Patterns of the Wild: A Story for Medically-Unique Children

Through a heartwarming journey through the vibrant and lively Safari Park in "Patterns of the Safari: A Story For Medically-Unique Children" this story invites young readers to see a world where every animal naturally has a unique pattern, colors, and features -- every difference is to be celebrated.

One day, while playing with her other zebra friends, Zara the Zebra notices that her patterns are different from other zebras. Instead of uniform stripes, her coat has swirls and blurred patches. Feeling disheartened, Zara meets a host of wonderfully unique animal friends who help her see the beauty in her differences. Through their gentle wisdom, Zara learns that differences are not just okay, but are what makes each of us special.

About the Author
Born with Russell Silver Syndrome (RSS), a rare endocrine growth disorder, Nicholas was shorter than his peers growing up, wore shoe lifts to correct a leg-length asymmetry, had a head proportionally larger than the rest of his body, a pronounced triangular face, and a gastrointestinal-feeding tube (g-tube) that let him receive nutrition directly to his stomach. The message that Zara learns along with her other animal friends is the same one that his mother reminded him of growing up - "everyone has differences to begin with, so being different is okay."

After visiting a zoo in Phú Quốc Island, Vietnam, he was inspired to bring his mother's message to life through animals. Giraffes have super long necks, elephants have huge ears that make their own drafts of wind, and birds come with all sorts of different feathers and fins, giving them unique appearances and abilities. Differences are inherent, and make us, us.