giving all O babies such a wonderful gift that is forever! Really well done!

Becky mulligan said: December 16th, 2011 3:58 am

This book was so well written!! I absolutely love it! Great job. I can’t wait to read it to my Rileybug!

Hilary said: December 14th, 2011 10:01 am

Thank you for all the hard work, this book is fabulous for both my children! I also bought one for our NICU. Happy Holidays, Hilary

Janis said: December 9th, 2011 1:45 pm

Thank you for making this book happen! It’s so needed and help so many families find a way to talk to their children and help them find a way to form positive identities. Great work!

Shauna Marques said: October 26th, 2011 2:35 pm

So glad you’ve created such a wonderful book. Shauna – Mommy of an “O” baby

This book will remind omphalocele kids’ they’re very special!

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Rena said: January 8th, 2013 10:48 pm

Thank you for this one of a kind book. Lorena (now almost 5) really likes to have this book read to her. Just like in the book she is a baby without belly button but a scar instead. She loves pointing that out in the story. Thanks for this wonderful book it is very special to our O girl!!!

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