There are books on redhead beauty and confidence (check out the “How to be a Redhead Book” here) and even kids books on accepting your appearance (see Julianne Moore’s “FreckleFace Strawberry” series).. but there has not been a children’s book which teaches kids how to deal with redhead bullying, until now.
Diesel the Body Guard: No Bullies Allowed! is a new teaching storybook to help kids (both redheads and non-redheads) understand bullying, and most importantly, how to stop it in its tracks.
We had to chance to talk with the author, Cindy Shirley, to learn more about this wonderful book filled with a powerful message, bright colors… and of course, redhead characters throughout.
H2BAR: What is Diesel the Body Guard: No Bullies Allowed! about?
CS: It is a wonderful story for kids who have been bullied in school. It is about a young girl with red hair and freckles who is being bullied in school by two brothers. When her best friend, a red feathered pet rooster (named Diesel) comes to her defense, the bullies are taught a lesson about respecting others.
H2BAR: How did you come up with the storyline?
CS: This is actually based on my childhood experience. I have red hair, freckles and when I was younger, I wore glasses. The rooster, Diesel, is a real pet rooster that belonged to my sister when we were growing up.
Diesel, in Diesel the Body Guard: No Bullies Allowed!, is a feisty redhead who protects his domain with a vengeance. I combined my experiences with this protective pet the children’s book was created.
H2BAR: What is the main message behind Diesel the Body Guard: No Bullies Allowed!?
CS: The main message is about friendship, compassion and acceptance. It is by joining together two redhead girls who are able to put an end to bullying. Of course, Diesel put the spurs to the bullies and they were shown how it felt to be the ones on the run.
H2BAR: What can redheads take away from reading this book? How about non-redheads?
CS: Every hair color can relate to it because the story leaves you feeling vindicated. The end result is respect for all.
H2BAR: Tell us a little about yourself (the author!) and the illustrator.
CS: I live in Woodstock, Georgia with my husband. We have two adult children, a son and a daughter (both are redheads) and one beautiful granddaughter. I have several newly released children’s books that are available on Amazon and Kindle. My illustrator is Mr. Cleoward Sy and he lives in the Philippines. He is beyond amazing and a real blessing to have on my team. He is working with me on two more books currently in production.
You can find Diesel the Body Guard: No Bullies Allowed! on Amazon.com now.
Rock it like a Redhead!
